Barbecue gear, ties and breakfast in bed are all nice on Father’s Day–but sometimes the best way to show your partner in parenting how much you appreciate him is simply by spelling it out. Here, our baby bloggers open up about what they love most about the kind of fathers their husbands are–and it’s not just about how great they are at stepping in for us moms when we’re exhausted! From teaching baby about Bob Marley to happily partaking in kiddie tea parties, here’s what makes these regular dads stand out. —
If it weren’t for my husband, our 20-month-old daughter wouldn’t know who Bob Marley is or ask to watch him on DVD. She wouldn’t know that the red statue atop our bookcase is Buddha and that we rub his belly for good luck. She wouldn’t know how to cheer for the Mets or how to differentiate hockey from soccer on television. She wouldn’t know how to toast her sippy cup against your glass or how to line up all her dolls on the sofa and proceed to feed them “pasta.” She wouldn’t know how to do these things and countless others if my husband didn’t devote his time and attention to her every single day. While I’m focused on practical learning, such as potty training and using utensils, hubby works on the fun stuff with our Little Peep. And for that I am grateful. –Aimee Daly
I love that my husband provides the perfect balance of calm and reason when I’m stretched to my limit. He has been by my side from the beginning, through a challenging pregnancy, issues with breastfeeding and the terrible twos. Whether it’s helping out in the kitchen or taking the kids for a trip to the playground when Mommy needs a time out, he pitches in wherever he is needed. I couldn’t ask for a better partner. –Angela Johnson
I love when my husband and daughter go off on adventures together. He loves to take her on the bike seat for lightning fast trips around the Prospect Park loop, or they’ll go on leisurely walks through the neighborhood and bring home fresh muffins for breakfast. I know these adventures are a huge hit with Trixie because she always comes home happily exhausted. She spends the rest of the day pointing at bikes and examining them on the sidewalk, then saying “Daddy bike!” with pure joy and excitement. Exploring has always been a favorite activity for my husband and I, and I love that the two of them are carrying on our tradition. –Alex Richards
Omar has proven himself to be a rock star dad–not that I had any doubts. Recently a friend asked me if he was a hands-on parent. When I told her that, indeed, he is very hands-on and, in fact, he puts our daughter to bed almost every night, my friend was shocked. No matter what kind of day he’s had, Omar changes clothes as soon as he gets home, plays with our daughter for a few minutes, and then puts her to bed. He’s all-in, and I appreciate that I can count on him no matter what. –Megan Robinson
What I appreciate most about my husband is his patience
and the sheer love he feels for our son. When I am at my wits’ end and
ready to blow a gasket, my hubby is there, calm and ready to take over
so I don’t go postal on everyone. He also does things with my son
that, as a part-time working mom and part-time stay at home mom, I
don’t have the patience or energy for: festivals, concerts and puppet
shows on the weekends when I am working. He researches all the fun
activities that are happening and makes plans for our son–so I know
not only is he taking good care of him, but they are out doing
something super-special together. –Amity Spiegel
My husband has always enjoyed building Legos, playing cars and kicking a ball around with our son, but he’s also content reading Pinkalicious to him or having some of Brandon’s green (or sometimes chocolate) tea at one of his make-believe tea parties. And I love how he’s just as enthusiastic about playing and teaching those same things to our younger daughter. His main focus is where it should be–to encourage both kids to try different things and do whatever it is that makes them happy. –Elisabeth Reed
I love that my husband finds joy in doing things with my son that I would never think of. For instance, I don’t have much talent or patience for drawing, but my husband will spend my son’s entire bath time creating amazing pictures on the walls with him using bathtub crayons. I love to see what they come up with every night–it’s a window into their world together. It’s something I would never have the inclination to do and I love that they share special "traditions" like this together. –Leah Black
I have always been amazed at the connection my husband and son have, even
from the first moments of my son’s life. He gives my son so much and is
always the yin to my yang. He has patience when mine is worn clean
thin. He has energy when I just need to take a break. When he comes home
from a long day at work, he always gives me a reprieve when it comes to kid duty. He
can make my son smile and laugh just by picking him up. He always wants
to take him to exciting places, like the zoo. I never want to go, but
once we’re there, I’m glad I got roped into it. Happy Father’s Day to an
energetic, happy and wonderful daddy. –Kristen Haas
