Dear Joe,

 Happy first official Father's Day!  I have so enjoyed watching you come into your own as a father.  This transition has definitely been one of the most challenging in our relationship but just like always we are growing, changing and adapting to our new situation.

You have to have the hardest job in the world because it requires you to be away from our little man three to four days a week.  After my one night in Austin, I realized that you definitely have the short end of the stick on that one because being away from him absolutely makes your heart ache.

Hunter has seemed to figure out that Daddy being gone is a part of life because about the third day he starts asking for you.  One of my favorite times is the first morning you are home because he gets so excited when he reaches across the bed and feels you laying there next to him.

The way you can make him laugh a full body of giggles absolutely melts my heart.  Hunter is so much like you in so many ways: endless energy, determined, stubborn, happy, and an absolute flirt! 

These past fifteen years together you have grown into an amazing man but these last nine months you have amazed me as you have figured out your role as father.  Hunter is a lucky little man!

Love you!!