This One's For You, Adam!

Dear Adam,

Here comes a public letter of my admiration of your Daddy-ness. 

You are awesome. You are needed. You are so dearly loved. In case there is ever a doubt, you are absolutely a necessary part of this family's equation.  

The role you play in Nolan's life is not one I want to compete with. The relationship and bond you boys share is precious and priceless and part of what makes Nolan who he is. Your presence in his days makes him feel more confident and steady. I know this because we've been without you for the past 3.5 days. 

There's lots of talk about how wonderful and sacred the relationship is between mother and child. And obviously I know that Nolan loves me, needs me, wants me, etc. But I don't think dads get enough credit. So hear me when I say this: I so value your relationship with our son(s) and know you play a significant part in his (their) well being. I am not the only one doing the shaping, the nurturing, and the rearing. And boy, am I glad!

This parenting gig was meant to be a team effort. And I'm so glad you're on my team. Or I'm on yours. That we're in this together. I love the ways we balance each other out and let each other's strengths shine. I love that you light up our little boy's world with your silly antics. I love that you make him laugh harder than anyone else. 

I love that he's watching you, Adam. I'm so thankful that I'm not having to teach him how to be a man. Because that's just not my job. It's yours. And you're doing it so well. No, I wouldn't let him hold a razor this young, but he loves that you do that with him. I look forward to watching you teach him and train him in the ways of manhood (and have the sex talk, thankyouverymuch). Your voice in his life is so crucial. 

This son of ours, he missed you something fierce. He hoped upon hope with every sound he heard that you were coming home. Every time my phone rang. Every time we heard a knock. Every time he woke up. Daddy? And my heart both ached and soared. You, my love, are a fantastic dad. You're Daddy status in Nolan's life is on lock! 

We love you. We love your place in our family. We certainly felt incomplete without you. I doubt Nolan will show just how happy he is to see you tomorrow, but I know that his insides will be bursting with joy. His life will feel normal again, and he'll be safe in your arms. And inevitably, he'll demand to be in mine. Adam Tomberlin, you are a hunk of a husband and a heck of dad! I'm so happy to do life with you. 

Now come home. 
PLEASE.

Love,

Yours Truly 

10 Truths Tuesday

Just 10 things that are true for this Tomberlin family, in no particular order. 

1. Nolan, age 19 months, is currently obsessed with rhinos. He super loves animals right now, but the rhino has won his heart. His first encounter with one at the zoo has changed him forever (which in toddler time is like 2 weeks). When he talks to you about the rhino, he will definitely let you know it pooped. Yes. Nolan saw the rhino poop, and his world has never been the same since. 

This is Nolan looking at the rhino he so dearly loves. 

2. This pregnancy I've done some things differently. I've exercised a lot more than I ever did with Nolan, and I've resisted the urge to give in to my worst cravings. But lately I've completely succumbed to my desire for 2 things: avocado and banana peppers. YUM. They always sound good. Not necessarily together, though I have put them both on a salad or wrap. 

3. I've never really loved the season of spring, but I am very excited to transition seasons. VERY EXCITED. I'm over the cold temperatures. I'm tired of being indoors. Come on, Spring. I'm ready for you. Nolan's ready for you. Simba probably isn't ready for you, but that's okay. 

4. I helped my mom throw a bridal shower for my cousin last month, and I'm throwing one for my sister next month. Though a little tricky at times to work on  and shop for these shindigs with Nolan, I do find myself enjoying it. Not because I'm great at throwing a pinterest worthy party (I'm not), but because I really, really want the guest of honor to feel special. I want my sister to feel celebrated, loved, and cherished. That's what keeps me going on all of the details. And I love a reason to be crafty and creative. 

5. Nolan still loves my hair. It's very soothing and comforting for him to have his little hands in my hair. When I'm putting him to bed, he snuggles into my chest and interlocks his fingers in my hair, and that's pretty much his happy place. 

6. I've been treasuring these times as a family of 3. I keep thinking about how everything is going to change soon. But I felt that way right before Nolan was born too. I've never once in Nolan's life wished to go back to the days of just me and Adam. So, I'm trusting that to be true with Simba too. I am certainly aware that the transition could be hard on Nolan. Each night I pray for Nolan's sweet heart to be feel safe and sure and confident of his place in our family when Simba gets here. And I'm praying for a crazy early bond with his brother. 

7. Adam started a new job last week. A job we prayed and believed and prayed some more for. It's exciting to see him fired up, excited, and eager about this new position. 

8. Nolan's curls are still irresistible. 

We went through a season of Nolan insisting on being only in his diaper each morning. 

9. We are very much in the middle of basketball season. Adam has taught Nolan how to "thunder dunk" on his basketball hoop. And our little one and a half year old nugget has come to love watching basketball. Preferably with a basketball in his hands. How stinkin' cute is that?! 

10. This final truth goes with my karate chopping skills. I've been working to combat any anxiety regarding delivery with Scripture. Again, I'm not doing this to assure myself a "pass" on any hardships during delivery. I'm wanting to arm myself with Truth as my tools to fight fear. I might need to write all the verses I'm collecting on 3x5 cards to hang around the apartment in these final weeks of pregnancy. 

"I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure." Psalm 16:8-9

"For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness. For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God- his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him." Psalm 18:28-30