What would I ever do without this man?

I just finished skimming an article in January's Parents magazine entitled: I Love Your Husband with the quote "Okay, maybe he isn't perfect. But as a single mom, I'll tell you why your guy is better than no guy at all."

I've thought about this a lot. There's no way in the world I could be the kind of mom James needs and enjoys without all of the help and energy that Mike gives to us.

I think I look forward to weekends now more than ever because I know I will get a break from James and have a few minutes to myself (usually napping uninterrupted). So, bare with me--or just ignore me and move on to the next blog--as I list a few things that come to mind when I think of all that Mike does.

How I appreciate:
the games he plays with James
the stinky poopy diapers he changes
the way he takes care of and teaches James
his muscles in carrying James when we go places--that kid's getting heavy
all the shopping lists he's done for me
researching what products are best to buy
him dressing James for church on Sundays because I never wake up early enough
all the meals he prepares and feeds to James
the night (9pm) when Mike braved the snow and cold to grill me a steak because that's what I was craving
his left brain which can follow directions and assemble toys and furniture
the countless dishes he washes
all his hard work so I can stay home with James
all the Saturday mornings he's let me sleep in
his help in picking up the house before friends come over
the night last week where he cooked a yummy dinner for us because I had "0" motivation to do so
his wonderful, wonderful neck and back rubs
his insights and observations in raising a kid
his kind responsiveness when I ask for help
the hours of reading and playing World of Warcraft he sacrifices to be with us
how both he and James light up when they see each other after work
the many, many hours he's helped out at night
his calm approach in getting James to go to sleep at night
the Sunday mornings Mike gently reminds me to brush James' hair because he looks like a neglected orphan
oh, those blessed nights when he put James to sleep-ahhh
when he reads to James and uses all these cute little voices and inflections
when we all go to the park and play together
all the times he's watched James so I can go to a Relief Society activity, run errands, attend my gardening class, go for a 2 hour bike ride, or just get out for a little while
the way he gives me a break when he sees I've had enough
and of course, the way he adores James

I'm so lucky to have such a good man my life.