DadThoughts

Well, obviously, I know a lot more about being a Mom than I do about being a Dad. And no, Matt, this is not Dan's point of view (you're right, that could be scary:)) So these are just some of my observations about fatherhood along with, of course, some thoughts about my own Dad.

From my observations, being a Dad is both very similar and completely different than being a mom. There is no doubt in my mind that Dan (and other good Dads) loves his child as much as I do. But it's a different kind of love I think. Dad love is more protective, more inspiring and some might even say, more private. From observing some great Dads, it seems to me that Dads tend to express their love through activities. They say they love their children through actions, as opposed to Moms who tend to show their love in words. Neither method superior to the other, just different.

I may not be a Dad, but I'm sure married to an amazing one. I suspected Dan would be a great Dad (wouldn't have married him if I didn't think so) but he has surpassed every expectation that I ever had. The way he cares for our son is amazing to me. Before I had Connor I used to babysit for a family often. In this family the mother and father were a great team, I loved how they ran their family. What I loved about this Dad is that he knew just as much about his kids as their mom did. He was connected, involved and bonded with his kids as much as their mom. I always used to hope that Dan would be that kind of Dad. And is he ever. Did you know that EVERY night, literally since Connor came home from the hospital at birth, Dan takes a bath with Connor? He stops what he is doing, goes in the bathroom and physically gets in the bath with Connor. He plays boats, splashes and connects with Connor at the end of every day. It's amazing to me that he makes that commitment to connect with his son on that level every day. Dan could tell you what Connor's favorite foods are, what he needs to be able to nap, what time he naps, where he likes to go, his favorite shows, etc, etc, etc. He knows everything about our son that I do and I love that about him. When Connor makes him mad, he is gentle, yet stern. Connor is not afraid of him, yet knows he means business. Dan is determined as ever to get into dental school and a big part of that is because he knows it will create a brighter future for our son. I can't think of a better example for our son and am so secure in the fact that my son will grow up to be a loving, caring and involved Dad to his own kids because of the example my husband set for him.

And then there is my Dad. Have you met my Dad? If you haven't, let me know, I'll introduce you. You'll want to be his best friend from the moment you meet him. My Dad is the most optimistic person I have ever met. There is nothing that my Dad doesn't believe he can do. He instilled this in us as children and there have been many times in my life that I have attempted to do things because of his messages to me when I was younger. I have a specific memory of one time when I was a kid my Dad was telling me about what a good baseball player he was in high school. I asked him if he wished he could have been a professional baseball player and he said "nah, if I really wanted to go pro I would have made it happen" just like that. Like if that is what he wanted in this world, there is nothing that would have stood in his way. That's a pretty amazing combination of determination and faith in himself.

My Dad is also a fun guy. He's always looking to make people smile and laugh. I'm not sure who else has ever hosted "spider races" or an "eggstravangaza" or, a shoe party (can't remember the name of that one) just for an excuse to gather the people he likes and have fun with them. People have always told me that I look like him, and though I was never all that pleased to hear, as a sixteen year old girl, that I resembled a 50 year old man, I secretly always did like to hear that. I figured if I looked like him then I must remind that person of him and even as a child, I knew that was a good thing.

Another area my Dad excels in is taking care of my Mom. What an amazing example of a husband for me to have as a girl. I have never for one moment in my life expected to be treated by a man anything less than how my mom is treated by my Dad. Poor Dan:)

Imagine growing up in a family with a Dad who is fun, tells you there is nothing that you can't do in this world and shows you how you deserve to be treated by a man by how he treated your mom. What a wonderful environment to grow up in.

Loves to all!