It stuck for a while and then kind of fizzled....not, however, because he stopped being wonderful.
Jeff turned 26 yesterday. It was the 8th birthday that we have celebrated together and I love him more each year. Not only does my love for him continue to grow, my respect and admiration for him continue to increase as well. Jeff is a man among men. Never giving himself excuses, he is always seeking ways to improve who he is as a man, husband and father. And let me tell you, he is one superb father.
This week could have been very tough on our family. The first few days home from the hospital I was completely down for the count which left Jeff with a toddler, a newborn, an invalid, and a house to take care of. Since I am not able to lift Hudson from his bassinet or do pretty much anything, Jeff has had to be up with me anytime Hudson is awake during the night. This means neither of us were getting good sleep. Monday morning we looked at each other and said "How in the world are we going to make it to Friday?" But now it is Saturday and I can honestly say that this week has gone so well. Except for the pain I would even say it has been fun. This is almost completely thanks to my husband's servant heart.
For a week straight Jeff has kept our home neat, our clothes clean and our tummies full (with lots of help from friends bringing meals of course :)...but these things all seem minor compared to the REAL work he has been doing. In the midst of major change he has been a rock for Laynie. They play ALL day long and I have heard almost constant giggles as she hangs with her daddy for the week. Every morning she asks "You go work today dad?" and when he tells her no she responds with "Yay! So excited!". From sun up till sun down she is his little shadow and he excels at making her feel needed and wanted no matter what he is in the middle of doing. The only part of fathering a little girl that he hasn't quite mastered...pigtails :)
Jeff has been my rock as well. No one could have nursed me back to health as quickly as he has! Whether it be more pain meds, juice, ice packs or even just my laptop so I can do a little "pinning" he is quick to accomadate my every request without a hint of impatience. He has hugged me when I've cried, re-assured me when mother's guilt over how little I have seen Laynie overwhelms me, chastised me when I try to do anything and made me laugh till I had to slug him because it hurt my stomach so badly! Last night after both kids were asleep we sat and talked about all kinds of things and I was overwhelmed with gratitude for a husband who is so caring, thoughtful and willing to just sit and chat with his wife and the end of the day.
Hudson doesn't know it yet but God has blessed him greatly in giving him Jeff as a dad. One of my favorite memories from the c-section was right after Hudson had been born. He was screaming, of course, and Jeff was over with him while he was on the warmer. I heard the Dr. say to one of her assistants, "He is singing to him..that is so sweet". Sure enough, I strained my head around to get one of my first peeks at Hudson and there was his daddy, right there in the operating room, leaning over the warmer and singing to calm him down. It is my prayer that Hudson won't only look like his daddy but grow up to be like him as well.
Happy Birthday Babe! I love you!
