Ben's First Father's Day

"Our baby boy is growing up..." a weepy me said to Ben, this morning.
"Honey...he's only 5 days old!"
I know there are a lot of baby boys out there...but he's seriously the cutest thing I've ever laid eyes on! Contrary to Ben's belief...Ty guy is definitely growing up. He changes everyday and nothing escapes me. His cheeks are a little fuller...His eyelashes are making their way in...His feet are less wrinkly...and he spends more time focusing on our faces when awake. My favorite new thing is this precious expression he's been making. He looks right into my eyes and makes this sweet "o" face with his lips. It's so darn cute, I give him at least 10 kisses every time he does it!
We had a really great day that started with presents for Ben...
I bought him a few "Daddy and Me" type children's books and then threw in all of his favorite childhood stories (some I had to search far and wide for!).

Ben's mom also sent me with a football and a card, for him to open, today.Man, I love that little boy...SO CUTE!
And there's no one...and I mean no one...that I love more than my Ben.

I'm not going to be able to do this without crying...

This man - my husband has walked me through the darkest days of my life. Days so dark, I thought for sure they'd suffocate me by their heaviness. This has been the largest life challenge that we've ever had to endure...Even my closest of friends will never know the pain that cloaked our hearts, as everyone was able to move on with life, around us.

Ben never left my side...never let go of my hand...He knew my heart before it spoke...His tears matched mine. We were always in this together.

My heart felt great joy when I held Ty for the very first time...but it paled in comparison to the leaping that occurred when Ben nestled his son close, soon after.

I always knew he'd be a great dad...because he's an amazing husband. I didn't know just how great he'd be. I thought I had seen all the depths of his heart...but new levels have surfaced this week. I love that it takes him 15 minutes to put Ty in his car seat, following the nurse's instructions exactly...I love that he gently changes diapers and makes sure Ty is fed/changed on schedule...I love how he cuddles and whispers words of love...how he never complains when he's up for hours at the crack of dawn...how he tells me what he thinks Ty needs...how he talks to him like a little friend...and is a makeshift human-swing, with ocean noises, as ours is back home.

He is nurturing...kind...softhearted...quiet...and so very tender.

There are many sides to Ben that I've been the only one to see...I love that I get to share the secrets of his heart with someone new.

Happy Father's Day, Ben...It's been a long time coming, I can't think of anyone more deserving.

We love you!