What is a Father?

Father's Day recently passed on Sunday, June 19th and it got me thinking about what it takes to be a Father, from a mother's point of view. So what does it take to be a father? This is not an exhaustive list by the way...

1.Patience. I think this is just what it takes to be a parent. You have to be able to wait out the tantrums without losing it yourself. You have to stand by and watch them do things your not happy with, while teaching them those valuable life lessons all the while. It takes time and patience abounding to be a Dad.

2. Humor. Parenting is hilarious--simply put. Around every corner is something hysterical waiting to happen, something funny your kids might say or do. Since these moments are not always glamorous or graceful (especially with babies and toddlers) Dads must find the humor in raising these little comedians they call their own.

3. Appreciation. Dads must find the beauty in the role that has been chosen for them as fathers and appreciate every moment of it. Dads have to realize the beauty of being a Father isn't dwelling on what life once was like, but thinking about the amazing journey he is on now and appreciating every second of that journey. It isn't about arranging time for himself anymore. A good father realizes and desires to be there for every moment of their children's lives--whether it be an everyday moment of seeing the joy on his son's face playing his favorite game to a once in a lifetime moment like watching his baby take his or her first steps. A father appreciates all of these things and wants to be there for them by any means necessary.

Abe is all of these things. He is simply put a wonderful father. It is a joy to watch him rough house with Alex, teach him how to play games, get down on the floor and race cars with him. It is wonderful to watch him sing silly songs and do silly dances with Amaya, play tea party with her,and encourage her budding art skills. My kids are so lucky to have such a wonderlful and loving man to call their Daddy and I am so lucky to call him my husband. Not all men understand that raising children is not simply"women's work" or something you do on the side in between your own interests, but Abe truly understands it is a 2 person job and something worth dedicating your entire heart and soul and of course all of your time to. He is a father and he knows what it means to be one.

Abe getting ready to have a water gun battle with the kids in our front yard

Playing in the sand with the kids

Teaching Alex about the tides at Ocean City

Cheering on his little bowlers at the arcade
Abe's Father's Day present- vibram five fingers shoes. This is what he wanted :)