Thomas, Tom, Tommy, Dad, Daddy, Dada, Daaat

I meant to write some of the many, many things I love about Tom on his birthday. And, I didn't. Today is Sunday, and I am home with a couple sick kids and a few more are at church and Tom is working. He rarely has to work away from home on Sunday, but today left around 11:00 a.m. and will be home in a few days. As he walked out the door to leave, he literally had kids hanging off him, Risi shoving a picture of herself in his pocket and Robby sceaming, "I Love You Dad!" This exchange between the kids and his exit was sweet, tender, a little chaotic and also short, but makes me so grateful for him. My kids adore him. As we picked him up last night in SLC to come home for the night, Miles couldn't get out of my arms fast enough to get to Daddy. I am thrilled my kids have a second parent they want sometimes more than they want me.
So, I guess as I meant to write all the many, many things I love about Tom this mornings experience sums up a lot. (Besides you all don't really want to read 38! Things I love about him, I'd lose you at 12) I fell in love with him while watching him parent Braden. I knew he was who I wanted as a father to my children, and who I wanted to grow old and grey and slightly overweight with. He is so good to us. We love you.