If you had told me when I first met Tony that someday we'd be in China together to bring our daughter home I imagine I'd still be laughing! Many years ago Tony and I worked for the same bank in neighboring departments...and quite honestly....that was too close. I always thought Tony was kind of snobby and aloof. Of course, that didn't stop me from trying to fix him up with Patti...but that's another story.
After the bank we worked for was sold and we all went off to different jobs a mutual friend had a party that both Tony and I attended. We chatted a little bit but needless to say I didn't fall head over heels for the guy in the "I Fear No Beer" t-shirt! At the party Tony learned through the grapevine that I was newly single and began a patient and persistent quest to win me over. I'm so glad he did!
Tony was incredibly sweet and could have taught classes on how to woo a reluctant woman. At the time I was working in Pennsylvania and Tony would drive up on weekends to a florist near my office and hand write a bunch of cards and then have the flowers delivered throughout the week. I can't begin to tell you how long this went on...but we're talking months not weeks. The women in my office would always tease me about how jealous they were.....and all of their husband's wanted Tony's head on a spike!
It wasn't the flowers that finally convinced me to go out with Tony....it was his patient and kind heart. After spending time together I learned that what I had always thought of as being aloof was really just Tony's shyness. I soon discovered that not only did I enjoy spending time with him....I knew I didn't want to be without him!
Tony is a wonderful Daddy and is enjoying every minute with Lily. Tony has made almost all of Lily's bottles, has changed diapers, and has wrestled the little squirmy worm to get her clothes on! Not only has Tony been wonderful with Lily he has been unbelievable with me. The other day Lily was being really fussy and did not want me to put her down so Tony actually put my shoes on for me! I bet he never thought he would be dressing the Mommy instead of the baby!
Right now Lily is not comfortable if I'm not at least within eyesight (however, she would prefer I never put her down!). Tony has not been deterred by this at all. To see Tony use the same patient persistence he did to win my heart to win the heart of his daughter makes me love him even more!
I may tease Tony now and then that he's forgotten some of his "wooing ways". But the truth is...I hope someday Lily is as lucky in love as I have been with her Daddy!
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8 comments:
Wetbird, what a beautiful post. You have the most beautiful, warm and loving family. I have enjoyed following your journey. Thank you for sharing it.
Buster (from RQ).
p.s. and I have to say...you glow with "mommyhood" in every photo!
Barf!
Love your adoring sister-in-law Patti
Hey TJ,
I will trade you my Michael, 2 cats and a bag of Tostitos for your Tony! Does that sound like a good trade?
Elaine
Any man with the courage to marry into our clan has to be a keeper. We should all reflect on our hubbies' wonderful qualities more often. Sure makes putting up with their b******t a lot easier!
Love,
Your Lifer Cousin, Eileen
Ok, TJ.... I just want to be invited to the premiere of the movie made out of your book based on this blog. Girl you sure know how to express emotions. I have to go get more kleenex........
Love, Mo
Tj,
Tony sounds like a gem! he sounds like my hubby! Although I love what Patti wrote (she must be his sister):)
Kim
Oh my God...just when I think it's safe to say I've forgotten things like the infamous "I Fear No Beer" t-shirt, those memories come back around again!!!
I could have never told you back then that things would work out the way they did...but I certainly could have told you (and I believe I actually did) how bad the boy had it for you - from the smiles every time he passed you in the hallway, right down to the gallons of Chick-Fil-A iced tea!!!
I'm just glad you gave him the opportunity to show you just how special you are...you bring out the best in each other!
I had no doubt Tony would make a wonderful Dad the first day I walked into his office and saw the drawings for Uncle Tony from his nieces. He has always shared cute stories about the kids and we now look forward to hearing Lily stories every day.
Lily is blessed.
Janis
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