my heart
With Valentine’s Day yesterday, everyone around was particularly lovey-dovey. I like Valentine’s Day although I do think it’s over-hyped (even though I’ve had a history of great February 14ths) and makes a lot of people feel bad. But I think the sentiment of Valentine’s Day is a good one – telling those you care about that you love them.
Mike and I live that every day. We say “I love you” to each other and show affection on a regular basis. We do this not only because we DO love each other, but we know we are setting an example for our children.
I can already see how this is affecting Annabel. She gives kisses easily, and she hugs her toys and gently pets Rigby. I can’t wait for the day she says “I love you” back to me.
Maddie never said “I love you” but I know she loved us and knew she was loved, and that gives me some peace. Annie will know she is loved, too. I say “I love you” to Annie a million times a day, just like I did (and still do) with Maddie.
Kim says:
That is a great picture! And so true to say I love you to the people you care about as often as you can. : )
Love y’all! XOXO
katrina says:
So sweet. It’s great that you are setting such a loving example for your children
Jayne says:
I couldn’t agree more. My Husband and I are the same way, we’re always hugging and saying “I love you”, so whilst it was lovely to open the door to a bunch of red roses yesterday, it’s not the only time of year he’ll buy me flowers, in fact sometimes he does it for no reason at all, other than to make me smile. As a result, our daughter is possibly the most affectionate child I’ve ever come across, and I like to think, as you say, that we’ve set an example.
Parenting. You’re doing it RIGHT!
Lynn from For Love or Funny says:
No doubt, it’s going to be a wonderful day when Annie says “I wuv you” back.
Jenn says:
You’re so right. Maddie & Annie are madly in love with you guys. It was so easy to tell when they just lite up when they see you. There is NO doubt both Maddie & Annie feel your love. Heck…I FEEL the love you have for your girls. I see it in your face…your eyes, smile, expressions, etc. You guys are 2 of the best parents I know!!
Enjoy NYC!!! Can’t wait to hear about S-man. I KNOW it’s going to be GREAT!!!!
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY FRIENDS!!!
Love,
Jenn xo
Heather says:
My parents never said ‘I love you’ to me… not even sure they’ve said it to each other in front of us.
I make sure I say it at least twice a day to my kids, I want them to hear it often.
Eric's Mommy says:
Annie looks a lot like Maddie in that picture!
AmazingGreis says:
As a child I heard “I Love You” all the time from my parents and family. Those 3 words are a gift that I know not all children hear, but they should!!! I know that I will speak those words to my future children all the time!! It will never get old, it shouldn’t!
Kristen says:
Your girls both beam love through their beautiful eyes and smiles!! I hope you had a fun Valentine’s day in NYC. Hold onto Annie tight today. I can’t believe how windy it is!
Anjie says:
I agree wholeheartedly. Showing love and affection every day for the ones that mean the most to you is so important!
Tammy says:
What you are doing has long term rewards. We tell our kids we love them all the time. They always say it back. My super-jock-boy-hockey-player son went through a phase when he would just mumble it back to us, but in high school he started saying it “normally” again. His friends started to mimic him if we said it when they were around and I would tell them I love them too. Now my son is at college and he writes it on my facebook page when we go a while without talking. Feels good.
Nancy says:
Happy Valentine’s Day!!
As I scrolled down to read the blog, Annie’s picture and Maddie’s picture lined up and, oh my word, two beautiful gorgeous girls who look exactly the same!! I just stopped to stare and then finally got myself to finish the blog.
Lisa says:
I love the look of pure joy on Annie’s face in that picture.
We celebrate Valentine’s Day but in a big way. Every day is a day for saying “I Love You”. Valentine’s Day is just a day to do it in a little extra special way.
Melanie says:
There’s no doubt that Maddie knew she was loved and loved you all so much too.
I will always remember my son first saying “I love you” to me. We were at my sister-in-law’s wedding reception. Everything was pretty quiet (I think they were doing toasts), he put both hands on my face and said, “I yuv you, Mommy.” Everyone went, “Awwww…” He was 19 months old.
Natalie S says:
Beautiful picture!! I could not agree more about setting an example for your kids…my little guy turned 1 in January and almost every time he sees me kiss his father or his older sister, he in turn wants to kiss. Melts my heart.
Rebecca says:
And, I just had to add that I love your family.
Kendra says:
I wish all parents showed their kids the love and affection that you and Mike show yours. It is so very important that children learn that from an early age. You have a beautiful family!
Megan@TrueDaughter says:
When Annie says “I love you” for the first time, you will go into all kinds of melt. My three year old loves to say “I love you so much, too, Mom!” even when I haven’t said it first. So funny and sweet. Your Maddie was SHOWERED, we all saw it, she knew and knows she is loved. Annie will be saying it before you know it, she is just so smart.
amanda says:
Sweetness.
Lindsay says:
Your blog has always been a celebration of life it seems. Before’s Maddie’s passing and now. Your archives of Maddie’s life are packed with joy and love. It is such a wonderful approach to life that you practice, and it seems real. I hope I do the same when I have kids.
Bella says:
I have one word for you Mike:
“PAJAMAJEANS” !!!!
(www.pajamajeans.com)
Jennifer says:
When Annie starts telling you she loves you – you will absolutely melt. My 3.5 y/o daughter is now spontaneously telling me, “mommy, I love you so much” and it’s the best. Of course, she also has called me “mean mommy” to some of her friends when I wouldn’t let them bounce balls in the kitchen, so with vocabulary comes that too..