Happy Birthday, Papa.

Not everybody is lucky enough to have a good dad, much less an awesome one. Today is his birthday and I wanted to share some of the things that make him so awesome along with some pictures because he's so cute. He's a man of few words, but when he lets them out, they're usually funny or wise. Sometimes with a little attitude, huh Ma? 😉

So in no particular order, here are just a few.

1. Vietnam Vet. Nuff said.

2. Avid cyclist. At nearly 60 years old he took up competitive cycling to honor my brother's memory. He rode his first race in khaki shorts, and now he's standing on podiums and going on 67 mile bike rides.

3. Selfless. Selfless doesn't really cover it though. Long ago, about three and a half kids ago to be exact, we were living in Broken Arrow and had no money. Justin was in college and working when he wasn't in class. I was looking for work and caring for Nathaniel and Gabriella. Nathaniel needed a thicker coat and we didn't have the money to buy one. My dad drove the two hours to our apartment after work and brought us a hand-me-down coat from my little brother. I can't recall if he stayed the night and maybe had a bike race the next day too, but either way- he would've done that for us regardless. Nathaniel still remembers the coat Papa gave him.

I could give so many more examples to go with his selflessness and love-- like how he goes every month or so to Sand Springs to mow around the ghost bikes so that the tragedy on that highway doesn't go forgotten-- or how he worked so hard to provide for a family of 9 so that my mom could stay home with all of us-- and how he drove to Midland three times this year just to help us lay our tile floors.

Even when you're grown and married to your own amazing man, dads don't just stop being dads.

Thank you for everything you do for us, Papa. I hope you had a wonderful birthday. 💗

Juliette Meets Ma and Pa

The downside to our home birth was that we don't live near any family and one of my favorite things about our hospital births (really the only thing, because since having Juliette at home, I realize just how much hospitals suck!) is all of the family coming to visit and getting to meet the newest addition.

Our first five kids were all born in Arkansas, which is where all of our immediate family lives. No matter where we were living, it always worked out for us to go home to have our babies in the hospital--the same hospital where I was born too!

When we found out Juliette would be joining our little crew, I knew without a doubt I had to have a home birth this time--she could be my last one, after all. (But probably not). Sadly, I knew that meant most, if not all of our family, wouldn't get to meet her until our Christmas visit. (And while it still makes me sad, I am very happy I had her at home. It was an amazing experience!).

I was so thrilled when I found out my parents were planning a visit to come meet her. They came when she was just 16 days old, and stayed with us a week. We all had a wonderful time, despite a stupid tummy bug that struck 2 days into the visit. Gabriella woke up puking, and two seconds later Addie was awake and bolting for the bathroom too. Day 3 was spent resting at home with fingers crossed that nobody else would get it. I loaded everybody up on my homemade elderberry gummies--almost force feeding them to Ma and Pa, as they are an acquired taste for some. Thankfully and miraculously, the bug died before it reached anyone else. (Although Addie was sure she was still not well, coincidentally any time I told her to clean up, or finish her dinner, or when it was bedtime.)

The week went far too quickly, but we filled it with as many memories and newborn cuddles as we could. And for the record, I don't make guests do chores, but these ones enjoy spoiling us. :)

Can you tell who usually has to wash the dishes? 😁