Valentines Day

Growing up, I always remember Grandma D making us feel a little extra love on Valentine's Day.  In the morning, we would be greeted with a card and chocolates, and it always made me feel special and thought of.  It is a silly day, that often gets taken a bit to extremes and puts pressure on men and women all over.  Women often get their hopes up, and more often than not feel let down because the day didn't go exactly how they had dreamed up in their hopelessly romantic plan.  I hope that you will always know just how much you are loved, and look at this day as something fun with a great excuse to be cheesy and enjoy some chocolates and yummy treats!  I love reasons to celebrate, and hope to carry on Grandma D's tradition of adding a little joy to our February 14th.  You are loved, my dear Zaylee.  So very loved!

On Thursday morning, I got out some random art supplies I found around the house and searched for simple but cute ideas on Pinterest for a gift for Daddy.  I decided to use a small canvas I had bought before you were born with hopes to find some creative juices, as Dad asked that we not buy a bunch of overpriced things from Etsy that are so simple to make on our own.  I never found those juices, but on Thursday you and I did our very first craft together.  It was a bit hard to accomplish on my own, as it involved red paint and footprints.  A bit gutsy, but with the help of your highchair I was able to hold your foot still for a quick dip in the paint and a steady placement onto the canvas.  It was not without tears from you, but we survived and it turned out perfect!  Daddy was extremely touched and loved coming home to find it hanging on the front door to greet him on his lunch break.  

That evening, I had planned a new meal and couldn't wait to have a special dinner at home together.  I had it all planned out so that it was ready when dad came home, and had a good feeling about it all...until I took it out of the oven.  I didn't like the looks of the potatoes, and the chicken looked a bit over done.  My thoughts were confirmed when we both took our first bite.  It was a complete fail!  I was so disappointed, may or may not have shed a few years, and Dad did nothing but say all the sweetest things while I sat and pouted.  He picked up the phone and called Mai Thai, ordered our favorite Panang Curry, and wrapped his arms around me and held me tight!  We got you ready for bed, and off he went to pick up our meal and my mouth watered as I waited for him to return.  You were fast asleep when he came back home, and we sat down together to enjoy our delicious meal.  What a man your dad is!!  Always making everything in my life better, and full of so much joy, even when I don't feel like being joyful! :)

Earlier in the day you and I picked up 14 red heart balloons, printed off 14 special pictures of your dad and I, and came home to get my little gift ready for dad.  I glued each picture together with a note card at the bottom of each balloon, and wrote down 14 reasons why I loved your father.  This summer will be FOURTEEN years since that first time we met on the sand volleyball court at LGYC.  I remember it like it was yesterday, your dad not so much!  I have known him half my life, and feel so honored to have him as my husband for the rest of its entirety.

We were both greeted with flowers when Dad came home, and you of course tried to eat your colorful bouquet!  I hope you grow to love this day for the simple reason of an extra excuse to make those you love feel extra special, and may you NEVER feel the pressure the world puts on both men and women!!  I pray you always know you are LOVED!