A few months before our daughter was born, my husband and I went to visit my sister-in-law who had just given birth to a baby boy. On her kitchen table, I noticed some fresh flowers. The card was signed by her husband and said something like, “You’re amazing. I love you.” I gushed and swooned and made sure to point out the flowers and card to my husband.
On the way home, I talked about it a few more times. My husband agreed it was sweet, and got a look in his eyes that said he was making a mental note to do the same thing for me in 3 months.
My daughter’s birth came and went and there were no flowers from my husband. He had forgotten. I was selfishly disappointed for a minute. Then I snapped out of it as I watched him cradle our little girl, sing to her, change her diapers (every single one of them until he went back to work!), give her baths, burp her and jump up faster than a cheetah to get her when she cried. He took care of all the little things. He talked to the nurse to make sure he knew how to swaddle our baby, and then he taught me. He read the books with me, and together we worked on helping our daughter get on a schedule.
He never left our side. He didn’t run off to hang out with friends. He didn’t sneak away to pursue a hobby. He didn’t leave the room to watch TV or play video games. He didn’t even leave to go to the store until both my daughter and I were napping because he couldn’t bear to be away from us. Even when my mom came to help out, he still kept coming home for lunch every day to make me peanut butter sandwiches.
And he’s always been that way. He is a family man and Rebecca man through and through. He is my biggest (only?)fan and our daughter’s favorite guy.
He wakes up early to do chores. He rubs my back EVERY night and plays with my hair when I request it. He makes dinner most nights. He takes care of bath time for our daughter so I can practice the piano. He pays attention to my stories and listens while I talk in detail about the current book I’m reading. He calls me often throughout the day to say, “I love you.” He makes decisions with me. He gets excited about the little things with me.
So he doesn’t bring me flowers very often. But what he brings me is much better. He brings himself home right after work. In fact, he’s told me that he always wants to stop and get me flowers, but he ends up changing his mind because stopping will just take precious minutes away from our together time.
And truly, that Love Message is better to me than any bouquet of flowers because I see and feel his sincerity. He loves me and he loves our daughter (the cat, he could do without). I never ever have to question his devotion because he is always right by my side.
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Sounds like you found a keeper Rebecca. What a sweet family you have. So very happy for you!
Too sweet. AND much better than flowers! They die, and are a waste of money if you ask me…and it’s not just because I don’t get them. I chooses to buy me a new shirt instead. =)
Absolutely love the last picture!
He’s definately NOT your “only” fan! I have to admit that it may not be your “season” for flowers…they are just not in a wise newlywed’s budget. Flowers are nice to look at & may make us smile, but to have someone’s adoration & attention is truly a treasure. What is that saying, “He who gives of his money gives much…but he who gives of himself gives all.”
Beautifully written and great pictures. You have a great family there, Rebecca! Miss you. Debbie Sell