When Mike and I were getting married I tried to picture him as a dad. He was a great pet owner to our little Rigby but caring for a child is a bit more intense than caring for a pet. My pregnancy with Maddie was so hard, but after she was born Mike hit the ground running. He was in the NICU all day, every day. He carried around a little notebook and wrote down her vitals, her medicines and doses, her weight, everything. Everything she did amazed him.
When Madeline came home from the NICU, Mike was her full-time care giver. She loved having her daddy home all the time, and they were the best of friends. Mike took all of the difficulties caring for a preemie in stride. I never ever worried about leaving for work because I knew no one could care for Maddie the way he could.
They had a bond that I was so envious of. But at the same time, I was so proud of it. Not many little kids get so much time with their daddy.
Mike’s world revolved around Maddie. Everything he did was for her.
I am so proud of the daddy Mike is to Madeline, and the daddy he will be to our second daughter. Binky and Maddie are so lucky that their daddy is Mike.
I am so lucky he is my husband.
Happy birthday Mike. I wish I could make it perfect. I love you.
Amanda of Shamelessly Sassy says:
Happy Birthday Mike!
.-= Amanda of Shamelessly Sassy´s last blog ..I have a blog? =-.
Anne Y says:
What a beautiful birthday post for Mike.
Hope he has a great birthday!
I saw a star in the sky tonight that I believe is Maddie lighting a candle on his cake!
Happy Birthday DaddySpohr!
catherine lucas says:
A great man indeed! Gives a new meaning to the word Fathering…
Eppie birtdei Mike, although I am sure that you will hear that one 3000 times today!
.-= catherine lucas´s last blog ..Babies and scallops =-.
Amanda/Baby A says:
Happy Birthday Mike!
An amazing birthday post for an amazing dad.
Ginger says:
Beautiful pictures and beautiful memories, Heather! You guys are a lovely family. Happy Day, Mike!
.-= Ginger´s last blog ..Haiku Friday: Saturday version =-.
Girl With Curious Hair says:
What a pair! This was a beautiful and loving post to a great dad. Happy Birthday Mike!
.-= Girl With Curious Hair´s last blog ..With a Flood of Pictures Come a Flood of Memories =-.
Krissa says:
Happy Birthday to Mike. Thinking of you guys and sending (((hugs))) and love.
J in eire says:
What beautiful photos, the bond between you is so visible, that will never fade, even though she is no longer here. You will always be maddies father mike I hope your birthday is filled with happy precious memories of your time together, and I am so sorry that she is not here with you.
Kate @ UpsideBackwards says:
I hope you both have a wonderful day together. What a beautiful love letter you write, Heather, it brought a tear to my eye (but then, you often manage to do that!). Lucky, lucky girls – all three of you – to have Mike in your lives. Happy birthday, Mike!
.-= Kate @ UpsideBackwards´s last blog ..A walk through town =-.
Sarah says:
Those are such lovely photographs. Happy birthday Mike!
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..Cold =-.
amanda says:
Happy Birthday to Mike – love the pics!
xo from CT,
Amanda
Jo says:
You have a gorgeous and wonderful hubbie. Hello George Clooney! 🙂 Happy Birthday, much love and prayers from a random girl in London who thinks of you guys everyday.
Kelly says:
Happy birthday to Mike!!
I think you’re all lucky. Mike is as lucky to be your husband and Maddie and Binky’s daddy as you all are for having him in your lives. The bond between Mike and Maddie was so obvious and precious. Wonderful
Love and hugs all round
Sue says:
Happy Birthday, Mike. You sound like a very, very, special person,,,,and daddy!!!!!!!
Maddie was such a lucky little girl to have you, and Binky will be, too!!!! I wish nothing the very best in life for you!! The world needs more daddys like you!
Lynn from For Love or Funny says:
Mike is an awesome guy. Happy Birthday, Mike!!
.-= Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last blog ..Santa, please forgive me. =-.
Anna Marie says:
Awww, happy birthday Mike! Maddie, Binky and Heather are the luckiest girls in the world,
ClassyFabSarah says:
You’re right about one thing – NO kids are as lucky as Madeline and Binky to have a daddy like Mike.
Happy Birthday Mike!
.-= ClassyFabSarah´s last blog ..Biggest Loser =-.
mary c says:
Happy Birthday Mike!
Hugs to you all!
Mim says:
Love the pictures. You are indeed both blessed to have each other. Happy Birthday!
.-= Mim´s last blog ..New Artist Love =-.
jen says:
Every girl should be as lucky as Maddie and Binky. Thankfully i am one of those girls and at 28 years of age my dad is still my hero and will always be.
Happy Birthday to another hero dad!
J. says:
Those pix just radiate love and adoration.
Mike is a great dad. Maddie and Binky could not ask for a better one. 🙂
Happy birthday, Mike.
.-= J.´s last blog ..A LITTLE BIT ANGRY =-.
Ruth says:
Happy birthday to Mike … what wonderful pictures! You two were a great team.
.-= Ruth´s last blog ..Radio silence =-.
Mary Ann says:
Happy Birthday! You sound a lot like my Dad. He’s been gone for five years now but in my heart forever, Enjoy your day!
Erica says:
Happy Birthday, Mike. Wishing you peace and happiness. Mike is indeed an amazing Dad just as you, Heather, are an amazing Mum. You are both such great parents and make a great time. Your love and the love you all share as a family shines through this post as it does through the precious photos of Maddie and her Daddy. The Spohr girls are very lucky indeed to have such an amazing guy in their lives.
Sending you all lots of love from afar
Erica
Erica says:
I meant to write make a great team.
Mary@Holy Mackerel says:
Happy Birthday, Mike! All the best this year!
Midwest Mommy says:
Happy Birthday Mike!
.-= Midwest Mommy´s last blog ..She’s lucky she’s cute. =-.
Nicole says:
Love the pictures…Happy Birthday Mike!
Tamela says:
Happy birthday Mike!!
My 3 year old just sat on my lap and saw Maddie’s pics. He asked who’s that baby? I told him her name is Maddie. He said “I like her face.”
Laura says:
Very sweet!! My little guy loves looking at Miss Maddie in pictures and videos too! He always smiles from ear to ear when he sees that gorgeous face!
What an angel Maddie is!
Heather says:
What gorgeous pictures!!! Happy Birthday Mike!
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Not Me Monday!!! =-.
Jenn says:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!!! YOU ARE A GREAT DADDY & HUSBAND!!1 MAY YOUR NEW YEAR BRING YOU LOTS OF JOY, LAUGHTER, LOVE AND HEALTH FOR YOURSELF AND THOSE AROUND YOU AS WELL.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRIEND!!!
Jenn from Canada.
Karla says:
Happy birthday Mike!
I just can’t get over what a beautiful girl Maddie is. She has the most amazing expressions.
Deborah says:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mike!
.-= Deborah´s last blog ..New Drawing =-.
Lindsay from Florida says:
Happy Birthday Mike! What wonderful pictures all of those are.
Momma Uncensored says:
happy birthday mike!
what a wonderful father.
.-= Momma Uncensored´s last blog ..boy =-.
Ms. Moon says:
Blessings. Beautiful blessings and happy birthday to that man of yours.
.-= Ms. Moon´s last blog ..It Ain’t Wordless But There Are Pictures =-.
Autumn says:
It’s my son’s birthday today too. Happy Birthday!
Alissa says:
Happy Birthday to one of the Greatest Dads around!
Katie says:
Happy birthday Mike! The pictures and words are so genuine and beautiful.
AmazingGreis says:
Happy Birthday Mike! Thinking of you today and wishing you the best, today & ALWAYS!
.-= AmazingGreis´s last blog ..Blogger Football League – Week 13 =-.
cj says:
happy birthday, Mike. beautiful post, as always, Heather.
Adrienne says:
What a beautiful post for your wonderful husband! Happy Birthday Mike!
Jennifer says:
Happy Birthday to Mike!!
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..House Pics Part Two! =-.
Julia says:
Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday Mike!
Nikki says:
Happy Birthday Mike! Wishing you all the happiness today!
Trisha Vargas says:
Happy Birthday to your wonderful husband Heather! What a beautiful post and what a awesome wife.
(((HUGS))) from Florida
Mama Cas says:
Those last 2 pics are great. This post made me cry because I have a huge soft spot for daddies who are kind, gentle, caring, joyful, and full of love. My kids have a daddy who “hit the ground running”, too, when I was sidelined with a big case of the baby blues. You, Maddie, and Binky are so lucky to have Mike.
Happy Birthday, Mike. Here’s hoping the next year is full of joy and new beginnings for you and your family.
Becky says:
Happy Birthday Daddy Spohr!!! This post made me cry! Daddy’s and daughters share their own special type of bond, don’t they? Binky is so lucky to have you!! (And Mama Spohr)
Lisa says:
Happy Birthday, Mike!!
Maddie and Binky are lucky to have such a fantastic Dad. Those pictures of Mike and Maddie speak volumes to the bond they had, you can see written all over both their faces.
Love and hugs to you guys today and everyday.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Someone’s Missing =-.
deej says:
Those are some of the most precious pictures of Maddie – ever.
Happy Birthday Mike, hugs to you!
Jamie says:
Happy Birthday, Mike. Heather, Maddie and Binky are lucky girls. <3
.-= Jamie´s last blog ..Being Flexible =-.
cindy w says:
Happy birthday, Mike! xoxo
.-= cindy w´s last blog ..Hungry Eyes* =-.
Candice says:
Happy birthday Mike. Thinking of you guys, like always.
Camie says:
Happy birthday to Mike. He looks like the best dad to Maddie (and as a best-dad daughter myself, I am top at picking them out). And Binky is so lucky to share him with her sister.
mel says:
Happy Birthday Mike.
Susanne Bach says:
Happy Birthday!
maya says:
Beautiful post for a beautiful man (not hitting on him!) ! 😉
.-= maya´s last blog ..ABC =-.
Judy says:
Happy Birthday Mike!!
Marti from Michigan says:
Ohhhhhhh that post caused tears!! A very happy birthday to you Mike! If I could, I would send you a huge truckload of all this yucky snow we received last evening, so you could throw snowballs (not at Heather though). We’re getting about 12 more inches of it tonight – joy………not.
I am sure that Madeline is looking down from Heaven above, pointing to Mike and telling God and the angels, “hey, that’s my daddy!”
Andria says:
Happy Birthday, Mike!
.-= Andria´s last blog ..Twenty-Two Weeks =-.
Elizabeth says:
Happy Birthday Mike!
Ramee says:
This post was so sweet. Today is my husband’s birthday as well! Happy Birthday Mike! Your daughters are so blessed to have you as their father….
Marnie says:
Happy Birthday Mike! What a sweet post. Thinking of all of you, today and everyday.
Dudge OH says:
Wishing you a peaceful birthday, Mike.
ali says:
Happy Birthday to Mike!! I was, however, hoping for some pics of snowflake sweaters. heh.
.-= ali´s last blog ..Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We? =-.
Headless Mom says:
Happy Birthday, Mike!
Yes, Heather, good dads are a turn on, aren’t they? 😉
.-= Headless Mom´s last blog ..My Favorite Christmas Song =-.
Tracey says:
Awesome pictures!!
Happy Birthday Mike!!
It’s my birthday today as well. So at dinner tonight I’ll raise my glass to a stranger and wish him nothing but health and happiness!!
Issa says:
Happy birthday to Mike.
.-= Issa´s last blog ..Issa’s assvice. What? It’s better than saying, here’s some answers, right? =-.
Danielle says:
Happy Birthday Mike!
Beautiful post
Tina says:
Honestly…you already made it perfect for him!! Dad’s are very important in our childrens lives…He seems like the perfect Dad… 🙂
Amanda says:
Happy birthday.
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Rhythm is a Dancer (or a daughter) =-.
Tara. says:
Happy Birthday, Mike!
What a special bond Maddie and Mike have. I wish the day were made perfect with Maddie there, too. She is with you in your hearts.
.-= Tara.´s last blog ..Even Cowboys Get The Blues. =-.
Michelle Pixie says:
Happy Birthday, Mike!
.-= Michelle Pixie´s last blog ..Happy Yule =-.
Maile says:
That’s really amazing. I bow down to Mike – a guy staying home with a preemie with such grace, wow! My husband and I both tore our hair out for the first year when we had our son – and he wasn’t even a preemie. Mike clearly has the strength and grace that a lot of us can only dream of having. Hope he has a great birthday.
mandie says:
Happy birthday to Mike! The pictures made me teary eyed- the love for his daughter is SO obvious. What a great guy.
.-= mandie´s last blog ..santa = overrated =-.
Erin says:
What a touching post for Mike. I his day is filled with great memories, and happy times. Stay strong!
Jenny @ http://motherlawyercrazywoman.blogspot.com/ says:
Happy birthday Mike! What a special father!
.-= Jenny @ http://motherlawyercrazywoman.blogspot.com/´s last blog ..Important World Issues =-.
Meg says:
Happy Birthday to a great daddy!
Laura says:
Heather- you DID make his birthday perfect, because you gave him 17 months with that angel daughter of yours and I know he wouldn’t trade that for anything in this world. You are also giving him the very best Valentine’s Day gift in 2010, and there is nothing you can give him that would top that gift!
You two seem like such a strong, loving couple, and I am so glad. It takes a special bond between parents to not only take care of a preemie, but to help her thrive and give her such a beautiful and happy life while we were blessed to have here on earth.
Mike, I hope you have a very happy birthday. We all know what you are wishing for, and we so wish it could come true for you. While your incredible and beautiful first-born daughter cannot share this day with you, I am praying that the happy memories you have with her will bring you peace and comfort on this day. I know it is not the same as having her to hold, but thank goodness for the many months you did have together. I know that there are parents out there that take their children for granted at times, and do not fill every day of their lives with love and laughter. You and Heather did just the opposite and I am just so happy that you two can look back with absolutely no regrets. You filled that angel’s every minute with so much joy and affection, and it is so evident in all of the pictures and videos of you with your sweet girl. No baby could be that happy and silly and well-adjusted without the most wonderful parents in the world. I wish more than anything that you all had more time with her, though of course it would never be long enough. Never.
I’m rambling now but I just wanted to send some good thoughts and prayers your way. We are all pulling for you, Spohr family, and we feel honored that you would share your life and stunning daughter with us. She will never, ever, be forgotten. Her little sister will always carry a piece of her spirit with her, as will you both. We love you all and only wish the very best for your extraordinary family.
((Love and Hugs))
Jenn says:
Perfectly worded!
I 2nd that statement….if Laura doesn’t mind 😉
So sorry Mike that we cannot give you what you truly want on your birthday. Just know that many people are thinking about you and giving you *virtual* hugs!
Love, Jenn
.-= Jenn´s last blog ..MckMama Giveaway!! =-.
Katrina says:
Happy Birthday to your wonderful husband! Those photos of him with Maddie melted my heart this morning. What a wonderful father he is.
Alison says:
Aaaand I Just teared up.
Happy birthday, Mike! You’re a wonderful daddy to those three precious girls, Maddie, Binky, and Rigby.
.-= Alison´s last blog ..100th Post and I’m a Winner! =-.
Aunt Becky says:
Happy, Happy Birthday, Mike. Way to make me cry, Heather. THANKS.
MaNiC MoMMy says:
A perfectly beautiful blog post. Happy Birthday Mike
.-= MaNiC MoMMy´s last blog ..FiVe YeaRS oF BLoGGiNG =-.
MommyNamedApril says:
happy birthday, mike 😀
.-= MommyNamedApril´s last blog ..Do You See This Ridiculous Cuteness? Of COURSE I’m Not Done Having Kids! =-.
Glenda says:
Happy Birthday MIKE! Heather, You have a way with words. Beautiful post! A father’s / daughter’s bond is so beautiful! I have a daughter and to watch her w/ her daddy makes me so proud that I chose the right one for her. Hope you and Mike will celebrate today and it’s as perfect as perfect can be these days! XXX
Notesfromthegrove says:
If our schedules remain the way they are now, my husband will be our child’s main caregiver as well. I know not many people think it’s traditional, but he will be such a wonderful dad–I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Happy Birthday, Mike! Your girls are so lucky to have you and I know we all wish we could make it perfect for you.
Susan says:
Happy Birthday, Mike! 🙂
Belle says:
Gah!! This put a huge lump in my throat. I think my dad is one of the best out there, and hearing about others just makes my heart warm. 🙂 Lucky girls.
Deidre says:
Your one lucky gal!
.-= Deidre´s last blog ..End The Funeral With A Wedding =-.
Miss E says:
Happy birthday to Mike! You are all lucky to have such a wonderful man in your lives. Here’s to a happy next year for you all.
.-= Miss E´s last blog ..Payson, You Will Always Hold A Part Of Me =-.
Jess says:
Happy Birthday Mike!!!!!
Leslie says:
Happy birthday, Mikey!
missy says:
Happy Birthday Mike!!
You are an amazing person, husband, father and friend, and loved by many.
Margo says:
Happy Birthday Poppa Mike!
.-= Margo´s last blog ..Tuesday is sponsored by Dunder Mifflin =-.
Lex - @laprimera says:
I remember how Mike made such an impression on me. Hearing him speak about Maddie and being her dad, I thought that’s the kind of daddy every girl should have. Happy Birthday to Mike. & hugs to you both!
Brittany says:
Amazing post for an amazing father and husband! Happy Birthday Mike!
.-= Brittany´s last blog ..I have no cable until Thursday. I am pretty much a pioneer. =-.
Liz says:
What a precious post, and such a sweet father! Happy b-day to Mike!
.-= Liz´s last blog ..The Ornament That Started It All =-.
Rebecca says:
Correct me if I’m wrong but I see a pretty good simliarity in Mike’s eyes…not the color…but something about the shape and eyebrow……How sweet.
.-= Rebecca´s last blog ..What Would You Do? =-.
Michele says:
Happy Birthday to a man who really does seem like the best Daddy and Hubby there could be! The pic of Mike and Maddie in her “worth the wait” outfit is stunning and so beautiful.
Wishing only good things for you this year…
Michele in Staten Island, NY
.-= Michele´s last blog ..Baked =-.
Karin says:
Happy Birthday Mike!!!
Jess says:
Happy Birthday to a wonderful man. I can only hope to meet someone as caring and wonderful as you are, and continue to be to Heather.
Corinne says:
Happy Birthday Mike!
Those pictures are precious.
Karen Chatters says:
Happy Birthday Mike!! I love the pictures, they are such a cute pair.
.-= Karen Chatters´s last blog ..The Obligatory Santa Visit =-.
Michele says:
Happy Birthday to such a wonderful husband and father
.-= Michele´s last blog ..Make Your Voice Heard =-.
Tina says:
Happy Birthday Mike.
You are a wonderful daddy. Someone for other fathers to look up to.
God Bless you and your beautiful family!!!!
Andrea says:
What beautiful photos and memories. You can tell by the look in her eyes how much she loves her Daddy 😀
Happy Birthday Mike!
Rhonda says:
Happy Birthday Mike! Heather is perfect, is she not?: )
I love the way, you two write about and to each other. Sometimes the words are so hard to say but, when you write/type them , sometimes…they ARE perfect.
simplelifemommy says:
LOVE the onesie! Happy Birthday, Mike! xoxo
Debi Powell says:
The pictures you chose to honor his day were perfect! They speak volumes about how he and Maddie felt about each other! Happy Birthday Mike!
Binky is one lucky chick!
Karen says:
I think you just did, Heather.
.-= Karen´s last blog ..Misery Loves Cookies =-.
april says:
i just came across your blog and i have been reading it for hours…i am NOT kidding. maddie is such a beautiful girl. reading about her was heartbreaking but also inspiring. i will never forget her smile:) i am a l&d nurse and i will think of you and maddie when caring for our pproms.
God bless
Dawn says:
*tear*
Happy birthday Mike!
Mike’s blog spoke volumes of the kind of Daddy he is and yours speaks volumes of the kind of Momma you are, Heather.
Maddie & Binkie are SO very blessed to have parents like you!
.-= Dawn´s last blog ..Sign of the Times =-.
Elise says:
Happy birthday to a wonderful father and husband!
Domestic Extraordinaire says:
Happy Birthday Mike
((hugs)) to you both.
.-= Domestic Extraordinaire´s last blog ..And then you turned fifteen =-.
amy says:
Love the gorgeous pics 🙂 Both of them look like such sweethearts in them.
Happy Birthday Mike.
pgoodness says:
Good thing this lump in my throat doesn’t keep me from typing!
So lucky. Happy Birthday to your daughters’ daddy.
.-= pgoodness´s last blog ..Story in 100 words =-.
Chris says:
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful Dad and husband. You 4 girls are all very lucky to have him. I hope Rigby is home to celebrate his birthday with you, and here’s to sending Mike some birthday wishes. You and Mike just..it’s a beautiful thing to read and see how much you love each other, and Binky is going to be one lucky girl to have you both as parents (As is Maddie) he sounds like SuperDad/husband.
As so often happens when I read your posts I said to myself “why didn’t I come prepared with tissues?”
Stefanie says:
I love love love this post. So sweet and so simple and so true. Mike is a wonderful daddy -attentive, involved and so nurturing. If I didn’t know better I’d think he might be gay.
xxoo
Dee Dee says:
What a beautiful tribute and thank you so much for helping me find the perfect 2009 ornament for our family while helping give to the March of Dimes!
VDog says:
Oh Mikey Poo. I wubz you.
Happy Birthday, old man. You don’t look a day over 29. 😛
{Great post, Heather. :D}
Vaness says:
Aw, what an awesome post for Mike’s birthday!
.-= Vaness´s last blog ..Beyond Words… =-.
Molly says:
Happy birthday, Mike (we have the same birthday)!
Heather, not only is your husband an amazing father, he is good-looking too! 🙂
Kellee says:
Happy Birthday yesterday, Mike. I wished it to you, then, and I’ll wish it again now! 🙂
I have ALWAYS found you both to be so amazing. I will always be glad that you both at the opportunity to have your daily life be Maddie’s caregiver. Not everyone gets that chance, especially the papas.
.-= Kellee´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: Winter still yields the possibility of growth =-.
Katie C. says:
Happy Birthday, Mike! And Heather – you have given him so much. You gave him Maddie and you will always have her memory to share… what more of a birthday present could he ask for? And pretty soon, you will have “Binkie”.
God bless you both!
Alicia @bethsix says:
Happy birthday, Mike! The pictures of Mike and Maddie are priceless. Love that second one with the lip. Such a beautiful, sweet, sweet baby girl.
.-= Alicia @bethsix´s last blog ..Things I’ve Done Today That I’ve Blamed On Being “Tired” =-.
cheryl says:
Happy Birthday Maddie’s dad!
Danny says:
Fantastic pictures of pappy-hood! Hope Mike had a great birthday.
.-= Danny´s last blog ..Merry Christmas from the Crosbys =-.
Childwoman says:
Hope Mike had a great birthday…and Maddy looks sooo much like Mike!
Lisa says:
what great pictures and such a sweet post.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..What’s Ahead =-.
Al_Pal says:
Awwww. So sweet.
Happy belated Birthday, Mike!