On Saturday mornings, Dan is sweet enough to get up with Kate at 7 and play with her until it's time for her to take her morning nap so that I can get some extra sleep. Then we usually put her down for her nap and spend some time together. This morning, when we heard Kate wake up from her nap, Dan went to get her, and I stayed in the kitchen and drank coffee, but because I forgot to turn off the baby monitor, this is what I heard:
Dan: "Hey Smiles!" (This is what he calls Kate when she wakes up from naps because most of the time she gives you this smile like you've been on a long trip and she's ecstatic to see you again.)
Kate: Laughs and kicks, I can hear her heels thumping against the mattress.
Dan: "You took such a good nap! Let's get you dressed so we can go out and eat breakfast, OK?" (Sound of drawers opening.)"We'll pick out a cute outfit for you. What do you think about this dress?" (More kicking, giggling, etc. from Kate.)
And back in the kitchen, my heart almost exploded with love for the two of them for the millionth time. One of the most precious things about this first year with Kate has been getting to see what a great dad Dan is. I'm so thankful for him, and I'm looking forward to celebrating his first Father's Day, which is probably the last Father's Day that he won't be able to trick Kate into telling him what gift he's getting. Or at least showing him where I hid it. She's a pretty big daddy's girl, after all.
Comments (6)
Happy Father's Day, Dan!
Haley, I think you'll have at least one more year of being able to surprise Dan, but not much more than that. I walked into the house Friday afternoon and Princess Ana announced, "Daddy! We went and got a present for you!" before she ran to the hiding place to pull it out.
Posted by Tim Smith | June 15, 2008 9:42 AM
Posted on June 15, 2008 09:42
Wow! Two more belly laughs. Thanks again, Haley and you too, Tim. Dan, you really are THE CUTEST AND SWEETEST DADDY!!!
Posted by Gam | June 16, 2008 9:33 AM
Posted on June 16, 2008 09:33
Hi Haley!
I have the honor of working with your husband Dan. He is a wonderful project lead, as you might suspect. I'm one of the 4 new hires/transfers into our dept. that had a baby this fall. They asked our boss what she put on the ad for the job -- must have baby? ha!
I work with a bunch of nerdy guys so it's not often I get to talk about babies to anyone, but Dan has been kind enough to oblige. He is such an enthusiastic dad and so obviously smitten by his daughter that it's a joy to see, even at a distance. Before he sent me your blog website, I used to pester him incessantly for Kate updates. From him I often got the amusing cliffnotes versions of updates and advice.
Dan on delivery advice: "One word: epidural!"
Dan on Kate at 4 months: "The fourth month is awwwesome!"
Dan on kid accessories: "Bumbo seat."
I did get longer stories too. Especially fun were the ones that Dan acted out such as Kate dancing to Old MacDonald and her face when you bait and switched her with the prunes.
My son Philip is two months younger than Kate. It has been a joy and inspiration to read your blog. It was helpful to see such a cute baby as Kate, especially that last long month of pregnancy when you're not convinced babies really do happen. Your honesty about the awful crying bouts helped me get through Philip's at that age. It has been fun to check your blog and see what might be coming next for him as he reaches the same milestones. Of course, girls mature faster, but that's okay.
I hope you continue your journalist career later on or any other form of writing because you have a true talent. Your writing is so entertaining, witty, and honest. Your great personality shines through it so I feel like I know you. As a mother you'll understand this compliment: at times I even chose to read your blog over getting some sleep when the baby napped! So, thanks for giving a new mom some virtual support! I've enjoyed lurking here and hopefully we'll get to meet in person at lunch this week when you meet the rest of Dan's nerdy coworkers. :-)
-Sarah H.
Posted by Sarah H. | June 23, 2008 12:30 PM
Posted on June 23, 2008 12:30
Sarah! That is probably the nicest comment anyone has ever left me! I have been hearing about your adventures as a new mommy through Dan, who I know has enjoyed comparing notes with you on parenthood. I think we will have lots to talk about at lunch on Wednesday. Can't wait to meet you, and I'm so glad you're reading here!
Posted by Haley | June 23, 2008 7:32 PM
Posted on June 23, 2008 19:32
Hi Haley,
I'm a lurker, too, pointed in your direction by Mike W. We are proud new owners of a newborn (5 weeks old, now), and it has been incredibly helpful to me to read your exploits with Kate. In fact, I've adopted your monthly letter-to-baby plan, which I think is a great way to document and communicate to my daughter.
I need to go back, now and read up on what happened with Kate during her 2nd month so I can know what to expect!
I have to second what Sarah said - thank you for being so honest in your blog so I know I'm not the only one with a nerdy husband crying child, explosive pooper, etc. :o)
Thanks, and keep up the good work!
Posted by Melissa @ Galloping Cows | June 25, 2008 1:47 PM
Posted on June 25, 2008 13:47
Melissa! So glad to see you here. I have been to your blog a couple of times, but didn't realize your little one had arrived! Congratulations. It looks like you're having such fun with her. Thanks for de-lurking here ... I'm about to update my blog roll, and I'll add you on.
Posted by Haley | June 26, 2008 11:49 AM
Posted on June 26, 2008 11:49