A Daughter's First Love

The tears are already starting to well up in my eyes as I start this post.  It's moments like this that make so feel so incredibly lucky and in love with my life.  

A month or so ago, I found out about a Father-Daughter Princess Ball at the local YMCA.  It said for ages 2+, but I just didn't know if Riley was too young for it.  Fast forward to just a few days before the Ball and I realized we hadn't decided if Riley was going to go.  Jarrod was really interested, so I headed out to buy her ticket and went on a search for the perfect dress.  Meanwhile, I get a text from Jarrod that said, 'Just ordered Riley a corsage.  I'll pick it up tomorrow.'  And my heart just melted.  It's no secret he is an amazing Daddy, but I never expected that!  After many stops, we found a great dress and Riley was all set for the Ball!

Friday comes and of course, Riley didn't nap well.  Of course, she was just too excited for her first date with her first love!  And didn't she look amazing???

 As I was snapping a few pictures, suddenly 'Let It Go' started playing on the TV....can you tell she got a little excited?

 When Daddy was ready, we grabbed a few shots of the two of them together before heading out on their date.

Of course, she fell asleep on the way to the Ball.  It took some work to wake her up, but it didn't take long for her to be in party mode.  They had Chickfila catered and gave them cupcakes, but Riley just wanted to spend all her time dancing!  He sent me a video and it was pretty darn cute.  Harper and her daddy also went and they had so much fun together!

Here's a little video I took the next morning of her talking about it.  I doubt she will remember this day when she's older, but I will never forget it.  It was a day that made me fall even more in love with Jarrod, and a day that I remember feeling even more thankful that Riley is in our lives.  I thought for sure we were having another boy when I was pregnant with her; I am so so glad I was wrong {even though she drives me bonkers!}.

Teaching Riley

Back in early June when my aunts were here {yes, I said June...it was unusually cool in early June so that's why Riley is wearing clothes like it's fall!} we spent an evening outside, just playing around.  Jarrod and Gavin were playing baseball, so of course Little Sister needed her turn.  I just fall in love more every time I see Jarrod with these kids...melts my heart!  Daddy did a great job teaching his baby girl how to hit the ball!

Don't you just love them, too?

Daddy Time

I don't even recall when exactly it started.  I think it was when Riley was born...maybe it was shortly before.  Somehow, 'Daddy Time' started.  Gavin looks so forward to that special one-on-one time with Daddy after a long day of sharing my attention with his sister.  Every night is a little different.  Wrestling, Angry Birds, pillow fights, superheroes, iPad time, a board game... Since Riley's been in a better routine lately, I even get invited to join them for Daddy Time some nights.  But what I really love is to just sit back and watch them.  Watch my two boys spend that quality time together and think about how one day, when he's grown, Gavin's going to tell his kids about how he used to have 'Daddy Time' when he was their age.

Wordless Wednesday

Daddy's Little Girl

To say I love seeing these two together is an understatement.  

 

Considering Riley won't take a bottle, which leaves all feeding duties on me, and how she's now in a 'mommy phase' and cries when others try to hold her, I'm so thankful that Daddy and his little girl still have a special bond. 

I can't wait to watch it blossom as Riley grows.  I know he's going to take her fishing, camping, and probably try to get her to go hunting, but I also can't wait to watch him dance around the living room and have tea parties with her dolls. 

Daddy loves you so much, Riley-Burger.  And Mommy loves how you light up whenever you look at him.  You saved your first smiles just for Daddy, and it's obvious he still makes you so happy.  

 

 Daddy always said he wanted a little girl, and now he has you!

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Rehearsal Day

Friday was the rehearsal day, and the only day we saw rain.  We went in the morning to help decorate the reception site, and Gavin kept himself busy with his trains!  

Friday night we went to the rehearsal dinner at Aunt Pat's house.  Gavin loved playing in her huge yard with the dogs.  He was so tired and so dirty when we left! 

 Gavin with Aunt Ashley and Memaw 

By the time we got back to the hotel and gave Gavin a bath, he was in bed WAY past his bedtime.  Not a big deal...we were on vacation right?  No, not with Gavin.  Late bedtime means bad night of sleep.  So, at 4:15, we were up.  Fun stuff.  I tried really hard to get him to lay back down, and he did doze off for maybe 30 minutes, but not long.  I got him to at least stay on the bed so I could rest until 6:30 or so, but we knew right then that he would be in bed at his normal time for Saturday!  

Videos!

Yay!  I finally got my Flip software working again, so I'll be posting some old videos (including Christmas!) over the next week or so.  But, here's a cute one just because...

Anniversary Plans

I can't believe it's been five years since we exchanged vows in front of all our family and friends!  I love you, Jarrod!  We've had five years of ups and downs, lost some pretty amazing people, added to our family, and moved to two different states.  I wouldn't have wanted to spend my time with anyone else.  I'm looking forward to a nice dinner in tonight - crab cakes, spicy broccoli, and caesar salad!  Yum!  And maybe, if we're lucky, we'll even be able to stay up for a movie after Gavin goes to bed.  :)  Yes, we are that old...  Happy Anniversary!