Tate's First Week

After coming home from the hospital last Saturday, things have been busy and wonderfully exciting and different! When we left the hospital everything was going well and we were ready to take on the world as a family of four. Then life and reality sunk in and things went a little haywire. Sunday was a rough day for us. Gabe had to return to work (less than 24 hours after we came home from the hospital), and it was just going to be the boys and I until Wednesday when Dad, Cheryl and Colin came to town. I was extremely extremely tired, operating on less than 25 hours of sleep in over 5 days, not to mention the postpartum hormones going wild! On top of it all, Tate and I were having some issues nursing. Our little Tot did not want to latch on which made for very long, tiresome, frustrating, unhappy feedings.

All I can say is, THANK GOD FOR GOOD FRIENDS! First, Tate's Godmother Troy heard my desperation and tears on the phone and spent time with us on Sunday afternoon helping us find a niche and try to battle through our nursing woes. While her tips and help were appreciated, the company she provided and the reassurance of the support system in place brought much needed relief. Later that night, Amanda came and kept Connor and I company for a little while and was able to meet Tate. After my teary goodbye to Gabe that night, I definitely needed a friend to "pick me up".

Monday brought a weight check at the Dr's office. Tate was down to 6lbs 2oz.- not too bad. We had to return to the office on Friday and were pleased to find out that he had gained 1oz and was at 6lbs 3oz- let the growing begin. Monday I was also given the most amazing gift. Saint Troy picked Connor up around 9:30a.m. and kept him until after 6p.m. She kept him busy, entertained, and active. He had lunch, dinner and came home and crashed hard. I was also able to get a MUCH needed first nap at home since having Tate. I can't thank her enough for that gift.

We survived the next few days, and I was so very grateful for the help the lactation consultant at the hospital was able to provide! We ended up having a picnic in the yard on Tuesday. Tate had his first bath at home, got lots of cuddles from his big brother and the boys and I enjoyed some time together as a trio while Daddy was working and closing all week long!

Wednesday the reinforcements arrived- and so did more gifts! All day Thursday and Friday, Connor was kept busy, entertained, happy and spoiled. I've been so very worried about boy #1 and his adjusting and him being jealous of boy #2. With trips to the hotel pool, the park, walks around town, Star Wars toys and more there has never been a happier boy! Tate and I were able to continue our feeding successes and spend some time one on one.

Last night we celebrated our first fourth as a family of four. We are so very proud and blessed to be Americans. As per our usual routine we invited Gabe's fellow managers over for food and fun. The neighbors came down too! Just as Gabe was pulling the chicken off the grill the tornado warnings sounded and the torrential downpour came. With festivities altered we came inside, spent time laughing and enjoying one another and after goodbyes we all filed into bed very willingly.

At mass today both boys behaved impeccably well. Tate slept the entire time and Connor was still, quiet and attentive. At communion they sang "On Eagle's Wings" I couldn't help but get teary eyed as I listened to it and thought of my boys.

Gabe has officially begun his vacation. Our plans? NOTHING. We are staying at home, doing nothing and going to love every minute of it! Life is beyond good right now. Beyond great. We are blessed beyond measure.

The Wait is Over

We could not be happier to announce that Tate Wesley has arrived! After settling into bed shortly before midnight on Wednesday I awoke not 40 minutes later to contractions. They subsided and was able to dose back to sleep. I repeated this cycle 3 times before getting out of bed and giving up on sleep at 3:40.

All morning was spent with contractions that were hard and uncomfortable, but completely irregular. Finally around 11a.m. we went to the hospital and were admitted shortly after 12. I labored for several hours and making little progress. I received an epidural and pitocin beginning at roughly 4 pm. Still progressing much slower than we had hoped, they broke my water at 4:55. It was another 4.5 hours of labor before we were given the go ahead to being pushing. It took less than 6 pushes and out he came at 9:36 p.m. weighing 6lbs and 10 ounces and 19.5 inches in length. And a very full head of hair!

We are so full of love, joy and excitement and feel very blessed to have a happy, healthy boy and so many people to share this miracle with.

The End is Near

The light at the end of the tunnel should be coming into view any time now. I must admit that while in some ways I feel as though I've been pregnant forever, in other ways it doesn't seem quite right that I'll be meeting my new son in just a matter of _____. (minutes, hours, days, weeks)

I'm disappointed in myself about a couple of things. One is my complete and utter disdain for pregnancy. There are those who like it. Those who love it. Those who don't mind it. Then there's me: One who doesn't like it, doesn't love it and really does "mind" it. I feel at times that it has crept up on me what a miracle this little vomit inducing, "parasite" is. I've spent so much of my pregnancy sick, uncomfortable, frustrated, or overwhelmed, that I haven't spent much time reflecting on the fact that our family is growing. Our family is changing. We've been blessed with a little miracle, a new life, and it's all in accordance to His plan for us.
Tate, I'm sorry little buddy, for not appreciating your kicks and movements as signs of you being happy and healthy playing in there. I'm sorry for getting frustrated that each kick made me feel more nauseous. I'm sorry that I didn't smile more throughout this journey. I have been somewhat of a Debbie Downer, and I realize the toll it must have taken on my family, friends, husband and son. I'm sorry for the "freak outs" and meltdowns. I feel selfish that I let my own discomfort interefere with seeing the miracle taking place in our lives.

I hope my boys, all three of them, realize how much I do love each and every one of them. Gabe I love in ways completely inexplicable to the rest of the world. He strengthens me. He believes in me. He loves and supports me. He's amazing. He is my best friend and loving someone more seems unfathomable. Connor, I love in even more inexplicable ways. I'm so sorry, my son, for the short fuse I've had these last few months, but everyday- good behavior or bad- you've been sweet, cuddly and loving. In between both of our temper tantrums, we've shared so many laughs and cuddles and moments. You are the greatest thing to happen to me, and I wonder how little man Tate will compare. As for Tate, Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you…” When we decided to "try" for another baby I had various hopes, dreams, fantasies, expectations.... As it hits me that at any point you could be in my arms, I realize that just having you happy and healthy is what is important. I love you, my little Tot, and cannot wait to meet you.
The other night after getting out of the shower, I was getting dressed and looked in the mirror at my expanding pregnant belly. I turned to Gabe and said, "We're going to have a baby soon." with a large smile across my face. I tear up and smile when I think about his response... "Yes, we are." (Insert glowing smile from "the dad").

Updates Galore

I'm sorry for the lack in blogging lately. We've been busy trying to tie up all of the loose ends before Tate makes his arrival. Plus, 3 weeks in and summer has already been packed full of adventure!

Connor is having a great summer so far. He's already attended one VBS program and had a blast! What makes a great VBS program even better? (Other than the time it allows Mommy to get things done...) Having 3 friends enrolled in VBS too! Three of my very close friends have boys Connor's age, and all 4 boys attended the same VBS program and were able to play with one another everyday for a week! What a treat!

We joined the pool this summer as a way to give Connor something to do. We're working on teaching him how to swim, and so far it's going really well. He can swim wonderfully across the pool with his floaties on. He's not quite as confident about swimming without them, but he's working on it and getting better. He really has fun, and Gabe has done a great job teaching him.

Connor told Gabe the other day, "Daddy, I think you're my best buddy forever." Gabe smiled, and teared up a bit and said, "I hope you always think so." I cannot imagine it ever changing. If Gabe mentions that he likes something even the littlest bit, Connor cannot get enough of it. He gets so excited about doing things with his daddy. I'm glad they are as close as they are. I love watching how happy Connor gets when Gabe pulls in the driveway from work. At times I must admit, I get a little jealous of the bond they have, but I'm thrilled to know that my boys love each other as much as they do!

Speaking of boys, we're still waiting on the Tater Tot to "finish cooking". After an ultrasound on Tuesday and a Doctor's Appointment on Wednesday we know that he's still growing and getting big. It appears from the ultrasound pictures that he's got a head full of hair. Can't wait to see it when he comes out! According to the amazing Dr. J his arrival can literally be any time. My body is definitely preparing itself for this moment and Tate is DEFINITELY ready for his time to be up as well! In the past week we've been ready to head for the hospital 3 different times only to have my contractions weaken and then stop. It's just a matter of the "right" time hitting.
That's about all there is to report. The nursery is done. The bag is packed and in the car. The "plan" is in place. Now we wait!

Big Brother To Be

Within just a few weeks Connor will officially be a big brother! I've not been quiet about the fact that this makes me very nervous. I worry so much that he will feel left out, jealous, unimportant and so much more. I worry that he will have difficulties adjusting to the changes another family member will bring. I worry all of the changes and adjustments will leave him feeling sad, lonely, or even resentful of his little brother.

We've tried to point out all of the fun aspects of being a big brother to him. We've pointed out that Daddy is a big brother to J&B. We've told him that he'll be able to teach Tate all sorts of new things. We've talked about how he'll get to help us with things much more, because he'll be growing up and getting bigger and stronger. He's moved into a new, bigger, "Big Brother" room.



Today was another step in the process of Operation Big Brother. We attended a Sibling Class at the hospital. Connor was excited that he got to see where Tate would be born before Daddy would. The hospital here in town is new, only about one year old. It's very very pretty inside and really doesn't look like a hospital when you walk through the door. We got to tour the Labor & Delivery rooms as well as the postpartum rooms. (I must admit I'm not hugely excited about the thought of having to switch rooms- I was spoiled before when we labored, delivered and recovered in the same room). Connor got to see brand new babies in the nursery and learn all about what happens after the baby is born. He even got to practice holding a "Baby".
We left with an "I'm a Big Brother" t-shirt, a "Big Brother" button and a sticker that boasted the same thing. I think he's getting excited, but definitely keep our little Boo in your prayers.

Growing Up

Another year of preschool has come and gone and our boy is growing up so quickly. Last week was his last day of school and his preschool "graduation". I got choked up and teary eyed more than once throughout the course of the evening. I don't know how my boy grew up so quickly. Fortunately (or unfortunately) due to a birthday that falls two weeks after the cutoff date, he has one more year of preschool left. I would imagine that this time next year I'll be a mess knowing he's truly graduating and moving on to Kindergarten.

He did wonderfully throughout the program, singing the songs and smiling and waving at us! I cannot believe in a matter of months he'll be turning five. Can you?

Last Day of School Picnic

Connor's "Girlfriend"

Complaint Department

I feel like I should change the name of my blog to "Complaint Department". I often times use this as a medium to vent my thoughts, fears, worries, etc. It's cheap therapy.

This has definitely been a pregnancy of two steps forward and one step back. I start gaining some of the weight lost back, only to go to the doctor and discover that I've lost 2.5 lbs. It's so hard when I tell people I have almost 7 weeks remaining and the remarks range anywhere from "Wow you look like you're only 4 months along" to "Why are you so little?" to "Why have you lost so much weight- is your baby okay?" to "Have you talked to a doctor about this?" I'm sure that it's only with the best of intentions, but it's still very frustrating, hurtful and irritating.

For starters, I'm foodie. I LOVE food. I always have. If you know me at all, you'd know that Stephanie has NEVER been shy about eating- or stuffing herself. Losing weight during pregnancy was not my goal. In fact, more than anything I was looking forward to having a reason for packing on the pounds. Hearing questions about the health of my baby just causes me more undue worry. I'm a smart girl. I've got a great doctor. Despite still needing to gain 7lbs back to "break even" my little Tater Tot is weighing in at 4.2lbs approximately. Having gone through this pregnancy and had friends miscarry, have children pass away, struggle to get pregnant, and have children with issues either inutero or post delivery, my mind wanders to those worrisome places easily enough. It's just hard. Now that I've gotten that off of my chest, this weekend/week we took more steps forward and back.

We've been missing family so much lately. Due to the above mentioned pregnancy "issues" travelling home to visit friends and family just has not been an option. (When you can't survive the 10 minute drive to preschool without getting sick, chances are you won't make it 5+ HOURS somewhere.) We were so grateful to have The Old Man come visit this weekend. Even more blessed that I was able to get some assistance with C. To trump it all we disassembled the guest bed and were preparing to move Connor into his "big brother room" and setup the crib and everything in Tate's nursery. That was the plan.

The problem with the plan occurred when I got online to verify that we had all of the pieces and such for our crib only to discover that our crib had been recalled- and not in a "this piece can easily be modified" sort of way. In more of a "320,000 cribs were recalled because the slats on it can break and your child can become stuck and strangled in it" sort of way. Great. We already shipped off our parts to receive our voucher toward the recall.

Surprisingly (shockingly) we received our crib voucher today. This voucher is good toward the purchase of a new crib. A voucher that can be used to replace the crib we are no longer able to use. Unfortunately, I haven't found a crib I love as much as I loved Connors. Additionally, the cribs I am liking are going to end up costing us more money than the voucher covers to replace them. I'm bummed. How I go from having a totally paid for crib ready to setup and use to now having to find one, order one, AND pay everything over the voucher amount is frustrating to me. I'm sad that our boys won't get to use the same crib.

I'm sad I have to pay $50-100+ dollars more to get a crib that I don't l-o-v-e. I'm sad that the crib Connor slept in was a gift from Barb (Gabe's Mom) and we won't be able to give this same gift to Tate. Let's not even get started on whether or not the crib will be here on time. Two steps forward..... one step back. I'm not saying it for pity or attention or for people to feel sorry for me. I'm just saying it so I can get it off of my chest.

Now... back to looking at cribs and trying to determine which if any I like. And hoping this sunshine makes my mood a little brighter... at least for my family's sake.

Showered with Love

This weekend some good friends gathered to shower Tate with love! I had a wonderful afternoon with friends all helping celebrate the upcoming arrival of our feisty little boy! Tate is definitely loved and our entire family felt completely blessed!

A total surprise from Leah sent by way of the Old Man!

Wrong Way Woman

Yesterday was another OB appointment. Complete with a finger stick glucose test, another check for "progress", another belly measurement, another weigh in and another ultrasound.

Glucose finger stick result- Great! I have to do finger sticks because I cannot stomach the syrupy drink stuff. No fears or worries for Gestational Diabetes.

Progress: Despite my continuing contractions, we're not pregressing yet- which is another good thing. Tate's head, however, cannot possibly get any lower. We're expecting him to come out looking like Dan Akroyd (Coneheads)

Measurement: I'm measuring a week or two small. Not terrible, but not great either.

Weigh-in: Despite having gained some of the weight I had lost in recent weeks, we went the wrong direction this time around. In the week since my previous visit, I managed to lose an additional 2lbs. Wonderful. Now I'm back to needing to gain 7lbs in the next 8 weeks to break even.

Ultrasound: Since I'm losing weight and measuring small, they did a progress check to make sure Tate is still getting bigger and growing accordingly. As it turns out, he's doing just fine. As Dr. J stated "He's just a cute little parasite sucking everything away from you." You'd have to know her and imagine hearing her say it.... It got a good chuckle out of Gabe and I. Also, the ultrasound revealed that Tot has hair. Spikey hair.

Other News: I've been complaining more than normal this week about my pregnancy discomfort. My back in particular has been killing me. I mentioned this to the WONDERFUL Dr. J. After doing some feeling around and checking...I somehow or another managed to pull a muscle in my back. How? No Clue. When? No Clue. What? There are apparently muscle relaxers I could take while pregnant, if I wanted to be knocked out and absolutely worthless.

So that's the long and short of it. Eight weeks until the due date. We expect him in 6 or so... Enjoy my 32 week belly photos....

Affirmation....

As if we had any doubt as to whether or not we made the right decision, please check out Troy's blog.... She had me in tears last night when I read it. Even if my hormones weren't raging, I think this would have humbled me.

Answered Prayers

We are very blessed with some truly outstanding friends in our lives. While talking to a friend of mine several months ago we got on the topic of God Parents and the selection process. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, Godparents or Baptismal Sponsors are described in the following way:

When infants are solemnly baptized, persons assist at the ceremony to make profession of the faith in the child's
name...

These sponsors, in default of the child's parents, are obliged to instruct it concerning faith and morals. One sponsor is sufficient and not more than two are allowed. In the latter case, one should be male and the other female. The object of these restrictions is the fact that the sponsor contracts a spiritual relationship to the child and its parents which would be an impediment to marriage. Sponsors must themselves be baptized persons having the use of reason and they must have been designated as sponsors by the priest or parents. During the baptism they must physically touch the child either personally or by proxy. They are required, moreover, to have the intention of really assuming the obligations of godparents.

More directly, these individuals in conjunction with a child's parents are essential in shaping a child's faith and spiritual walk. They aid in developing morals, values and integrity.

Making the decision as to who should be a child's Godparent is a decision that often times becomes political (IE: Whose feelings will be hurt if we didn't choose them? or Will this make our family/friends happy?)

When my friend and I were having this discussion several months ago she said to me something that completely changed my way of thinking, "I tried to choose someone who I knew would be praying for my child." It was so powerful I don't think I could ever forget it.

Gabe and I have spent the past several months considering this simple statement. We're blessed by so many family members and friends who pray for our family. Throughout this pregnancy journey, however, we've been especially blessed with prayers. Recently, things became crystal clear to Gabe and I both.

When we looked at the people in our lives, one couple could not escape our thoughts. The same friend who gave me such poignant and powerful advice. The same friend who has prayed over our decision to conceive. The same friend who has prayed faithfully for my health as well as Tate's throughout this pregnancy. The same friend who prayed for Connor to adjust to his new sibling. A couple who are raising their four children in an amazing, strong Catholic home. A couple whose love and relationship models what a marriage should be. A couple raising their four children together, wrapped in His love, in spite of Daddy being deployed to Afghanistan. A couple full of faith, love, friendship and joy: Troy and Kyle. (Yes, Troy is a girl!)

Friday I spoke to Troy and asked her if she and Kyle would be willing to take on the role and responsibility of being Tate's God Parents. She answered with complete and total joy accepting the role of Godmother. (Answered prayer #1). After talking to Kyle (who is in month 9 of 15 serving as an amazing surgeon and much more in Afghanistan) she reported to me that he was almost giggling he was so happy to accept. (Answered prayer #2).

Gabe and I left mass this morning both smiling ear to ear. We feel completely and totally honored to be able to share this journey with these two amazing individuals. Knowing they will be there, praying and encouraging Tate throughout his days brings us such peace and joy. Thank you BOTH for being the answer to our prayer and for your amazing friendship.

Totally.....

Okay, I'm mildly freaked out. Hmm... Nope. I'm totally freaked out. Nope. Still not right. I'm totally stressed, frustrated, irritated, apathetic, moody, exhausted, _________. My husband can fill in the blank with a large number of words I'm sure. The bottom line being that I'm totally pregnant. And totally due in 10 weeks. That's 10 weeks until my due date.

Do I believe that I will last until my due date? Not at all. Connor came 2 weeks early. Which drops my ETA down by 2 weeks. Meaning, I have 8 weeks. Tate has been causing me contractions for the past 12 weeks.

Last night was by far the most interesting set of contractions. I was having my normal Braxton-Hicks contractions which progressed into painful contractions. I've been told if I have more than 4 in an hour's time that I need to go to the hospital. Babies who come at 30 weeks are NOT a good thing. I put my feet up and Gabe waited on me bringing me lots of water which helped the contractions ease and stop. Yay!

So when you add the above information to the confession you'll find below, you may have your own word to fill in the blank with.....

I'm 30 weeks and I:

*Don't have Connor out of his room and moved into the guest room- which will become his room as it's larger and can hold all of his toys and stuff and allow for more room to play.

*Don't have the Crib setup.

*Am not completely sure we have 100% of the parts and pieces to put the crib back together. I suppose I'll find this out if/when we do ever put the crib together.

*Don't have a crib set picked out for our child. I've found 2 sets that I kind of like. Nothing I love. Nothing I'm wowed by. I found a site with great bedding, that cost an arm, leg and 2 kidneys.

Upon further research all of it was dry clean only. (As though a mother of an infant really can dry clean the kid's bedding.)

*Don't have a bassinet. My pack 'n' play is in the Tri-Cities, because I let someone borrow it. So there's two whammy's.

*Don't have any bottles. I plan to nurse again, but I'd also like to leave my house at some point too.

*Don't have anything in my house that would signal a baby is set to arrive in a maximum of 10 weeks other than several boxes my WONDERFUL sister sent me full of baby clothes we've passed to one another. I also have a swing, and bouncy seat. All of the above is crammed on top of the guest bed.

*Don't have an earthly idea where before said guest bed will move to seeing as our house offers ZERO storage, and I refuse to pay a storage company $50 a month to store a single bed. I don't want to sell it, as it's part of a set, and I love the set.

*Haven't signed Connor up for the becoming a big brother class at the hospital.

Last Friday, for shear need to feel like I'm not a total crap mom who hasn't done anything for her unborn child, I did install the infant car seat into our car. Not that I've had it inspected yet to make sure my installation abilities haven't failed me.

Yeah.... I'm on a freaking roll these days.

The Boys and The Bump

Well, time for some updates.... Gabe's birthday didn't go exactly as I had hoped or planned, but all in all it was a great day. We went to Nashville and went shopping for some stuff. I managed to score over $85 worth of stuff for the boys from The Children's Place for $19- I call that a success! Gabe also got some new hot sauce for his collection which made for a double success! We went out for Japanese and the meal was wonderful. To top the night off was a from scratch Red Velvet Cake!
Saturday was eventful as we had another soccer game. Connor is finally getting the hang of it and has started to do more than just chase the other kids around! He's very much excited about the teamwork aspect. Saturday he passed it to his friend Benji who then scored a goal. He was thrilled and kept saying "I passed it to Benji and he scored." It makes me proud that he's not always focused on being the one to score. He gets excited whenever his team scores and yells "I won!" It's hysterical!To top it all off yesterday was another ultrasound and OB appointment. I'm almost 29 weeks at this point, meaning we're 3/4 of the way there. HOLY CRAPOLY! I am NOT ready for this yet! I've put on another 2lbs, leaving me with 7 lbs more to go so I break even. According to ultrasound measurements, Tate is weighing in at about 2.5 lbs! He's in the 23rd percentile, which means the doctors aren't worried about his growth, despite the lack of mine. Tot wasn't cooperating yesterday and is already ready to make his appearance. He's head down facing backwards. We have to remind him constantly that he's not allowed "out" for several weeks still.

Sorry

Sorry for the blog outage experienced. There were issues with my domain registration renewal. NOT COOL. NOT COOL AT ALL. Updates to come...

33 For His 33rd

My beloved husband and best friend turns 33 today! Here's 33 reasons that I love him/think he's the greatest thing since sliced bread/call him my best friend/want to have his babies/etc.

1. Laughter: Oh that man of mine can make me laugh. This is for many reasons, one being HIS laugh. A man built like my husband should not have a high pitched laugh. My husband, however does. Anytime he starts laughing hard I'm sure to laugh twice as hard, just because of his laugh.


2. Food: He's a fellow "foodie". Meaning: we both love food. I'm SO very thankful to share my life with someone who shares my love affair with food.


3. Faith: To say he's had his faith tested is like saying that I took a breath today. He, like all of us, has had his faith tested many, many times. Yet, he's got a strong faith in Him and I love that we as a family are growing in our faith together as well as individually.

4. Nerdiness: He's got a Biology Degree from VMI, with a minor in Chemistry. Need I say more? I suppose I should elaborate as to why this makes me love him- It's the little things, like him explaining in detail the play by play of his former roommate's cat attacking a rodent while on the phone. Who does this? More importantly, what kind of girl sticks around after the guy she is dating does this? Apparently me.

5. Stinkiness: He, like all boys, sure has his stinky days, but that fresh from the shower, clean shaven, cologne smell... yummy! I love when he "stinks good".


6. Patriotism: My husband, a former soldier, is a true patriot. He believes in this country and is proud to be an American. While I've always shared this pride, he's helped me to ignite it. I share his sentiment- if you aren't proud to be an American you can leave at any time.

7. Courage: He's the ultimate slayer of closet monsters, strange noise in the middle of the night seekers, and protector of his family. I've never not felt safe with him.

8.Hot Stuff: Yes, he's good looking, but did you know that he also collects hot sauces? I love how excited he gets when he tries a new concoction or buys a new sauce.

9. Puzzle Pieces: He gets me in that way that "only one puzzle piece will fit here" kind of way. While I may be Captain Random, 99% of the time he follows my train of thought without the need for directions or a road map. That's no easy feat.

10. Feet: He can give one heck of a good foot rub.

11. Work: Gabe loves his job. Let me rephrase that... He L-O-V-E-S his job. He's good at his job. He could have taken the easy road and taken a desk job in the realm of his degree, but he wouldn't have loved it. He would have been good at it, but he wouldn't have had joy from it. Way to do your own thing baby!

12. Baby: Let's face it, I had a rough pregnancy with Connor. There's no one else in the world that could make me decide to try this thing again but my husband. Now we have a Tater Tot on the way. I love that we've created life together.... he helps make a pretty baby.

13. Daddy: I've never seen someone more cut out to be a father than my husband. He loves being a dad, and I love watching him be one.

14.Animated: The man loves some anime, but also loves watching anything "cartoon" with Connor (okay, and without Connor). He's still a big kid at heart, but I love that he shares his joys with our boy.

15. Kneedy: Poor birthday boy! He's got terrible knees thanks to any number of things, including but not limited to: his best friend rolling into one and blowing it out in high school, years of military school and boots, life..... In spite of his achy knees, he still gets down and plays with Connor, wrestles with him, tackles with him..... Complain free!

16. Thai Me A River: Going back to the food thing.... my husband can cook. W-O-W can he cook! My favorite- Thai Peanut Food. After a long day at work and cooking and such for 10-15 hours, he'll still come home and offer to make Thai Food. As awful as I feel admitting it, I don't ever put up a fight! If you enjoy food with a kick, and ever want to come join us for dinner, request the Thai...

17. Au Naturale: When there's something strange in the back yard, who ya gonna call? DADDY! Thankfully not only does he not make fun of me when I call upset about whatever wild animal has spooked me (though recently its been the belly crawling reptilian kind) he also goes out and "hunts" the pest and permanently removes it. Need I go on after that?!

18. Man of Steel: Ever the man, he's always the strong one. He holds it together and makes sure to worry about every one else. I remember back to some of the times when he was going through personal heartaches. I remember seeing him "break down" and feeling relieved- He's Human! I love how strong he is, but how human and real and sensitive he is as well. The perfect combo!

19. Easy Reader: It's fairly uncommon to find a man that truly enjoys a good book- or any book for that matter. There are many, many nights that are spent with both of us reading while in bed. I love that he reads to our boys. I love that we talk about the books we're reading. It's no wonder Connor loves books as much as he does.

20. Model Behavior: Connor has been a "just like my daddy boy" from day one. If Daddy is doing it, he wants to do it too. If Daddy has done it, Connor will fight like tooth and nails to attempt it. I love how Gabe walks the line and leads and lives by examples that I can be proud for the boys to follow in.

21. Mama's Boy: Gabe is a mama's boy. They have birthdays just a mere 3 days apart. I love how much he loves her and misses her. I love that he talks to Connor about her. I love that Connor knows that Grammy is an angel up in heaven and that Gabe talks to Connor about the ways she was an angel on earth to him too.

22. Family Man: Lord, he was born a family man. It's not just a love of his mother, it's of his entire family. His dad, his brothers, his aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents.... He loves them and aches for them when he knows the family is getting together and we're unable to make it.

23. Even Steven: I've never met someone so even tempered and laid back. He's easy going and just rolls with the punches. When you meet him you know he has a steady hand and are confident in him.

24. Routine: Although it completely rebels against being laid back and easy going, my husband is a creature of habit unlike any other. Every morning he follows the same routine for getting dressed and ready for work. He drops his keys in the same spot every time he comes home- which explains why he knows where his are, and why mine have been missing for 3 days. When his routine has to be rushed or altered it almost throws him for a loop. I love that I can predict exactly how long it will take him from point A to point B.

25. Ice Cream: I know, I told you we're foodies... The second night after we had met, I was hanging out with him and he grabbed a pint of Coney Island Waffle Cone ice cream and spoon fed me bites. I knew it had to be love then! Not only do we both love food, but I think we could agree that ice cream is one of the best inventions ever made.

26. Friendship: He is my best friend. Everyone knows that. I cannot imagine a more loyal, honest, true friend. I love that we can share our best and happiest days and share our worst and darkest days without anything changing. There's no one I'd rather call friend.

27. Caretaker: He constantly puts others before himself. He takes care of his family, his friends, his job and does it with little to no complaints.

28. Photographs and Memories: I love taking pictures. His mom L-O-V-E-D taking pictures and thankfully, my husband enjoys it as well. I love that he'll take the camera from me to catch snapshots of our family. I love that we look at scrapbooks and relive the memories.

29. Couch Potato: Who needs to go places and do things when you can pile onto the couch as a family and play a board game or watch a movie? It's the family man in him that makes him so eager to spend time at home and take it easy. You'll never find Connor or I complaining.

30. Daddy's Girl: Odd since we have a 4.5 year old son and one on the way. Nevertheless, Gabe has "his girl". She's very furry, and weighs only about 25 lbs. Sadie, our little Benji dog, could not adore the man any more. When he comes home from work he has to let her jump in his lap and ride up the driveway with him. He has to greet "The other woman" when he walks in the door or she'll get her feelings hurt and pout all night. I love it.

31. Intellect: He's one smart cookie. I love that he's educated, well read and versed. I love the conversations we have and the thoughts we challenge one another with.

32. Connor: (And Tate): He created the most amazing things I could begin to imagine. His love, adoration and relationship with them is unlike anything I have ever experienced. They are lucky, lucky, BLESSED boys to have such a man in their lives. And I'm all the more blessed for having a man like him to have created a family with.

33. EVERYTHING: There is nothing about him I don't love. (Well, his snoring can get tiresome, but I only say that since he's snoring as I blog at 3:11 a.m.) Other than that, what isn't there to love and celebrate? He's more than I wanted, dreamt of or could ask for. He's everything I want to be and more than I can be. He's everything to me and our family.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVE!