Happy Father's Day!

Both Sina and I gave Malu Father's Day cards this morning, but it was so much cuter to see him opening her card.

He read it out aloud to her and then they cuddled, kissed, hugged and shared a few giggles.  Life just doesn't get any better than that, I tell you.

I knew well before Malu and I were married that he was going to make a terrific father.  He just LOVES kids.  I mean LOVES them.  He's the one guy at get-togethers with friends and family that is out there giving all the kids piggy-back rides, or tossing a football around with them, or chatting it up with them.  He grew up around kids on the islands and helped raise them (i.e. his younger brothers and both his little cousins, Sala and Daniel in Utah, who were both born premature).  And he's just a fun-loving guy.  What kid wouldn't want to be around him?  That being said, I couldn't wait to have kids of our own.  Even though I knew he was going to be superdad, I am still completely blown away by how great a dad he truly is.

For the past few months, he's been a stay-at-home dad while doing classes online full-time (and acing them all on top of it!), which has been a huge help (and a relief) for me, working the crazy hours that I do.  He devotes his full attention each day to Sina, even if it means he has to sacrifice his study/homework time (which explains why he's up doing schoolwork until 3 or 4 in the morning).  In the midst of all of this, he keeps a clean house (most of the time!), is still a drilling Army reservist, and puts up with me and my antics--which, alone, should win him a gold medal.

He's the reason why I can stay focused on my job (and why I can get extra sleep overnight!). He is my best friend and confidante, and is the finest role model for Sina.

I also liked the card that I gave Malu today.  Here's how it reads...

Sina @ 6 days

On your first Father's Day

I just wanted to say

that you're doing a really great job!

Not that it's any surprise--

but who knew you'd be such a natural?

Sina @ 4 months

You take it all in stride.
You're patient, calm and caring.
You handle yourself like a pro.
And it's reflected in the way our child looks at you...

 Sina @ 7 months

Even though our baby is still pretty little,
it's easy to see
you share
a big love
And this is only the beginning.

Sina @ 8 months

Happy First Father's Day, my love.  I can't wait for many more to come.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the other honorable dads in our lives...the Dads and grandfathers whose love and support we cherish and could never be without.

My Dad

Sina @ 1 week

Malu's Dad

At far right (Am. Samoa Visit, Sep 2009)

Malu's Grandpa

Visit to Utah (Summer 2009)

And of course, my grandpa, may he rest in peace.

The greatest gift I ever had,

Came from God,

I call him Dad.

~Author Unknown~

We love you all!



~Happy Father's Day~

F.A.T.H.E.R.S.

"F" aithful.

"A" lways there.

"T" rustworthy.

"H" onoring.

"E" ver-loving.

"R" ighteous.

"S" upportive.

~Author Unknown~

(taken from http://www.fathersdaycelebration.com/fathers-day-poems.html)

I know it's a tad bit late to make this post, but better late than never, right?  I'd spent most of the day sleeping and then out with my friend Jennifer and her family for a Father's Day family dinner, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

I would be remiss if I didn't take the time to honor one of the most important men in my life...my daddy.

I think that just about every woman in the world can say that their first love in life was their dad.  And if not, well, maybe that's just me. I still remember the days when he was still in the Army and we were just little kids, he'd get up for PT so early in the mornings, but would always come into our rooms to give us kisses before he left.  I remember it so vividly sometimes, that I can still remember the smell of his aftershave combined with his toothpaste.  

Decades later, I look back on those days and think about how funny it is that I am following the same footsteps--being in the Army and all--and soon having to kiss my little one in the wee hours of the morning to leave for a long day of work; or to leave for long periods of time for a deployment (God forbid).  My dad never convinced me to make the military career.  It was just something that I was inspired by him to do.  He was a great and caring leader--who retired as a Sergeant Major--and even better, a loving and devoted father.  These things have never changed.

Thanks, Dad, for all of your love and support throughout the years.  Malu and I cannot wait to introduce you to your granddaughter--so that you can be as much as a hero to her, as you have been to me.

I love you!

On another note...people always say that you end up marrying someone who is just like your dad.  And this case is no exception.  Malu is every bit of the man that my father is (although he is a more bubbly version)...which is every reason why I love him more than anything in the world.  He's even very much like his own father (shown below), who is an amazing man as well. Happy Father's Day to you too, Daddy Vila--all the way back home in American Samoa! 

And even though Malu didn't want me to write this for fear of jinxing this pregnancy...my darling, I wish you a very Happy "soon-to-be" Father's Day and know that you're going to be a terrific dad!  I simply cannot wait!  I love you more than words can say (even if you are the 2nd love of my life after dad!).

Have a great week everyone!