Mike has been pretty stressed out over Annie possibly developing tics like him. Even though this time it looks like she was just imitating him, it really made him realize that our kids might have to deal with tics just like he does. I barely noticed Mike’s tics when we were dating, and now that we’ve been together for over eleven years, I never see them – they’re just a tiny part of the man I love. But, even though I tell him not to, he feels a lot of guilt – like it’s his fault the kids might develop tics, which is ridiculous.
I’ve been trying to cheer him up, with limited success. Then yesterday while Annie, James, and I were shopping, we came across the perfect thing:
Daddy, shall we dance?
When I told Annie what it said, she replied, “Oh Mommy, we have to get that so I can wear it and dance with my daddy and hold him soooooo tight.”
A little before bedtime, Annie and I snuck away and she put on the new nightgown. Then she walked up to where Mike was sitting, tapped his arm, and said, “Daddy, will you dance with me?”
I wish I’d taken a picture of Mike’s face when he took her all in. He scooped her up and they started dancing.
Annabel insisted on this role reversal.
They danced until well-past her bedtime. It was just a simple nightgown, but it made both of them so happy.
Tori says:
That’s so awesome, it actually brought tears to my eyes
Mijke says:
Dito…
Anna says:
Me, too!
Chantelle says:
Same here!
Damita H says:
Me too!
Anissa says:
So sweet! This brought tears to my eyes as well.
Josee says:
This really is so very sweet! Also, I have to say – your time-out chair in the background… LOVE IT!
Janna says:
Awwwww, that is too too sweet! Sniff, sniff, I think I have something in my eye…
Desera says:
This has to be the sweetest thing ever! What she said about holding Mike “soooooo tight” gave me goose bumps! She is the most precious little girl.
amourningmom says:
Love, love, love this post and pictures! Soooooo sweet!
Nellie says:
Oh, this just made me cry with joy – so precious!
You and Mike are such perfectly, wonderful and amazing parents to those amazing children of yours!
one mama to another says:
I wouldn’t worry too much about tics at this age. Transient tics are common and it may disappear as fast as it came on.
Molly says:
That is so sweet! And you and Mike are looking so fit lately. What’s your secret?
ColleenMN says:
My son also has tics, but it has just become a part of who he is, I can’t imagine him any other way. Mike is an awesome man, father, husband and if Annie is like him, then she is one lucky girl.
Kristie says:
Is that nightgown from Carter’s? I need to get that for my girls. My husband will turn to mush!
Heather says:
yes! From Target!
Maris says:
That’s so sweet! I’m so happy she has a close father daughter relationship.
Sue says:
You guys are just one of the best families ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Susan says:
Yup. Teary-eyed.
You two are great parents, and your kids are absolutely darling.
Donna P says:
Oh, I bet Mike was the happiest Dad in the world when he saw that nightgown. Annabel is gorgeous, her eyes and hair are amazing. What a little beauty. Surely, that “time out” chair over there in the corner is never needed?
Becky says:
I completely understand Mike’s feelings and fear. I have psoriasis and there is a good chance that my kids have inherited it as well. Although most of the time it doesn’t show up until the teenage years I struggle with knowing they could possibly have the disease. I lose sleep at night knowing that one day they will understand that I passed this terrible trait down to them. But for now my kids think I am their world so I will soak up these moments for as long as I can!
Annie and her nightgown are adorable! And cheers to you for cheering him up!
Amber says:
Well now I’m crying at work, so thanks for that What a lovely story! I can somewhat relate in a small way–my husband stutters when he gets excited and caught up in a conversation. I rarely notice it, but he’s so worried that our kids will have this “problem” too or be embarrassed of him as they get older. He is the perfect dad so I feel confident they later will never be an issue.
kelley says:
Y’all are the best parents ever! Mike is such a wonderful husband and dad. If the kids do get tics, he needs to also remember he helped give them LIFE! They wouldn’t even be here without Mike.
God bless your beautiful family! Kelley
Alissa says:
So, the nightgown is cute and everything and the dancing is sweet, but can I just take a minute to discuss that child’s hair? It is spectacular. I’m jealous of a toddler.
Jenn says:
There is NO other job on this earth that can make one feel as guilty as a parent….even if it is over a situation you can’t help. I’m sorry Mike is hurting so much. I get it. I love your pics of them dancing. Brought a tear to my heart & a song to my heart!!! Good job Mama -I think you & Miss Annie succeeded on making Mike/Daddy feel better!! What a LUCKY guy!!! xo
Tami says:
That brought tears to my eyes!!!
Jenny says:
What a sweet story! If the Mr. forgets please remind him he is a lucky guy.
I’m sure you hear this a lot but Annie’s hair is amazing. Seriously amazing.
Amy says:
I know how you feel about passing things on to our kids. I have adhd and my twin sons have it as well. I feel tremendously guilty for not thinking of this when I decided to reproduce. However, my kids are amazing, everybody and I mean everybody has “something” and we will just like our parents before us, love and support our children and help them get through.
Sarah says:
Aww, so sweet!! That brought tears to my eyes too!
Brooke says:
I am looooong time reader/lurker and never commented before but I just had to commiserate this time.. My husband has a seizure disorder and his meds cause various tics that I barely notice anymore but are pretty pronounced ( a shoulder/neck jerk movement mostly). My almost three year old has started doing it recently…pretty sure just to be like her daddy. It freaks my husband out to no end.