Happy Birthday!

As I write this post, I am not sure if we are going to be celebrating one or two birthdays today. It's for sure Brian's birthday, but baby is also due today, so if I'm in labor, it could be her birthday too, which would be cool since Ivan and I share a day. But I'm actually writing this a week in advance, so I don't know what is going as you read this.

I did want to write though and brag on Brian. He is such a great husband to me and unlike many other people's partners, is very helpful to me with house stuff, child rearing and understanding what it is like to be with the toddlers 24-7. He is good to listen and bring realness to our lives, but has learned to be flexible and accommodate all of our personalities and chaos, despite having grown up as an only child. He cherishes us and time with us and we soak it up. This pic was taken by Ivan who obviously looks up to Brian. His other biggest fan, (after me) is Dominique and I'm sure our next daughter will feel the same way.

Of course we never know what kind of parents we will be until we become one and I've been so pleased by the way that Brian has embraced his part as a parent. He is involved, loving and has become more and more patient, even letting the kids "help" him and tag along in the garden or with house projects- like making their fort/swing set this Christmas. He really loves them and they really love him. He spends time with them, plays with them, gives me breaks by taking them for me from time to time and tries to spend special time with them individually. In a world where fathers have often relinquished their roles and place in parenting, at times physically, socially, spiritually or emotionally, I'm so thankful that Brian is present on all those levels.

Brian is not too uppity to try new things and has taken on a new venture that he is enjoying- house flipping. I think it's so amazing that he just tried out something so new and different for himself and has grown to love it so much already. I know it's hard to learn new things and he is learning everyday, so I am thankful for his stamina, humility and stick-to-itness. Here he is in the first house he is the owner/ flipper of. He works with two other guys and they do beautiful work to make a gorgeous, functional home out of something old and run down.

Hope your birthday is grand Brian!!! We love you.