Dad Life

I’ve written several times now about my life as a mother—all the ups and downs and ins and outs that came with the arrival of my little boy last fall. But, there’s another person who is an absolutely indispensable part of the Reynolds “Baby Raising Team.” My husband. My child’s dad.

We don’t hear much about the experiences dads go through raising their children. There are a few dad bloggers out there, but by and large, the majority are moms. Additionally, it’s still fairly rare for the dad of the household to be the primary caregiver. Statistical reports from the 2011 U.S. Census Data estimate that 32% of fathers with wives in the workforce take the primary caregiver role. While these numbers are definitely on the rise, it’s still far more typical for a mother to take on the majority of the child care responsibility.

But the role of dad is an important one. There’s growing research that finds a number of amazing positive impacts for a child when there’s an active, loving father figure in the home. And the reality is that moms may have it tough, but the role of dad is not any easier—and especially not for military dads, who must make unique sacrifices for their family and country (including milspouse dads who support a woman who serves).

Personally speaking, I know that the dad in my house is amazing on so many levels. Whereas I was a little torn about the news when we found out we were pregnant, Chris has been waving his dad flag with gusto from the beginning. He has been there for both Austin and me every step of the way—taking on chores, changing diapers, sharing middle of the night feedings—while still carrying on his military job. Austin absolutely adores his dad and lights up whenever he’s with Chris. They even have special games between them that I’m not allowed to play (trust me, I’ve tried—the baby looks at me like I’m a moron).

I will always be the mom. I know that for the rest of his life, Austin will come to me for and with certain things that he won’t need from anyone else.

But Chris will always be the dad.

His role in our son’s life is every bit as important and no less difficult than mine. We’re gearing up for some extended time apart this year, and I think his heart may be breaking over it even more than mine. His absence will be felt at our house—from every middle of the night wake-up he’s not there to take, to every day after work when he doesn’t walk in the door to a happy screech from Austin, to every night where we have to read our bedtime story alone.

His role as dad is every bit as woven into the fabric of our family as my role as mom, and without his strength and generosity, we would definitely unravel.

There is not enough beer in the world to tell my husband thanks this year—on his very first Father’s Day. Even if Austin could talk at this point, I don’t think there are words to tell Chris what he means to him as a dad. But I can talk, so I’d like to tell him “thank you” for not only being an incredible husband, partner, supporter, co-worker, and friend but for also being a loving, supportive, present dad to our child. Both Austin and I are very blessed to have you. We probably don’t deserve you, we’re sorry that we will probably turn your hair gray prematurely, and we apologize for how expensive we will likely be—but we love you like crazy, and can’t wait to have you home with us for good!

And, just because it’s too funny not to share, watch this “Dad’s Life” rap – it’s painfully true!

How do you appreciate the dad in your life? Happy Father’s Day to all the daddies out there!