At 1:36 in the afternoon on a summer’s day not too long in the past, a girl came into the world who loved people. Three minutes later she was followed into the world by her brother who, after having spent nine months cuddled up next to her, was the first person she loved.
It wasn’t long, however, before the girl found other people to love. There was her mommy, for example, who was always there with a kiss, cuddle, or diaper change.
There was also her father, who entertained the girl with funny faces and a mustache that boldly proclaimed, “I am a man of the 1970s.”
As much as the girl loved these three people, she found that she still had room in her heart to love more. She made her grandmother the next recipient of her love, and grandma lovingly baked delicious treats in return.
Now the girl had four people she loved, but she wasn’t going to stop there. She had too many aunts, uncles, cousins, and family friends to love as well.
Soon the girl had lots of people she loved (at least a Baker’s Dozen as Grandma would say), but she still longed for more.
Luckily a day came when the girl and her brother were packed into Eighties-style clothes and sent to school where she met classrooms full of people she could love. For the next twelve years she opened her heart to just about every kid who crossed her path, and often commemorated these wonderful friends by taking horribly awkward teenage photos.
On graduation day she looked around and found that she still had room in her heart for more people, so she packed up her things (leaving behind her Debbie Gibson posters) and went to college. There she made even more wonderful friends to love, and often raised a glass in their honor.
Four years later the girl was given another diploma (one which regrettably came much faster than the one before) and was sent off into the world to fend for herself.
One night, while singing at a karaoke bar with her brother and some friends, she happened upon a boy who caught her eye (on account of his awesomeness). Despite already having so many friends and family members who she loved, the girl decided that she had room in her heart for one more.
A few years later the girl and this boy got married, and danced the night away high above Los Angeles with so many of those people the girl (and boy) loved.
Later that year the girl, upon remembering how happy she was growing up with her family, decided that she could love even more people and start a family of her own. She welcomed into her home a “puppy baby,” a ball of fluff who to this day follows the girl around like her shadow.
Not long after that the girl and boy welcomed an amazing baby named Maddie into their lives.
Maddie needed a little extra love, but luckily the girl still had lots and lots of room left in her heart, and gave Maddie so much of it that the two were forever linked no matter where the fates may have taken them.
In time another amazing baby arrived, this time named Annie, and the girl found that she could give Annie an equally ginormous part of her heart.
Even after loving so many people the girl still wanted to love more, so she opened her computer and made friends with all kinds of incredible people from all over the world.
Today – exactly thirty-three years after she first came into this world – the girl (now a woman) will wake on her birthday to find this post from the boy (now a man with a spare tire). He’s hoping that, instead of finding it cheesy, she will see it as a tribute from someone who cherishes her for loving so deeply and so often, and for always finding a little more space in her heart for those she meets along the way.
Happy Birthday, Sweetheart. Thank you for opening your heart to this big lug and loving me (and our girls) as fiercely as you do. We love you. (P.S. I also got you presents and cake.)
Jay- The Dude of the House says:
I loved this.
Happy Birthday, Heather.
J in Eire says:
Happy birthday Heather !!! I hope you have a truly wonderful day, knowing how much you are loved by all the people you have open heartedly loved. I especially love your words written about your baby girls, this is a beautiful gift to Heather Mike, You were made for each other.
Mijke says:
Happy Birthday, Heather!
May there forever be people around you to love (and be loved by)!
Melissa says:
Beautiful.
Also, Heather seriously looks like she hasn’t aged since high school. Totally not fair.
Becky says:
What a wonderful post and story! Mike, you are awesome. Happy Birthday, Heather!
ShelliOZ says:
Happy Birthday Heather.
Mike you really are awesome!
Annalisa says:
Awwww! I’m sure she’ll love it (but cake and presents are good too!)
Mommy says:
This is one of the cutest, sweetest thing I have ever read. Truly. What a thoughtful and touching birthday message to your amazing wife.
Happy Birthday, Heather!!
Lisa says:
Happiest of birthdays to you, Heather! Hope you have a wonderful day!!!
Bec says:
Oh I bet she balls – I did!!!
Happy Birthday!!! What a man you have.
Holly Bracken says:
Gorgeous post Mike! Happy happy birthday Heather!
Heather says:
Happy birthday, Heather! You have been blessed with love!
Beautiful job, Mike!
Tina says:
This is utterly wonderful and very, very sweet, Mike. I’m so glad you and Heather found each other. Happy birthday, Heather, from a total stranger living 5,000 miles away!
karen says:
That has got to be the BEST way to say happy birthday to someone you love!
Happy Birthday ‘Girl’, hope its a wonderful day for you with your ‘Boy’!
Becca_Masters says:
Incredibly beautiful and moving.
Heather is a very lucky lady!
Jen says:
…and now I’m not only laid up in the recliner at 4 am, but I’m all teary eyed too.
Beautiful post Mike.
Katrina @ They All Call Me Mom says:
If this post can bring tears to MY eyes, I can only imagine it will have Heather bawling (well okay, not exactly bawling, but I bet she gets a lump in her throat, at least!)
Happy Birthday, Heather!
Jenn says:
HaPPY B- Day Heather!
AudNoL says:
What a sweet gift. Happy Birthday, Heather!
Tam. says:
This is really beautiful. Plus cake and presents?? Awesomeness!
Happy Birthday!!!
Angela De Benedetto says:
Happy Birthday Heather
Marsha says:
This was awesome!!!!!!!!
Happy Birthday Heather!!!!!!!!!!
Michele says:
What a sweet post! A perfect present, in my book (especially given that there’s cake, too.)
Happy birthday, Heather! Hope it’s the start to a fantastic year.
Katie says:
Awesome.
That picture of Maddie and Heather (with the hair) is one of my all-time favorites.
Happy birthday Heather!
Alison C says:
Happy Birthday Heather!
Mike you made me cry!
Claire says:
Wow Mike, this was beautiful. Love reading this site so much, I hope you both know that you touch so many lives even all the way down here in Australia.
Happy Birthday Heather! Have a great day and enjoy your presents and cake and celebrating with your beautiful family.
Sue says:
What a beautiful, beautiful post Mike! Happy Birthday, Heather!!!!!!!
Deirdre says:
I think this is adorable. My eyes always seem to skip over who writes each post but I can usually tell within the first sentence or two if it’s Mike or Heather. And I thought this one was Heather (I know how she loves her birthday!) until the very end.
Laura says:
Me too!
Colleen says:
Happy Birthday Heather!
(and Kyle too!)
Lee Cockrum says:
Happy birthday Heather! Hope it is a great day!
And great post Mike!
Barbara says:
Happy Birthday Heather!
Lori says:
This brought tears to my eyes. Sweetest thing ever. Happy Birthday.
trish says:
HaPpY BiRtHdAy HeAtHeR!!!!!
Wishing you the BEST birthday ever!
With a beautiful family like that..who needs gifts! but you deserve a truck load!! esp. since you apparently need to share some w/Annie lol! ;o)
P.s. Mike you ROCK!! You are such an awesome hubby n daddy! what a an amazing post! You and Heather are such a great couple, love you guys!
Darlene Van Omen says:
Wishing you a very Happy Birthday and a lifetime of happiness and more Love!!!!!! Enjoy!!
cj says:
that was so sweet and so beautiful! WOW!
happy birthday!
Tracey says:
Aww Mike that was so sweet. Happy Birthday Heather!
nicole says:
Happy Birthday!
Brooke says:
Happy Birthday, Heather! I hope you have a wonderful day and are spoiled rotten.
Mike, well done and well said. Brought tears to my eyes.
Martha H. says:
Happy Birthday, Heather!
Jackie S. says:
Happy Birthday, Heather!!
Your birthday is the day before mine I hope you have an incredible day full of amazing surprises, much love, and a ginormous birthday cake!!!!
Jackie
Meghan says:
Happy Birthday Heather!! What a sweet tribute to an awesome woman!
Mike, “you done good.”
Barbi Emel says:
Great job Mike & Happy Birthday Heather!!
meg...ct says:
precious…happy day
Janna says:
I don’t think I’ve ever commented before but this is all kinds of awesomeness! You rock, Mike!
Happy birthday, Heather!
Erica says:
What a fantastic post, Mike, a wonderful birthday tribute to the wonderful Heather who has won the hearts of so many. Wishing you a very, very Happy Birthday lovely Heather, I hope you have a very special day with your special people.
andy says:
Have a wonderful birthday!!!!
Rory says:
Happy Birthday Heather!
This was one of the sweetest things I’ve read in a while.
TonyaM says:
LOVE this. I guess because I’m still half asleep I didn’t realize Mike wrote it until the end. This is absolutely the sweetest thing, and now I feel badly for giving him a hard time. Mike? This reader now thinks it’s fine for you to say ” We’re pregnant!” while wearing slippers in public.
Happy, happy birthday, Heather!
Amy says:
Happy Birthday Heather, an amazing woman, wife, and mother! You trulky inspire me!
Colleen says:
Happy Birthday Heather!!
Jesika says:
Happy birthday! This is so sweet!!
Rebekah says:
Beautiful. Well done, Mike.
Happy birthday Heather!!
Lisa F. says:
Heather’s one lucky girl! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Brandy says:
This had me in tears! What an awesome birthday tribute!
Happy birthday Heather!!
Stacy says:
That is absolutely beautiful, Mike!! I have tears in my eyes!!
Happy Birthday, Heather!
Amanda says:
Aw, that was such an incredibly sincere and sweet post! Heather is a lucky girl
Rebecca says:
This was an amazing post and about he sweetest thing I have ever read. Happy Birthday Heather! I hope your day is a special as you are to so many people.
Mandy says:
oh my word, that is the sweetest thing ever!
Happy Birthday Heather!
Judy says:
I hope your day is as wonderful as you are. Happy Birthday!!!
Valerie says:
Geez, way to make a girl cry at her desk at work.
Happy Birthday Heather!!
Miche says:
Mike, that is the sweetest And Happy HAPPY birthday Heather!
Johanna says:
What a lovely post Mike. Happy Birthday Heather. May your day be fabulous!
KDot says:
This is pretty much the sweetest thing ever
Stephanie says:
Happy Birthday!!!
Susan says:
Very sweet.
Happy Birthday, Heather!!!
Jules says:
Awww Mike how lovely. I just got a bit teary at work–not cheesy definitely sweet–AND it comes with presents and Cake, lucky girl Heather
Mary says:
That.Was.Awesome. What a great way to start the gift giving. Hope you all enjoy the day, and the Happiest of birthday wishes to you, Heather.
Natalie says:
Aww shucks. I have something in my eye.
That was lovely. Great job Mike. Happy Birthday Heather!
Editdebs says:
Wow. Way to make me cry first thing in the morning, Mike! That was really lovely.
Happy Birthday, Heather. May your day be filled with lots of laughter and cake and your year with much joy.
Susan C. says:
Happy Birthday, Heather. I hope you have a glorious day surrounded by all the people you love.
Mike – you are a gem!
chantelle says:
Happy Birthday, Heather! Awesome post, Mike!
AmazingGreis says:
LOVE this!
Happy Birthday Heather! Thank you for taking me in as your friend and loving me too. I hope today is fabulous and filled with unlimited amounts of wine (or other booze, we’re not picky!), cake and HUGS from those you LOVE! Wish I lived closer so I could hug you in person!!
XOXO
Suzanne says:
Happy Birthday Heather! It must be the day for awesome people to be born. I have a sweet little guy who is turning 10 today. You may not get a cool Lego castle like he did, but I hope you enjoy your presents and cake too.
Kristen says:
Wow! What a guy! That was such a beautiful post. I hope the rest of your birthday is even better. Have fun celebrating with your amazing family!
Happy birthday!
Lindsey says:
So lovely! Great job, Mike! Happy Birthday, Heather!
Kim says:
You’re a lucky lady, Heather, to have such a wonderful husband. (Mike is just as lucky.)
Bampa is rocking that ‘stache. And I don’t say that too often. LOL
Kim says:
Also, good luck topping this next year, Mike. You set the bar too high for yourself. You better start saving for that trip to Europe.
Happy Birthday Heather!!!!!
Erin Christine says:
Happy Happy Birthday to you, Heather! You are so blessed with an amazing husband, daughters, family, and friends who absolutely adore you. I hope this is a magical year for you, and I can’t wait to read about your adventures. Enjoy those presents and cake:-)
Mike, there are no words…what a lovely tribute to your wife. You are a treasure!
TamaraL says:
Agggh, Mike…you made me cry! (I am NOT a crier!!)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HEATHER!! I truly hope your day is as special as you are!
Erin says:
Awwww….Mike, you are too sweet. Happy Birthday, Heather!!
Deb Young says:
Sniff, sniff. How sweet! Happy Birthday Heather!
Helen says:
Happy Birthday, Heather!
I don’t know how any of the presents you bought, Mike, could possibly top this post!
Kristen says:
Happy Birthday Heather! And Mike, this was a beautiful post. What a sweet tribute to your lovely wife! Hope you all have a great day celebrating!!
Becky C says:
*sniff*sniff*
You did good picking this boy, Heather! He’s a keeper!;)
Happy Birthday!!!
Angi says:
Happy Birthday Heather!!!
What a sweet post. I hope your day progresses as wonderfully as it no doubt, starts.
Jessica says:
Oh my gosh this is better than any present or cake. And I didn’t know you were a twin Heather. I have two surviving triplets, a boy and a girl and I hope that they are always close and full of love for each other.
Happy Birthday!
Elizabeth says:
Happy Birthday Heather! Hope you have a fabulous day.
Good job Mike
Lauren says:
What a beautiful post, Mike!
Happy happy birthday, Heather!
Cory says:
Happy Birthday Heather!!! (and great job on the post, Mike)
Morgan Brasfield says:
This made me cry. Happy Birthday. You are truly blessed.
Nellie says:
Such an incredibly loving and beautiful post!
Happy Birthday, Heather! I’ve never met you and only know you through your blog but I want you to know how deeply your words and your life’s journey have greatly impacted my life. YOU and your family are amazing!!
HeidiLee says:
Oh, what a lovely gift to open in the morning! Happy Birthday Heather! AND cake and presents later? WOOT!
Lisa says:
Now that’s some good love. Happy Birthday.
Another Casey says:
This is lovely. Happy birthday Heather!
Melli says:
Happy birthday!
Good job, Mike.
Jen C says:
Happy birthday, Heather! I hope your day brings lots of love, lots of cake, and lots of presents!
farrar says:
Happy Birthday Heather! So sweet Mike! :0)
Emily says:
So sweet! Hope you have a wonderful birthday, Heather!
Christa says:
Happy birthday Heather! Mike, that is the sweetest post!
Melanie says:
This is awesome! Happy Birthday Heather!
Kristin says:
Tears running down my face. This is amazing!! Happy Birthday Heather!!!
lisa gleeson says:
Aww Mike, that was so sweet, it made me cry, in a good way Please tell your wife Happy Birthday for me.
Lisa
Marla says:
Happy Birthday, Heather!
Marjorie says:
This was a beautiful way to say Happy Birthday to Heather Mike!
Very thoughtful.
Happy Birthday Heather! Hope you have a great day and year.
Terri says:
Best present ever!! Happy Birthday Heather!
Kate says:
So sweet, loved it. Happy Birthday Heather!
Expat Mom says:
Happy birthday, Heather! Love this post, Mike, good job.
Jana says:
Happy Birthday Heather!!!! Beautiful Post Mike!
PattyB says:
Wow, Mike! I was doing fine reading this until I got toward the end, that’s when my eyes flooded with tears. Happy Birthday, Heather! You are a very lucky woman and your family is very lucky to have you as well. Enjoy your day – I hope it is fantastic!
christine says:
Many more happys, Heather! And Mike, you rock.
Michell DuBose says:
Happy Birthday Heather! Hope its a good one. Mike, you win the husband of the decade award! That was such a wonderful post!
Steph says:
Mike, that is so, so sweet. happy bday Heather!
Andrea says:
What a sweet tribute, Mike! You two are very lucky to have each other. Thanks for brightening my morning.
Happy Birthday Heather!
You have a very special birthday; it is also my dad’s. Today he would have been 69 but he unfortunately passed away in January after a courageous battle with cancer.
So live it up today! My dad lived life to the fullest, like no one else I’ve ever known. It makes me happy to know of others who share his birthday and can rock June 27th like he would have.
Jen says:
Happy Birthday Heather! Mike – didn’t pick up at first that you wrote this post, what a great surprise, nice job!
alimartell says:
Perfection.
You’re a good egg, Mike Spohr.
Tami says:
Happy Birthday Heather!
Even though I have never meet you I feel I still know you. I hope your special day is a full of surprises and and Fun.
Enjoy your day.
Kelly says:
Happy Birthday Heather! What a wonderful way to wake up… to this sweet post from a loving husband. Have a great day!
Kristen @ The Chronicles of Dutch says:
This is so lovely Mile! Tearing up over here.
Happy Birthday Heather! May you have a wonderful day!
Kristen says:
This post has to be the SWEETEST post ever! Happy Birthday, Heather!
Shelly says:
Happy Birthday Heather! Hope it’s a wonderful day! What a sweet post.
Adrianne says:
Aw, this got me really teary-eyed! Mike, you are awesome and Heather, you are incredibly lucky! Well you both are– there is so much love in both of your lives.
Happy Birthday Heather! Hope Mike and the rest of your family make it a very special day!
Sara Mc. says:
Holy smokes Batman! What a beautifully written post. (tearing up at work.) Happy birthday Heather! May your day be filled with love and awesomeness.
Ashley says:
Happy Birthday, Heather.
Amazing tribute, Mike. That would score my husband wayyy more points that presents & cake!
Enjoy the day!
Nanette says:
You’re the best, Mike, and you and Heather are PERFECT for each other! Love this so much.
Happy birthday, Heather!
xoxo
rc says:
Mike, you got me – RIGHT.THERE. *sniff* Heather, I hope you have a wonderful birthday, filled with lots of hugs and kisses from all your loved ones. You are a lucky, lucky woman to have a man that writes you such a sweet post!
Carol Fisher says:
Happy Birthday to a woman who feels like a dear friend, even though I’ve never met you! I hope this day and the upcoming year are spectacular!
cindy w says:
Happy happy birthday, Heather!
(And well done, Mike.)
Kelly W says:
Ok, now I’m crying…it’s so nice to know that there are still guys like Mike out there in the world. Mike, amazing post!
Heather, happy happy happy birthday!!
Sonya aka Glam-O-Mommy says:
Happy birthday Heather! And Mike, this made me cry. What a sweet post. You’ve got a great guy here, Heather, but then, you know that! Hope y’all have a wonderful day and an even better year filled with many blessings and lots of love ahead of you!
Patt says:
Happy Birthday, Heather!
Beautiful birthday post, Mike.
Robin says:
OMG what a wonderful present to wake up too! Happy Birthday!
Mel says:
One of the best posts I have ever read, Mike. So sweet!
Happy Birthday, Heather!
ps. your parents haven’t changed one bit! omg
Melissa says:
How sweet of you Mike! Happy Birthday Heather! Hope you have a wonderful day with your family!!
Thanks for sharing a part of your love with us!
Sheridan says:
This is so sweet…Mike you are amazing! Heather, I hope you have a fantastic birthday~
Sheridan
Melissa says:
Happy Birthday Heather, I hope you have a very special day.
Catherine says:
Happy Birthday Heather!
You have a pretty great husband in addition to your cake and presents!
Felicia Collins says:
Happy Birthday!!! And, oh the tears!! What an amazing post. You are loved.
Laura says:
I’m not gonna lie, this post brought a tear or 2 to my eyes.
Happy Birthday!
Jan says:
Happy, Happy Birthday Heather…from a complete stranger in GA!!!
Mike you made me cry!! What a lucky girl Heather is!! And Annie too!! So very Loved….
Joy says:
Heather your truly and utterly loved by your man, how awesome! Mike a job very well done, had tears in my eyes.
Brigid says:
What a beautiful post! Love seeing such adoration for a spouse! What a sweet couple you make! Happy Birthday Heather!
Jeannine says:
Happy Birthday Heather!
Gorgeous post for a gorgeous lady
Lisa says:
Happy Birthday, Heather! Enjoy your special day.
Kathy C says:
where is the LOVE button?
Great tribute.
happy birthday.
jess says:
what a sweet sweet birthday post. happy birthday, heather! i hope your day is wonderful!
Jaime says:
Mike, you are an awesome husband and father. This post was SO sweet. Happy Birthday Heather!!!!!!!
Jaime says:
Mike, you are an awesome husband and father. This post was SO sweet. Happy Birthday Heather!!!!!!!!! And Uncle Kyle!
Pattie says:
Wishing Heather the happiest of birthdays. I imagine this post will contribute a big part of that happiness. Way to go, Mike!
May your world continue to be filled with much love.
Jane says:
Totally made me cry! Happy birthday Heather! And I’m still convinced that picture is Annie!
Laura says:
Good thing I hadn’t put any mascara on yet! Thanks a lot Mike
Happy Birthday Heather (and Kyle!) Hope you have a great great day!
Celi says:
Happy birthday, Heather!!
Dacia says:
Mike, this is a beautiful tribute! Thank you for sharing Heather and the girls with us. Happy birthday, Heather (and Uncle Kyle)! May you have many, many more!
Gabby Zarate says:
Happy Birthday Heather!! You got an AMAZING husband and your daughters are beautiful, just like you. Oh and Rigby is pretty cute too! Enjoy your day
Rachel says:
Happy Birthday Heather! The end of this post made me say Awwwww” as I hadn’t figured out it was wrtiten by Mike until the end (not very bright early in the morning I guess).
Have a great day & enjoy!
Janette says:
This is so sweet! And to think there was cake too! Happy birthday, Heather!
Lisa says:
Happy Birthday, Heather!
What a beautiful post, Mike.
Liz says:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEATHER!
Carrie says:
Awesome. I’m sure Heather will love this. What a sweet and adorable husband you are.
Happy Birthday Heather! Hope you have an awesome day and eat a poop load of cake!
Lisa says:
Mike, you are the sweetest!
Happy Birthday, Heather!! I hope you have a fabulous day.
robin says:
this was so sweet! Happy birthday!
Kristi says:
Incredibly sweet!
Happy birthday, Heather!
Ashlea says:
Happy Birthday Heather!! Mike, you are the absolute sweetest!!
Lydia says:
Wow. So not cheesy. Wonderful post, Mike.
Happy Birthday, Heather!
Michelle says:
Happy Birthday, Heather! I hope its a wonderful day! Well done, Mike! What a great tribute to a beautiful person!
Cristy says:
Wow, that was a beautiful post. It’s obvious that you live Heather as much as she loves all of those around her.
Happy birthday Heather!
debi says:
Happy Birthday Heather!! I know this will be a wonderful day. Much love,debi
Lisa says:
Love it!!
Happy birthday, Heather! Wishing you more love with every coming day.
Gamanda says:
What a great tribute, Mike!
Happy birthday Heather! Hope it continues to be as amazing as it started.
Marnie* says:
This is so sweet! Great job Mike. Happy Birthday Heather!
cynthia says:
What a man! Good job snagging that one, Heather. And Happy Birthday!!
KJ says:
Happy birthday, Heather! Wishing you a wonderful year ahead.
Amy Collen says:
Oh my goodness! When I first read it I thought it was Heather writing, then I realized it was you, Mike! So, of course, the tears started flowing. What a beautiful thing to write to your lovely wife! Best present ever in my book :). Happy Birthday, Heather!
Carrie says:
Beautiful post, Mike! Happy birthday, Heather!
Mumtaz says:
AMAZING post Mike! Happy Birthday Heather!!
Lanie says:
Mike – you are the best – this post wins! Heather hope that you are having a very happy birthday!
Monica says:
Probably the best birthday present ever! I love this! I hope you have a fantastic birthday! P.S. I hope the cake and presents were good too!
Kristin (MamaKK922) says:
This is one of the sweetest things I have ever read. Heather you are so amazingly lucky to have found Mike. And to share the love you have for your girls and everyone else in your ginormous heart. Happy Birthday Heather! I hope it’s as special as you.
Christie says:
This made me both laugh and cry.
I absolutely love the Spohr family! I come here daily to see Annie growing up and read about all the adventures. In some way, I feel like a part of your family. Thank you for sharing your lives with us :^)
Meli says:
What an incredibly beautiful tribute, Mike. You joked about the awesomeness, but it is there, in both of you and in your two beautiful daughters. I love your family and I don’t even “know you” know you!
Hugs from Texas and Happy Birthday, Heather!!
Jen says:
Well played, Mike. Well played.
I’ve been reading Heather’s blog for years and never commented. This post was a home run.
Heather says:
Happy Birthday, Heather! I hope year 33 is better than ever and full of even more love! Mike, thanks for making me cry like a fool at work. You two are absolutely wonderful in so many ways!
Procrastamom says:
Happy Birthday, Heather!
(and Mike? You’re one of the good ones!)
Auntie_M says:
Happy Birthday to the Girl who loves so much that she doesn’t seem to age at all! Miraculous.
(And, Mike, thanks for the trip down her memory lane, and for making me cry! You are an amazing husband! Lucky Heather!)
michelle in mo says:
I think she will think this is one of the sweetest and most awesome things you’ve ever done! I encourage you to get this made into a book. Your children will love it!
Happy Birthday Heather (and Kyle)!
Brittany says:
Beautiful! Happy Birthday Heather!
Sarah says:
How could she not love that?? Happy Birthday Heather!!!
Skye says:
Oh, this is awesome! Happy birthday, Heather!
Nancy Raine Smego says:
Happy Birthday Heather and Mike, I love you!
trina says:
well now… just out of surgery laying here high on pain meds with tears streaming down my cheeks (partly due to your beautiful birthday tribute to your wife mike and partly due to the drugs) this is a post that needs to be printed out and framed. a “always and forever” memory. heather? happy birthday from a complete stranger in idaho. and might i tell you that your husband’s letter to you is way better than cake. and, depending on the magnitude/size of the gifts is way better than gifts. i’m kidding. happy birthday!
Britt @ BalancedBritt says:
SO SWEET! Happy Birthday Heather!
Leslie says:
Happy happy birthday, Heather! What a loving tribute from Mike. I cannot get over how much Maddie looks like Heather in the very first picture. Hope you are enjoying a lovely day filled with people that you love!
Angela says:
Happy Birthday!
Danielle says:
wow that was amazing. so beautiful! I am so glad I read that today – it made me happy and I hope someday I am loved and love like that!
Heather B. says:
Well done, Mike.
Happy happy birthday, my dear. Lots of love.
Colleen says:
What a great post Mike! I hope she enjoyed it as much as I did.
Happy Birthday Heather – here’s to a good year ahead.
Missy says:
Sweetest. Thing. Ever.
Happy Birthday Heather!
Sue says:
That is one of the most romantic things ever done. Mike, you are a keeper!
Happy birthday, Heather!
Karen M says:
Happy Birthday, Heather!!!
Amy says:
Sweetest. Post. Ever. I didn’t even realize that Mike was writing it until right at the end. It just made it that much sweeter. You guys are so great. Happy Birthday Heather.
Kelly says:
Mike, what a lovely story to Heather on her birthday.
Happiest of happy days to you.
k-mart says:
OMG! This post has me all teary as I sit here at work.
What an amazing and kind post, and what an amazing man. (And of course woman too!)
Happy Birthday!
Long time lurker
kakali Chakraborty says:
What a lovely husband! Mike is such a thoughtful husband! Heather, you and Mike are made for each other! Happy Birthday to you Heather!
Jenny says:
Happy Birthday, Heather.
Brownie points, Mike! Awesome and thoughtful post. Just like you!
Vanessa says:
Awww that was really sweet. And now I have embarrassed myself getting all teary at work!
Happy Birthday Heather!!
Tracy says:
Happy Birthday, Heather!
I am dumbstruck by the baby picture resemblance between Heather and Maddie. I’ve seen some of these pictures before…I’ve just never noticed the resemblance. Amazing.
Well done, Mike.
Chris says:
Happy Birthday Heather!! That is a beautiful post by your husband!! You are one lucky girl!! Enjoy your day!! Happy Birthday to your brother too!!!
Melissa says:
What a beautiful post. Happy Birthday to you, Heather. Those of us in the internet world are so glad that you opened your heart to us and hope that you feel the love you give back a million times!
Anna says:
How sweet, Mike!
And Happy Birthday to Heather! I hope Annie lets you have your very own birthday today.
Heather’s baby pictures look a lot like Maddie! I never saw the resemblance until now.
Shannon says:
This made me cry! Happy Birthday!!
Jeanie says:
Happy birthday, Heather. Mike did an awesome job on this post!
Amelia says:
Whelp, this made me cry.
I hope you have an awesome birthday!!
Leah says:
Happy Birthday! I hope this post is just a start to a fantastic day.
Gale says:
Best. Blog hijacking. Ever.
Lisa says:
Swoon! (and for the record-I DO NOT SWOON!) Happy Birthday Heather!
Stephanie Z says:
Happy Birthday Heather!!
KaraB says:
That was awesome! Happy Birthday Heather!!!
Lynnette says:
And the people love the girl. Happy happy birthday Heather!
Happy birthday to Kyle too. Great post, Mike!
Nancy says:
Love this Mike!! Happy birthday Heather! Hope your day is wonderfully amazing!! And a Happy birthday to Kyle too!!
Kathy says:
Hi, I never comment but I had to thank you for sharing such a beautiful tribute. Happy Birthday, Heather!
Kristin says:
Happy Birthday Heather! Hope your day has been as fabulous as you!
Nikki says:
Happy happy birthday Heather! I hope it was full of love & smiles & hugs & pure awesomeness.
Mike – what a beautiful post!!
Alicia says:
I have been following this blog for about 4 years, and have been moved many times!!!! This has to be one of the sweetest devotions to love I have read!!! LOVE IT. Happy Birthday Heather you lucky girl:)
Christine Hendricks says:
Mike, you are the awesomest..you two sooooooo deserve each other!
Laura says:
Happy Birthday, Heather! Hope you’ve had a wonderful day!
Sophie says:
Happy Happy Birthday Heather!!!!
Staci says:
Sometimes I seriously hate you, Mike. Geez.
Happy birthday, Heather. I’m so lucky to feel like one of your interweb BFFs. Thank you for continuously spreading your love and opening your heart to all of us. You are a beautiful, beautiful soul and I hope you are blessed beyond all comprehension in the year ahead.
Deborah says:
THE MOST AWESOME POST EVER. Mike, you are too much for words. I bet you get lucky tonight.
HAPPY-HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Heather!!! XOXO!
Kayla says:
Happy Birthday Heather!! Hope you have a great one!
(P.S.: Happy Birthday Kyle!)
Allison says:
That brought tears to my eyes….. Happy Birthday Heather! (you are so lucky you found a man with such awesomeness at a Karaoke Bar!!)
shelli says:
Mike that was so sweet. You two have the most precious commitment to each other. Great job! I am sure Heather was so proud…. Not cheesy at all. Especially when you figure that lots of people read this…. All of us women are wishing we had a man that would do that for us.
Mary says:
That is one of the best birthday presents ever. Happy Birthday!Heather…Eat Cake!!
Kay says:
This actually made me tear up. I don’t really believe in love as more than a concept, but this was absolutely incredible and such a sweet gesture. I hope this made Heathers day!
RzDrms says:
It’s 11:30pm CST here, and I’ve had this post on my mind off and on all day since 5:30am. The love and devotion from Mike is so nice and refreshing.
Three things after thinking about this post periodically over the last 18 hours:
(1) This post should actually be titled “The Girl Who People Loved”
(2) Or, alternatively, “The Girl Who Loved Purple”
(3) How hopefully I’ve been today that it’s been, overall, one filled with love and light and joy, for you deserve it, and life almost demands it on days like today.
You’re special, Heather. Thank you for that.
Dee says:
Happy Birthday Heather!
You are one lucky girl to have such an amazing husband and family!
Erica says:
That was so beautifully written!! I hope you continue to love everyone fiercely!! Happy Birthday!!
edenland says:
HOMG.
Awesome post, Mike. Way to go, Idaho.
XXXX
BakingSuit says:
What a ridiculously sweet post. And from what I’ve read and heard, SPOT ON!
Happy Birthday, I hope this year brings you even more love.
Rachel W. says:
This was so, so perfect. I bet this made Heather’s day. You are a wonderful husband and father, Mike.
dysfunctional mom says:
This was SO sweet! I got all choked up.
Happy Belated Birthday to Heather!
Courtney says:
What a beautiful and loving tribute. Hope you had a birthday full of love, Heather!
Toni says:
Wow! What a great guy you’ve got there!
Jolene says:
Lump in throat. That was so BEAUTIFUL.
Shauna says:
Just catching up on my blogs, happy belated birthday Heather!
Can we also bring attention to the fact that Heather HASN’T AGED?! Especially when you see the pictures laid out in chronological order like that, you look exactly the same!
Amanda says:
Happy (belated) birthday Heather! Lots of love!
What a sweet post, Mike!
Sarah says:
happy (belated) birthday Heather Mike, this was a lovely idea. *applauds*
We all love you too Heather x
Also, I never realised before just how much Maddie looks like her mama, those baby photos really highlight the resemblance!
Jessi @ Quirky Cookery says:
So awesome. I'm late to the party as usual, so I hope your birthday was great and that you were able to enjoy it with those you obviously love and are loved by so much.