Gratituesday: A playful husband

A confession: It's really hard for me to "play" with kids. It always has been. It's not something I desire to do (to be frank: it bores me). So when Sunday comes up to me and wants me to sit down and play with her, I have to force myself to do it. There are times when I do, and times when I don't.

That said, this week I want to express my gratefulness that Tommy loves to interact with kids. Some people are "children" people. Some people are not. Tommy has always been great with children. While in college, he worked one-on-one with autistic children, and he learned a lot about intentional play. I am pretty sure that's the wrong way to say it... but he is a lot more creative when it comes to interacting with, teaching, and disciplining Sunday. (Plus he enjoys it!) I see things in black and white... he sees lots and lots of color. And the ideas (!!) that he comes up with to teach her! I have so much to learn... and I am learning a lot from him.

What I am trying to say... is that I am really, really glad I married someone who enjoys playtime with his daughter. Because it's something that doesn't come easy to me. (Some day I will write about playgroups and how hard it is for me to make them a priority for us!) Having a partner who balances me in the parenting arena is soooo helpful in lifting the burden of mommy guilt.

Don't get me wrong - I DO play with Sunday. We DO have intentional "teaching" times. It just doesn't come easy to me. But we hang out and spend time together all the time! (Shopping, walking, eating meals together, etc.) I'm just really, really glad that "play time" comes easy to Tommy. It's hard to think of something that brings me more joy than seeing him laying on the ground making Sunday laugh out loud.

He is such an awesome father. And I'm really, really thankful for that.

Happy Father's Day

As a child, I knew my dad was smart. In fact, he was so smart he was that nerd in high school. (We tease.)

I knew he had a good job.

I knew he loved me very much.

I knew he was kind.

I knew he would support me, no matter the direction I decided to take in life.

What I didn't know as a child was how much he had accomplished in his life.

I didn't know how proud I should be of who he is.

I didn't know that he would surprise me over and over with his loyalty and unconditional love.

I didn't know that we would be such good friends as I grew up.

Now.... now I know.

Now I know that his career is beyond impressive.

Now I know he is one of the most loyal and committed persons I have ever met.

Now I know the smile across his face when I am being my silly self is adoration of his grown child. And that he is proud of me.

Now I know that even though I have another man in my life, the relationship my dad and I have is irreplaceable.

I am so proud that he is my father.

I admire his hard work and loyalty towards life: career, family, and marriage.

I love him very much and I am grateful for the way he raised me: with unconditional love, support, and pride.

I love you, Papa.

Happy Father's Day.