Let’s start with my father: When we revealed my pregnancy to my parents, the reaction I received from them nearly brought me to tears. It wasn’t so much the reaction from my mother that moved me, but it was my father’s excitement that tugged at my heart. We presented them with the ultrasound pictures and after staring blankly at it for a few seconds, they finally realized what it was. They were both so happy, but my father….he smiled from ear to ear while clapping his hands in excitement. From a man who is so laid back and sometimes lacks visible emotion, he was so vocal about his happiness. It was one of those moments I will never forget. Or the very first time he held tiny little Marli at the hospital. He could not stop giving her kisses nor did he want to pass her on to my family. He was elated with happiness.
And then, there’s my husband, my wingman, my everything. The poor guy cried the first time he heard her heart beat…and then again when she was born. He was consumed with love…and I got to see that. And it makes me love him more and more each day.
Then, Marli’s uncle just can’t get enough of her. He has been so wonderful to her and I can only imagine how their relationship will strengthen as she grows older.
HER GRANDPAPA:
HIS SPIRIT: My father has such a happy spirit about him. He’s a joker and loves to laugh and smile. Marli LOVES to play ALL day long so I think that’s why they get along so well 🙂
HIS MUSCIAL TALENT: He is amazingly talented and this is such a huge part of his life. He loves singing and playing the guitar and piano and has already instilled this on Marli. She is definitely artistic and I am hoping she can pick up some piano lessons from Grandpa when she’s about 2.
HIS BIG HEART: Even with his hectic schedule and frequent traveling for work, he has never missed one of Marli’s events and that is why I love him. When it comes the big things that matter, he always pulls through for our family and I hope he instills this on Marli. She is so lucky to have him as an uncle and doesn’t even know it yet…
HIS THOUGHTFULNESS: When it comes to Marli, he is SO thoughtful and wants to make sure she feels special. He got her flowers and a bear for Valentine’s Day recently. So sweet. I hope he reminds her to set her expectations high – in her personal and professional life 🙂
HIS FAITH: My husband lives by Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” and I know Marli will quickly learn how important faith is in our family. We have always believed that we must believe in something greater than ourselves for our relationship to succeed and that one thing is God.
HIS WORK ETHIC: He is the hardest worker I know. He is ALWAYS working to progress himself further and it shows every day. I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned it in a previous post, but my husband is the Supervisor for 3 Physical Therapy Clinical Residency Programs at a wonderful hospital in Houston. On top of that, he recently launched his side business, Institute for Athlete Regeneration (IAR), which has taken off so well so his plate is pretty full. Still, he ALWAYS gives it 150% and I am beyond proud of his ambition and relentless drive to be the best at what he does. I hope Marli mimics his drive to succeed.
HIS LOVE: I don’t even know how to articulate this part. Our love has changed since we wed in 2011, but in such a good way. Sometimes it may not be spoken in words, but the actions are evident – in every moment of every day. Our love is deeply rooted in God, but also in wanting to show Marli what true love is so she sees for herself what happiness and love look like. I know she’s already picking up on this because she giggles and smiles when she sees mama and daddy kissing. :) I know my husband will show her how a woman should be treated so she sets her standards high and never settles for anything less than ‘perfect for her.’
This is so sweet! What a lucky little girl your daughter is to have such amazing guys in her life <3
This is the cutest! Big boys and babies are always such a cute combo – especially when the manly men turn to mush!! Love this 😉 Xo!
Wow you are really lucky to have parents like this and especially your Father. But sounds like you already know this. And yes I think Heaven does look like a Garance Dore pop up shop or a Kate Spade Boutique.
Allie of ALLIE NYC
allienyc.com
this is so sweet – marli is truly loved 🙂 i love the relationships i have with the men in my life — my dad, father-in-law, brothers, brothers-in-law and grandparents! i am really close to my uncles too 🙂 they all make family gatherings so much fun! xo jillian – cornflake dreams
Sorry for all the comments! I am LOVING your blog! Thanks is such a sweet post Linh. Marli is one lucky lady. -Sally