So, I'm a day late with this post..

But, in my defense, I've got a newborn - so, um, yeah... that's my excuse.

Yesterday was a big day in the Houston House - It was father's day, and it was my Raleigh-bug's 2 month birthday!

Over the last month, Raleigh has grown A LOT! He has started to laugh out loud and he mimics alot of the faces that George makes (especially sticking out his tongue, almost on cue) - he likes to spend time on his floor gym and he LOVES his swing. He's really good at holding his head up and he can even push up for a second or 3. His 0-3 month clothes are beginning to get a little tight, but I'm still holding onto them because I just can't believe that he is getting that big yet! Most nights, he goes down around 10:00, wakes up around 3 and then again at 7. I don't think that's too shabby of a sleep routine (btw, I hate routines..) - but in this case, they're a good thing. He likes to sit in his bouncy chair and watch Chuggington with SJ in the mornings and when you sing Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes - you are guaranteed a smile, and maybe even a laugh if you do the motions. He still loves his passy and he is still doing great with nursing, although I feel like a cow sometimes (no joke, I can pump 6 oz. IN BETWEEN feeding him... it's a bit ridiculous!) - but I am grateful that he is doing so well, since it was exactly the opposite with SJ. --and speaking of SJ, she is still doing SO GREAT with Raleigh, she is the best helper I could ever imagine.

Raleigh, SJ and I spend our days hanging out at home, or at the pool, or at friends' houses... and we try to be home by the time George gets home. I guess after hanging out with Mom all day, they are both SUPER excited to see him when he gets home. Just the sound of his voice puts a HUGE smile on Raleigh's face. It's the sweetest thing.

For Father's Day this year, SJ and I picked out George some of his favorite sunglasses and we were going to take him to his favorite restaurant on Friday night (b/c SJ was out of town Sat/Sun)... but on the way there, we saw a sign for a Shane and Shane concert and so instead, we went to Chick-Fil-A (GASP!, I know... we're traitors!) and then back to the concert. We had a blast! On the actual "Father's Day"... George watched the Braves and slept on the couch all Day, which is Heaven to him.

I don't know exactly how to say thank you to a Man that loves my children the way that he does. I'm sure sunglasses, a concert and a trip through the CFA drive thru wasn't enough. My whole life, all I ever wanted to be was a Mom --- but sometimes, he makes me look bad. ...and I am totally okay with that. Sarah Jane adores him, Raleigh lights up at the mere sound of his voice - he's their Hero, and mine too. I couldn't ask for anyone better than he is - and as cheezy as it sounds, He really is amazing. Thank you, George, for what you do for our children and for who you are. Thank you for waking up early every day and working countless hours so that I can be home with our children in a beautiful home that you provide for us. Thank you for providing all of our needs and wants. Thank you for playing with our kids when I know you are exhausted. Thank you for going above and beyond when it comes to being a Daddy of a little girl. Thank you for holding my hand and calming me as only you can as they both were born. Thank you for making sure I get enough rest. Thank you for everything that I am forgetting to thank you for, You're a blessing to them and and to me.

I read this today, and I don't think that it could be any more fitting -

God took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring, The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity, The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities, When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad

We Love You, George.