Dear Ben, Love Dad


One amazing perk about having this blog is that we have a built-in scrapbook that has chronicled our homes (and lives) over the past 5 years. Casey and I are constantly pulling up the blog and reading old posts, especially when we’re out shopping, as a reference. We always feel so grateful that we have the blog to look back on… although some projects are a little cringe-worthy to look back at (specifically those ones from our early days of blogging).

But as we’ve journeyed further and further down this path, we realized that it has followed us through some pretty important life events (like our engagements, weddings, first homes, etc), and we are even more grateful for this virtual scrapbook. This is part of the reason we started our seasonal videos. Selfishly, it’s so fun to look back at these “snapshots” of our everyday lives.

Now that Ben is here, I have even more incentive to use this blog to document our journey. I hope when he is old enough, he too can read as our story unfolds and be reminded of how much we adore him.

Today’s post is selfishly for him as Matt gears up to celebrate his first Father’s Day. I invited Matt to write a post about whatever he wanted in honor of this exciting milestone. And so he did. But before I finally stop babbling and turn it over to him, I have to give Matt a shout-out.

Happy 1st Father’s Day, Matt

I always knew Matt would be an amazing dad. I’ve seen him in action as a special education teacher, a counselor, a son, a brother, a friend, and a husband and in every single one of these roles, he’s extremely patient, very kind, always loyal, and very selfless. So of course, I knew he’d make a wonderful father. But, honestly, I had no idea he would be as amazing as he is in this new role.

I’ll spare you all the details of how much he goes above and beyond in a role he is officially obsessed with, but I think this story pretty much sums up my thoughts…

We were recently at a party, and I was talking to a group of women. They were watching as Matt worked his dad magic, beaming the whole time as he gave 100% of his attention to the little man that has his entire heart in the palm of his tiny hands. One of the women turned to me and said, “Wow, you are so damn lucky to have him (referring to Matt)…”.

I turned to her, tears now streaming down my face (not in a graceful way btw– more like an ugly cry) and I replied, “I know.ย I can’t even begin to express how grateful I am. Ben and I could not be luckier”. He’s our whole world and watching him take on this new role has been one of my favorite parts of becoming a family of 3.

Now that I’m ugly crying once again, I think it’s time to turn it over to Matt…

A Letter To Ben On Matt’s First Father’s Day

When I talked to Bridget about writing this post, my mind went in a million different directions. Do I write an advice column? A list of tips for new dads? A โ€œI wish I knew then what I know nowโ€ post?

Nah… I am not an expert by any way of the word. What I can say with confidence is that I received the greatest gift in the world this past February. When I think back to Benโ€™s entry into the world, a lot has changed in our lives, but one word has stayed consistent over the past three months.ย That word is gratitude.

I am so thankful for this little blessing who has made an already perfect life even more perfect. With that being said, I would like to use this platform to write a thank you note to the little guy responsible for making me a dad.

Dear Ben

Thank you for making our stay at Hinsdale Hospital a memorable one! I didnโ€™t think it would be possible, but your dad cried more than you did when you debuted. Thanks for being the stronger man.

Thank you for having your mom’s looks. Trust me… it’s for the best.

Thank you for putting up with the dreaded “tummy time.” I completely understand if you retaliate and pay me back when you’re taking care of your old dad some day.

Thank you for putting up with my singing, dancing, and animated approach to reading stories. As easy as it would be to poke fun at me, you never do.

Thank you for being the worldโ€™s best alarm clock. Although your snooze button doesnโ€™t always work, your late night smile puts everything in perspective.

Thank you for teaching me the art of a โ€œfast and speedyโ€ diaper changeโ€”and for teaching me to always expect the unexpected during these diaper changes.

Thank you for the joy you bring to your grandparentsโ€™ lives. You are officially responsible for introducing Grammy and Grandpa to FaceTime.

Thank you for becoming the third member of Mom and Dadโ€™s Team. To say that we love you would be a complete understatement. You are the biggest gift we could ever receive, and we cherish you every single day.

Thank you for allowing me to have the best role in the entire world; your father.

Thanks, Big Ben.

Love always,
Dad


The Year of Casey

Hey there!

Iโ€™m Casey Finn, the voice behind The DIY Playbook. I’m a Chicago gal teaching you how to design, DIY, and maintain your home…by yourself! Learn more about me right here.