Fathers Day

My father played and continues to play a huge role in my life. He played with me when I was little, he encouraged me in my dreams, he gave me his wisdom. However, the most important thing that daddy did was teach me about Christ. Not only did he lead us in Bible study but he has lived his life in such a way that reflects Christ. He is a great example. He also made me feel like I was the most beautiful, most wonderful girl in the whole world. I remember one year I wanted flowers so bad to be delivered at school on Valentine's Day. I didn't date in high school so I wasn't holding my breath. I will never forget when my name was called over the intercom. I went to the main office and there on the counter were roses from my dad and brother...oh how that makes a girl feel! Now, if you have seen pictures of me when I was in high school I wasn't exactly Barbie...okay not even close. I was very overweight, had acne and a bad haircut for the majority of my high school career. However, I never knew that I wasn't the prettiest girl in school until I pulled out my annuals years after I graduated. My dad made me feel like a princess.

Now that we have a little girl, I see the importance of this even more. I'm not saying that I made all the right choices when it came to boys, or that I don't have any regrets. I do. However, I can honestly say it's not because my father was not involved in my life or because he didn't do his job as daddy to make me see how special I was. He showed me that and continues to show me that all the time. My wedding day was so special when we were dancing. He didn't cry but he just held me and sang to me.

Part of the reason I married Ryan was because I knew that he would make a good father. Not just in general a good father but a good father to a little girl. It takes a special man to be a good father to a little girl. It's hard work...girls are needy and have all kinds of self conscious issues...I know guys to do but it's just not the same for them. They get their rewards by working and being rewarded. I don't care how smart, pretty, "perfect" a girl is if she doesn't have a good daddy she is one screwed up girl.

Anyways, I just wanted to say thanks to my dad for being such a great, incredible dad and to Ryan, you already are a great daddy and Deborah can't even talk yet! I know that you will be awesome with her.

Pictures!

Uncle Nathan with Deborah

My first bath!

Aunt Sarah with Deborah

Holding dad's finger

Napping

Pictures

We loved the head covering and the nurses even made a bow for her

These were taken by a professional at the hospital. I was so glad I got her in her headband!!

Changes

Well Miss Deborah Lucille made her appearance about three weeks early but she is healthy and happy so we are extremely grateful. She weighed 6 lbs. 15 oz., and was 20 1/2 inches long. She was born on May 13th at 3:48 p.m. She came by c-section however, I'm grateful the doctor didn't make me labor forever and just went ahead and got her out. Her umbilical cord was blocking her entrance by being around her head. God is good and has definitely blessed us beyond our wildest expectations.

In about a week is Ryan and I's 1 year anniversary, which we will celebrate with along with Deborah's one month birthday. It's so hard to believe that she will be a month old, although she has already changed so so much in the past three weeks.

Ryan is such a great father and of course she already has him wrapped around her little but long fingers! Everyone says that she looks like him and I agree (I think it has to do with the forehead) He is a great help and has been willing to just jump in and do whatever needs to be done including changing diapers. It's so nice to have someone like him to share this new journey together. He is so calm and rational, and I try to be but sometimes I'm more emotional.

Anyways that's a little update on what's been happening. I'll post picture and make it my mid year resolution to do a better job of taking and posting pictures.