my baby daddy

Happy Father's Day to the father of my three sons.


Aaron lost his job a couple of days before the new year. It came as a shock and wasn't exactly the best timing.. We had just moved into a new house, furnished everything, etc. etc. We didn't really talk about it with our kids-- not because we were keeping secrets, but they didn't ask and we didn't say. Every morning they would literally scream with excitement, "Dad gets to stay home another day!!!" It wasn't until Aaron started interviewing for new jobs that they put two and two together. I will never forget the conversation I heard after Dad came home from his first interview. It was one of those moments that will go down in my favorite parenting memories. I watched and listened from afar as Aaron had this conversation with our sons.

Luke: Did you just get home from church?

Daddy: Nope. It's Tuesday.

Ben: Then why are you wearing a suit?

Daddy: I went to interview for a new job.

Luke: You mean, you don't want to be a lawyer anymore?

Daddy: I am still going to be a lawyer, but I will work in a new office.

Ben: So-- what happens at an interview?

Daddy: They ask me lots of questions and I tell them why I should work for them.

Luke: You tell them all the cool things you can do?

Daddy: Yep.

Ben: Did you tell them you can make the fastest paper airplanes?

Daddy: I think I forgot to mention that.

Luke: Did you tell them you can unlock Darth Vader on the Star Wars video game?

Daddy: Um... (smiling now) I think I will have to remember that for next time.

Aaron continued to explain what he does at work, why he has to earn a living, etc. I sat back and wiped away my tears. This is exactly why I love raising children with this man. He is so responsible- always in charge of the situation. He crosses all his t's and dots every i. My children have no idea the kind of sacrifices he has made to keep our family feeling secure and protected. They will some day understand what a hard working, dedicated father and husband he is. But being a good Dad is so much more than that. My boys have a Daddy who literally wrestles with them the minute he gets home. I know he's walked through the door because my kids are screaming/yelping/begging to be freed from his monstrous grip. It is such a joy to see the little people I love so much worship their Dad.

It doesn't matter how much bacon he brings home, if he drives a fancy car or what he does for a living. What really counts is that he knows where to his folds his paper airplanes and how to conquer the hard levels on video games. How lucky my sons are to have such a great role model-- such a talented man who isn't afraid to wrinkle his tie and get down and dirty with them. I am lucky enough to witness it and learn from his daily example. I can't think of a better man to be my babies' daddy.