Father's Day

For Tim's first Father's Day, I wanted to give him something special. I was struck with inspiration while looking at photos that a friend had had taken at a portrait studio for her son's first birthday. I started brainstorming and *thought* I had an original idea, but apparently I am not as original as first thought because I've seen it done several times now :)

But! I've intended from the start to make this a yearly gift - subbing out the photos from year to year until Elle is 18. And if there are more baby sea cows in the future, they'll be included in the photos.

Elle hates grass, so she doesn't exactly look happy/comfortable/pleased in these photos :) We went with basic white letters this year but can paint or decorate them in the future to mix things up.

I guest-blogged this week over at amykolz.com, and I wrote about how grateful I am that Tim is my other half in this crazy adventure that is parenthood, and how the bond that he shares with Elle melts my heart.

He wants such big things for her -

for her to have opportunities,

happiness and more hair.

Elle is so much like her father -

from her looks to her personality -

and she is so in love with him.

Absolutely adores him.

I see her turn toward his voice

any time he walks in the room -

no matter what she is doing -

or watch her face light up

when he comes to get her after a nap.

And I see he feels the same way -

even after a long work week

and little sleep,

he greets her with enthusiasm

matched only by the Cincinnati Reds

winning a big game in the final at-bat.

The first time Tim held Elle.

For the rest of my post (with more photos!), please visit Amy's blog.

Today, I'm wishing all father's a happy Father's Day - a day that honors men who play such an important role in the lives of so many. I've been fortunate enough to have been blessed with some pretty great dads in my life, from the father of my precious daughter to my own father.

Happy Father's Day, Dad! Love you!