I know it's not Father's Day until Sunday- but since the weekend will be busy, I wanted to get this up today so Michael will have a chance to read it. First of all, I just wanted to say a few things. I know that Michael is not my father, but since our sweet little girl can't speak for herself (in a way we understand), I wanted to do it for her. If you don't really know my husband, if you've only been around him a few times, you probably think he is "quiet" or "dry" because he may not talk that much unless he knows you well. Sometimes he is quiet at home, too. It just depends on his mood! But he is a good Daddy. I know that I really don't pay him the amount of attention I should now that we have a new addition. And I am sure that I don't say this enough, I've probably never said it all, but I LOVE and APPRECIATE him more than I ever have. On the night Annistyn was born, I was unsure if Michael would make it through the labor. But he was right there the whole time holding my hand. He was a fantastic coach. After she was born and they took her to NICU- I could barely hold myself together. But he not only helped me keep it together, he was down in NICU every chance we could be, holding Annistyn's hand, talking to her, and even calling the specialists in when we felt like we weren't getting anywhere. When she was eating every 3 hours, he took one of the night shifts so that I could get a little rest. Every night he is in our kitchen washing bottles and mixing formula for the next day. I would definitely be lost without him. He always takes time after work to visit with Annistyn- talking to her and playing with her. She lights up when she sees him. And he definitely a sport about carrying around her pink Vera Bradley diaper bag. He doesn't even complain about it. Most of you will never see this side of him, but I just wanted to let him know how wonderful I think he is. I thank God every day for letting him be a part of my life. Annistyn is lucky to have him as her Daddy and I am lucky to have his as my husband. First of all, we'd like to present him with a poem that I helped Annistyn write for him:
I know I've kept you up some nights
Especially the first few weeks
I know you feel like you are always washing bottles
Or mixing milk for me to drink.
Sometimes I cry for hours at night
During your favorite TV shows
Sometimes I scream on the ride home
For reasons no one knows.
I know sometimes you probably feel silly
Holding my pink diaper bag
I know you think it’s crazy
To have all the clothes I have.
But I hope that you’ll remember
How fast the years fly by
Soon I’ll be walking
And talking all the time
Right now you’re just worried
About spit up and baby drool
But before you know it,
You’ll be dropping me off at school.
Right now it seems your greatest task
Is getting me to sleep all night long
But in the blink of an eye
I’ll be bringing boys home.
Right now you’re just trying
To get me to talk and smile
But sooner than you think
You’ll be walking me down the aisle.
I know that you don’t understand
My “goos” and “ooo”s and “ann”s
And I haven’t quite figured out
How to reach out and grab your hand
I’m not able to give you kisses
I don’t know how to give you hugs
But I hope that you still know
How very much you are loved.
Love, Annistyn 
And now, as a tribute to her Daddy, Annistyn would like to present him with a music video. Please make sure you have your speakers on!
