Father's Day Preparations

From the moment Nick saw the positive pregnancy test on the bathroom counter, he became passionate about his role as Daddy.  Through his extensive baby equipment search and assembly, to frequent interviews of other parents, to the delivery room where he survived my choke hold during every unmedicated contraction, he was 100% invested even before Emmy made her debut.  I have told more than a few people that if Nick could be pregnant he would, he was so overjoyed by the thought of our growing baby Emmy...

...And then she arrived! Since the moment she was born, it has been clear to me that he is a natural father.  His instincts seem years beyond those of a brand-new daddy, which just leads me to believe that he is fulfilling God's call of him to fatherhood.

Knowing how enamored he is with our girl, I have a greater understanding of just how torturous it must be for him to be called away from her.  I can't wait for the day that Emmy can understand the nobility of her Daddy's job and the heart-wrenching sacrifices that he makes to protect and provide for our family.  I am eager for her to know that he does it because his love for her is boundless.  Today, we will celebrate Nick's fatherhood in a way that she does understand...Watching her pre-recorded Daddy and Emmy storytime video.  She lights up each time the picture fills the screen and remains that way for the duration of the 11 minute film...A remarkable feat for a wiggly 6 month old baby, but I know that it's because she is just as enamored with him as he is with her.

Emmy and I have worked hard to ensure that he has everything he needs for a proper Father's Day celebration in a flat-rate shipping box!  Emmy put a great deal of TLC into all of the elements of Daddy's big surprise...Here is a sneak peak into the preparations:

Making Daddy an life-sized Emmy card...It's not easy to trace a moving target!

The scribbled hand tracing was after several minutes spent wrestling my subject.

Time to finger paint!

Original artwork by Emmy Horn

Emmy carefully selected the fabric for our sewing project...

It was determined that whichever fabric went in her mouth was her pick...

Mulling through picture files to find just the right one.

Waiting patiently for our personalized fabric squares to dry.

Special pillow cases so Daddy never has to go to sleep without his girls.

Molly reluctantly parted with she and Darla's contribution to Father's Day in a box.

Supervising the production line!

Daddy's favorite Oatmeal Raisin cookies fresh out of the oven!

Daddy's loot!

All work and no play makes Emmy a hyper girl! Pool break!

Father's Day in a box...Made with love...