Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the great Dad's out there. As a Mother who so very badly wanted children for years and years, but could never have them, the day I finally became a Mother was incredibly profound for me. Each year, I look forward to Mother's Day, perhaps more than any other holiday because of the wonderful miracle of my children and the opportunity I have to finally celebrate being a Mother.

I do not know if my husband, Dave, feels the same, or as deeply, about Father's Day. What I do know is that I couldn't ask for a better Father for our children. Father's Day is a day to celebrate him and all the other incredible Dads in the world. I thought I'd share a few of the many reasons I love Dave and how he parents our kids, along with a handful of my favorite snapshots of the most important people in my life.

• He reads to our kids.
• He can baby-talk with the best of them.
• His eyes sparkle when he sees Jesse smile.
• He is always ready and willing to change a poopy diaper, wipe away spit-up, or give a bath.
• He kisses "boo-boo's."
• His passion is science and he is able to share that passion with our kids.
• He can't resist when Zach asks Daddy to pull him in the wagon.
• He is wrapped around Kayley's little finger -- he is her hero.
• Without question or hesitation, he would defend our family, especially our children, to his very last breath.
• He teaches our children to try, try again.
• He tells the kids they can do anything or be anyone that they want to be.
• His laughter teaches the kids to have a sense of humor and to laugh at themselves.
• He admits when he makes mistakes, apologizes when necessary, and forgives readily, all to teach our children that no one, not even their Dad, is perfect and that everyone goofs up sometimes.
• He is patient and kind.
• Even though Dave sometimes has difficulty being an optimist and finding the good in people in today's world, he always conveys the need for hope, compassion, forgiveness and kindness to our kids.
• He is genuinely interested in our kids' activities and is the first to attend teacher conferences or a soccer game.
• He ensures our kids know we love them unconditionally, no matter what they do.

Thank you, Dave for being such a wonderful Dad.
Happy Father's Day!

Dave with our newest little guy, Jesse.

Dave and his buddy, Zachary.

Daddy's little princess, Kayley,

covered him with stickers while he slept.