A better man

There were plenty of signs
I just didn't know how to read them
So I don't know if that makes me lucky, or if it just means somehow, deep down, I knew...
I knew you would be an amazing father.

The entire time we dated I could see that you had the compassion and strength to be a wonderful dad, but I never really knew. I didn't know until I saw you in action, that quite possibly, being a dad might have been your life's calling.

The day/night/hours that constituted 1B's birth proved to me that fathers can feel the pain, the caring, the overwhelming emotion of birthing our first child. I make jokes about you having to lie down while I was in crazy pain, but seriously, I know that you cared too much about me and this new baby and if you didn't lie down, the emotions would have overwhelmed you. You were trying to take care of yourself so you could be present even more as I needed you in that birth. Of course I was thinking that this birthing stuff was hard for me, but I know it is hard for caring dads too.
That's why, this time, I want you to have a nice glass of scotch as we head to the birth center. Smooth the edges off.

A mom gets to (I know, I can't believe I'm saying 'gets to') carry her baby for 9 months in her womb, deliver that baby, and nurse that baby. I got to be physically connected to our children. Seems like society knows the importance of a mother's role. But being a dad, a good dad, that is priceless.

Thanks to you, my job is immensely easier. Yes, I wish you would put the boys down to bed earlier instead of playing yahtzee with them at 9:00 pm. But do you know what I wouldn't change? Pretty much everything else about your parenting.

When 2B has a fever, who is the first to grab the thermometer, to get him a wet cloth, to snuggle next to him and read him a book? You are.

When 1B wants to practice catching flyballs in the backyard, who is the first to grab a mitt and go out and play? You are.

When one of the boys does something cute or creative, who is the first to call people and brag about them? You are.

When 2B wants to play stuffed animals for hours on end who has the patience to sit with him and make up pretend voices? You do. Thank goodness for this one. I must be missing that let's pretend gene.

When I am flummoxed by certain behaviors, who sits down and talks with unconditional love to our boys about the right way to behave? You do.

Who leads by example? By showing that sharing our things, treating animals kindly, thinking of people who are less fortunate, and being filled with humor, touch, and intelligence are part of being a man? Well.. of course... you do.

Who tears the house apart and starts nesting for third baby? Oh wait, I might change that one too. But to your credit, you did finish.

I distinctly remember the overwhelming sadness I had after 1B was born. I think a sort-of-normal "his birth was a disaster, this baby stuff is hard" sadness. The only thing that kept me going was to see how much you loved him. It really made it easier for me to see what a gift that little boy was to you (and now, our two boys have been to you). And what a gift you are to them.

Happy Father's Day.
I hope our third little surprise is even more of a gift to you. I have a feeling she will be. And what a lucky little girl to grow up with a dad like you.