Annabel was excited to wake up yesterday to celebrate Father’s Day. In fact, she woke up at four in the morning and called out for me. When I went in to see how she was, she said, “Mama, is it night-time Father’s Day?” When I told her it was, she said, “I can’t wait to open my eyes and it will be daytime Father’s Day.” I was a little more apprehensive. I love celebrating Mike and my dad, but this year I wasn’t prepared. I didn’t have anything planned, and I’d only barely managed to get cards.
Annabel’s enthusiasm saved the morning. She spent a lot of time decorating her card for Mike, then she took even more time decorating James’ card. She dictated what I should write in each card. “James’ card should say ‘Wah, wah’ because that’s all he knows how to say.” She asked her daddy if there was anything she could do for him – she even offered to rub his back. Throughout the day, she’d spontaneously yell, “HAPPY FADDER’S DAY!”
Luckily, Mike didn’t care about my lack of preparedness. He just wanted to spend time with his kids.
My mom and aunt hosted us and our extended family at my aunt’s house, where we took a family photo (another one of Mike’s requests):
And I got some pictures of Mike with his kids (my own request):
I feel so lucky that first Madeline, then Annabel, and now James have such amazing men in their lives. Annabel and James have tremendous examples to look up to in their dad and grandfathers. They are enriched, loved, and protected.
Happy Father’s Day to Mike and my dad. Thank you for being so incredible to my babies. (I promise next year I’ll be way more prepared.) They are so lucky (and so am I).
ella says:
you have a lovely family. strong fathers (and grandfathers) have a stronger influence on children than anyone gives them credit for
Sheila says:
Your babies are adorable! There is so much authentic, genuine joy in your photographs and it is a beautiful thing.
AudNoL says:
I have long had a little bit of hair envy with Annabel’s locks, and am now smitten with James’s faux hawk. So sweet!
Jenn says:
Happy Father’s Day Mike!!! I Love James’s hair!!! He’s such a cool kid already!!! I also love Annie enthusiasm throughout the day!! No Worries Heather…..It looks to me like all Mike needed to have GREAT Father’s Day was GREAT KIDS and that is EXACTLY WHAT HE HAS!!! Happy Day Indeed!!! xo
Becca Masters says:
I love James’s hair!
I wish you and Mike were my parents so I could have amazing hair!
These photos are so wonderful!
defendUSA says:
Mike looks soo happy in these photos, and no one deserves it more.
S says:
You have an insanely gorgeous family! Happy father’s day, Mike!
TamaraL says:
Love all the photos, but that first picture of Mike and James made my heart jump…it is just so perfect! Happy Father’s Day, Mike!
DreA says:
What beautiful pictures! Please tell me Mike was wearing shorts that matched James’!!!
Heather says:
I wish!!!
Melanie says:
Sweet little James and the things Annie says just make me smile. So sweet!
Margie says:
So sweet! I love Annie’s little Boppy and baby!
amourningmom says:
Happy Father’s Day to Mike and your dad! I can’t speak for Mike but he looks like he had a really good day (so prepared or not you did a great job). xo
Jen Martin says:
Love the father/son matching shirts!
Janey says:
Love the last shot of Mike and James
Jennifer says:
Heather,
After looking at Mike and James side by side, I think he is going to look more like you. But he definitely tie Annie and Maddie together.
Mike,
Happy Father’s Day!
Suzi says:
Such cute pics! You look exactly like your dad!! Thanks for sharing.
Stacey says:
Does Annie have a baby boppy? Or am I looking too much into it? haha. Too cute!
Heather says:
She does! Well, an improvised one – she found my neck pillow, and now she holds her babies with it!
Annalisa says:
I love that last pic. I can imagine Annie and Bampa sharing baby care tips with each other looking at it.
Annalisa says:
Well, he wanted to spend time with his kids. He did. That sounds like the perfect Father’s Day to me. Not every celebration has to be full of excitement. Sometimes low key is for the best.
Mary says:
Love James’ hair! Such a cutie!!
Paula says:
I? Cried. Gorgeous pictures. The joy in all of your faces is amazing. The picture of Mike kissing James started the tears and then I scrolled back and lost it. You have an incredibly beautiful family.
Donna P says:
There is so much love and joy oozing out of these photos – you have such a lovely family! The polo shirt on James kills me. As does his feet – I love his little feet!
Karen says:
The one of the four of you is breathtaking. Heather you certainly don’t look like you just had a baby! And I too love James’ hair – but I think the umbrella crank is giving it a little extra poof in that first one……? LOL
Glenda says:
Love the picture of the 4 of you !
JT says:
Since I don’t know you guys, I was not expecting to feel this happy (and relieved!) at seeing a picture of 4 of you together and Mike with 2 of his kids. It totally made me tear up a bit.
Steph says:
I think safely bringing Baby James into the world was all the preparation you needed to do for Mike’s Father’s Day. You did a great job! Happy Father’s Day to Mike, Bampa and Grandad Spohr!
Jeanie says:
Such great pictures, and, oh, how I would love to hold and snuggle James!
Leslie says:
The picture of the 4 of you is absolutely beautiful. Love you guys.
Amy Stone says:
Beautiful family! You truly have such a beautiful way with words….you get me every time!
Auntie_M says:
I love Annie’s tummy snuggles with James!!!
Happy (late) Father’s Day to Mike! Your children are indeed blessed to have you for their daddy!!!
Love these pictures!!!
edenland says:
Love.
(Bampa is secretly my dad too he just doesn’t know it.)
XXXX
MichelleM says:
Amazing pictures!! What a beautiful family! I can’t get enough of the one with Annie and Bampa and their matching Boppies!
Greis says:
Wow, the pictures I love them all. My heart is so happy for you all!
P.S. James is so your mini-me Heather!!