That look in your eye says it all.
You’re in love. Taken. Under a spell. Forever now, a father.
I thought I loved you before. And I did – as a friend, lover, and life companion. But now that we’ve created something together – someone – my love for you has reached a new depth.
Although you didn’t carry our little one, you carried me
And that is worth acknowledging too. You held my hair back while I heaved early on. You made sure my water bottle was filled with ice water every night. You massaged my swollen feet and scheduled that prenatal massage even when I insisted it was too expensive.
You read the car seat manual cover to cover, ensuring me that, yes, it was installed perfectly. You complimented my expanding body, swearing that the glow was real and that I had never been more beautiful. True? Perhaps. At least in your eyes, and I’ve come to believe that is the only thing that matters.
You shined throughout my pregnancy. The A+ student in our birthing class and the ever-attentive parent at each of my appointments. I could not have asked for a better partner — even if you did seriously ask how likely it would be that I pooped during labor. I mean, I wanted to know, too, but still! I suppose your keenness for bringing laughter to even the most traumatizing of situations is a gift.
Words won’t ever express the day our baby was born
The day we were born again.
Me, a mama. And you, a first-time dad.
You became a new person before my eyes. In all the right ways. You transformed into who you were always meant to be. Our baby’s daddy. Their protector, advocate, confidante.
Skin to skin, you cradled our little miracle. Weeping tears of joy over the gift they were. Tears that said, “Finally. Finally I get to carry you. Love me how I have always loved you.”
And they did. Immediately they knew your voice, your scent, and your embrace. They knew you were safe. Forever and always.
In these past months, I’ve watched you fall into fatherhood with grace and determination
Even though you read books and blogs about life as a first-time dad, nothing has quite prepared you. And yet, your love, consistency, and commitment to our family has seen you through.
You may still gag when it’s your turn for diapers or wince at the tedious task of bathtime, but you tackle each milestone, big and small, not wanting to miss a moment.
I know these baby days are long and you yearn to go swimming and chat politics, but I see you diligently marking these memories. More will come. For now, you’re laying the foundation of your father-child relationship. And you’re doing it so well.
How do you know? I can only assume that it’s a powerful instinct that guides you. Like your DNA and theirs was meant to exist together. You leading the way, them following without hindrance, knowing that you have their best interest in mind and at heart.
To all the first-time dads, we see you
We adore you. Our little one can’t yet speak or write their appreciation, but we sure can. Who you have become is who you were meant to be. Fatherhood looks good on you. So very good.
Happy Father’s Day to our very best.
