I need Him

After watching Wall-E with the girls and enjoying a teriyaki and sushi meal for my birthday

I just finished that post about delighting in my family... that post isn't complete without my hubby.

Ry is the guy who has endless patience with me. He knows I'm completely high-maintenance. He finds me adorable, sexy and a woman full of love. I used to tell people that I appreciated him because he let's me do what I want, when I want. But that's not quite true. It's not even a matter of letting me. I'm not his child, his ward or his servant. I'm his equal. So he doesn't even think that he needs to provide permission. He just steps out of my way and stands next to me.

This is guy who is unlike any man I have ever known in my life. He comes home from work and plays with the girls while I finish up making dinner. The girls love having their Daddy home. It always brings a smile to my face to see them running to him, just to have him swing them up into his arms. They often do this multiple times until Daddy's arms are spent.

This is a man who helps clean up dishes after dinner. This is a man who vacuums, does toilets, bathes the girls, brushes their teeth, puts them to bed and tells spellbinding stories to our precious girls. This is a man who understands that discipline is firmness of spirit - not violence. This is a man who understands that more important than discipline is the increase of love. I'm so grateful that my daughters know that their father loves them. I love that they enjoy being cuddled by him.

I love that they get jealous when he's swinging me around the kitchen dance floor. I love when he grabs me from behind. I love that my hubby will start rubbing my feet or my shoulders... just because he wants to. I love that he's one that's willing to do better by me and my daughters. I love how easily he still responds... to me... even after a pregger body. I love that he has a merciful and kind heart. It's taken me a long time to realize that hearts like his are rare.

This doesn't make him perfect... it's taken time for both of us to learn and grow and become. Marriage isn't easy. Parenthood isn't easy. Things have gotten better in the last few years as we adjust and grow, little-by-little. Sometimes progress is so gradual that one day you look up and you're amazed at the view you're seeing. And of course he has his moments... as do I, but when I look at what allows me to truly delight in motherhood... he contributes a large percentage to my ability to do so. If I didn't have a partner who shared in the day-to-day work of parenting... I think I would be a total wreck. As it is... I'm grateful.

I love you hunny bunny.

ps. when I'm out late with girlfriends... he waits up for me... it's cute.