Sunday, June 21, 2009

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!

38 comments:

  1. yea! pictures! i was excited to see how ben's first official father's day had gone!

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  2. Happy Father's Day, Ben! We were also in ICPC on Father's Day just 1 year ago. (Today Scott said THIS feels like his first Father's Day.) Your words about Ben sticking through you through the darkest of your days make me cry like a baby. The describe my Scott to a tee - he was the only one in the whole wide world to know the way my heart shattered, and to this day, still weeps for the baby we had planned to adopt last February. We know know that God had other plans for us (she sleeping as I type this!), but never ever will I forget our first babe. Men can be so great, can't they?! :)

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  3. I am a friend of birth mom Rebekah and have been following your side of this amazing story along with hers. I feel very nosy because I've waited all day, hoping you would post about this first Father's Day. Thank you for sharing your story. My heart hurts for her, but swells with joy for you!

    PS - There's a Monster at the end of this Book is one of my childhood favorites too. :)

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  4. Wow, your words leave me weeping! Happy Father's Day Ben! Ty IS just precious! And I'm glad to see an update! And a very touching update at that! :-)

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  5. Happy fathers day ben!
    Cindie

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  6. how blessed we are....to celebrate this first Father's Day with matt.....and happy beyond words for you and ben...and baby ty!
    hugs,
    kimberly

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  7. i thought of ben often today, in the same excitement that I have for Robb today. hubby's are the best but they are even better when they become daddy's!!

    ty sure is cute!

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  8. Such beautiful words, as always! I thought of you guys today and what a special day it must've been. Hopefully next year we'll be in the same boat as y'all are!

    And how about handsome little Ty?! That hair!! He is a DOLL. :)

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  9. Happy Father's Day Ben! I did the same thing for Matt on his first father's day. I found a stack of books that were "Daddy and Me" type! I thought it was a great idea!

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  10. You have some of the most incredible posts ever written. I am sorry I have not commented sooner...some of your posts have reasonated so deep that I have been brought to sobs, and just don't know what to say. I have not mentioned this before, but I gave my first son for adoption many years ago, and have been blessed by adoption again today.
    Blessings on you and sweet Ty, as well as his birthmom. I have been thinking about you and praying for you all week!
    Hugs girl! I am so happy for all of you!
    Jill

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  11. And...once again...more tears! You are an amazing writer, and I will definately be buying your book one day! :) Happy Father's Day to Ben!

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  12. So wonderful!! I am so blessed to be able to see a bit of it with my own eyes.

    Much love,
    R

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  13. Goosebumps....wordless...opening my heart sending you love...and understanding...and knowing your truth to be ours too...you have a way with words that i can only dream of...reading how you describe all this newness being a mommy and daddy things and how cute is that little baby and...sorry for you...but OUR baby is the most adorable and cute little being on the world..teehee....reading your words...take me back 10months ago...when we became parents..every single word...my heart is overflowing with yours! xx

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  14. WOW...love your words. Happy Father's day Ben!!!

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  15. I think I thought about Ben yesterday almost as much as I thought about my dad...ha!

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  16. Love the pictures....love that you shared such a precious part of your husband with us....oh and LOVE The Monster at the End of this Book....one of our faves too!

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  17. "It's always darkest just before dawn." What a beautiful post. Your words made me cry Rebekah.
    Happy Father's Day Ben! And Happy belated Mother's Day to you Rebekah. God Bless.

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  18. Happy 1st father's day Ben!

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  19. I can't begin to tell you how happy I am for you and Ben. What a blessing yesterday must have been. Ty is so sweet. Your post brought back so many memories for me. And you are so right, not even your mother ould have understood the pain in your heart as you have struggled so. Only Seth and I know the heartache we endured. But I think you would agree now that it was all worth it! :) Kiss that sweet baby. It goes waaay to fast! Thanks for sharing!

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  20. He is beautiful and your words for your husband are also just beautiful. Your love is amazing for both of your guys. Happy First Father's Day Ben!

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  21. I second that! YEAH!! I know you guys dont "know" me but I am hooked on your story and have been so inspired by your walk in faith. (And my dh is also Ben and sounds like they would get a long great!! My Ben is an awesome dad too)

    Enjoy these days. Praying for all of you guys,
    Midwest Mom, Chicago

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  22. Beautiful little baby boy!! I just love these updates - thanks for sharing with us!

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  23. happy father's day to ben! thank you for sharing your pictures and story - it is so beautiful to see your family complete. you are all so amazing!

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  24. I can not get through your post with out tearing up!! I am so happy for you and Ben. I wish you nothing but a life time of joy and happiness. Ben Happy 1st Fathers Day, I hope you enjoyed your day.

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  25. Ty is too cute! And I noticed your hubby had "There's a monster at the end of this book" in his lap. I LOVED that one!

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  26. Aw, what a sweet baby. Congrats!

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  27. I love seeing new pictures!! I am glad Ben had a great Father's Day!! =)

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  28. Happy Father's Day to Ben! How exciting. Your family will have so many firsts to celebrate. :-D

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  29. happy father's day to ben! so happy for your little family and so happy for all of us who finally get to celebrate our special hubbies on this day! :)

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  30. 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.

    You guys are beautiful. Happy Father's Day Ben! And Rebekah, Happy Belated Mother's Day. You don't have to wait to celebrate it!

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  31. Amazing pictures. You both look like naturals. Grandma almost swoomed when you told her the name. She was extremely happy as was his namesake,who was very humble. Baby Ty looks great with that football!

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  32. What a wonderfully special day. You have so many special first heading your way. What a beautiful son!

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  33. Wow, Ty really has changed! You can see the difference in the photos.

    Great post.

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  34. Happy Father's Day (one day late),
    Ben. Love the pictures.

    Tracy

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  35. Such a precious, precious post!


    And yes, as his mom you will notice, above everyone else, all his changes even the tiniest ones! Men won't get it, LOL! It's one of those wonderful Mom things.

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  36. i stumbled on your blog, and after reading for a little while, i'm so glad i did. i don't even know you guys and i'm SO happy for you. i can't think of anyone who deserves a baby and this happiness as much as you and ben.
    happy father's day!

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