Ten Years of Being a Dad

Yesterday was Father's Day. It was also my oldest child's birthday. While talking to Peter, he said, "It's so appropriate that Father's Day and Samuel's birthday are on the same day. Because today, ten years ago, he made me a father."

Last year on my blog, I wrote "birthday blogs" about my family and close friends. I was late on a couple, but nothing compares to Samuel's post; a whole year late. And believe me, he needs to be written about.

I love him.

I really, really love him.

He is the epitome of "oldest children". Always looking out for others, somewhat apprehensive - but pushes forward, wants to please his parents, and takes on WAY too much responsibility.

Sam is giant. Really. He's pretty darn big. When I say he was a "chubby" baby - I may be understating. What do you think?

Oh, my big Sam. I have the best memories with him. He made me a mother, like he made Peter a father. One of the first things I said to him when he was born was, "please never say 'I hate you' to me. Because I LOVE you so much!" At my three week check up after he was born, I told the nurses "I could just make out with him." I just didn't know how else to describe this immense love for a person. (Yeah, they thought I was a total weird-o. So what?)

Sam has been the happiest, most easy going child. I never knew the meaning of "terrible twos" until a few kids later. Once. That's it, and I'm not kidding -once, he laid on the floor in a fit. And it lasted about one minute. I hate to brag - but I'll be honest, he's a kid to brag about.

Oh sure, he's not perfect. But, like each of my children, he's perfect for me. Unfortunately, I have to learn and practice all of my new areas of mothering on him. And Heavenly Father knew just the child I needed for that. One that is resilient, that loves unconditionally, one that is willing to learn, one that loves his parents and siblings. One who is very patient. Especially with his mother.

You truly have never seen a better older brother. The day Simon came home from the hospital he said, "My own-ee brodder?! My very own own-ee brodder?" I see him regularly tying someones shoes, lovingly tucking hair behind a saddened child's ear, giving unsolicited hugs and kisses, reassuring the younger kids, and just plain loving them.

He tells me he loves me, everyday, at least ten times a day. "I just love you mom." He LOVES to hug, cuddle and kiss. At ten! Isn't that the greatest? I'm hanging on for dear life to that one. He frequently rubs my feet or back for me when he sees I'm stressed.

He basically carries the weight of the world on his little shoulders. I often feel bad about this for him, although I truly appreciate it. Even his teachers tell me that he just can't stand to see someone else feel sad. That if someone is crying, he's the first to try and comfort them.

As you can see, he has a HUGE capacity to love. Very much learned from his father, another person who loves like no other I know. I'm so thankful for Peter's ability to love, and to teach others to do so as well. What a gift they have, and I am so lucky to have them in my life.

Samuel loves to pretend, build Lego's, ANY sport and being with people. He prefers to be with others than alone, especially friends. And just about every little girl I know has a crush on him. Guess why? I mean sheesh, I have one myself, for crying out loud.

He loves being a scout with all of his heart. He has had the absolute best scout leaders on earth, we will really miss the scouting program here. But, as with all things, he is a great sport about it. He's so easy going, that lately I have been having to make him have an opinion. He says, " I don't mind" about most things. So, I have making him choose. I fear he may become too easy going with no opinion, and I don't want that.

Like I said, he's a great big brother. Sometimes his siblings drive him nuts, of course. But he deals with it well and learns new ways to adjust each day. His younger siblings worship him, and want to do whatever he's doing and be where ever he is. I think he's starting to get a little sick of it, but for now, he handles it beautifully. (usually)

As you can tell, Samuel is a wonderful person. I already worry about who he will marry, because I think he's so great. (I know, I'm a crazy mom - but he really is one in a million) I worry about this for all of my kids, in fact, but am trying to teach them to listen to the spirit and always follow their Heavenly Father.

I listened and followed when it came to their dad, and I am so thankful I did. I love him with all my heart and am so thankful for him. There truly is no better dad on the earth. Peter was born to be a dad, he loves it, and they love him.

I can't wait until we see him again. When we can be as a family should be - together.