I say it all the time. How lucky I am, how lucky the boys are. Andrew is an exceptional father. I don’t know if fathers are born or made, or a combination of the two… because though Andrew had many father figures in his life, his own father was not there to raise him in the day-to-day sense. And yet, Andrew is an amazing father.
He talks to Milo and Oliver and really explains things. He is patient. He is not afraid to say “no,” but tries to say “yes” more often. He plays with his boys, and reads to them, and sings to them. He is the soundtrack to their lives. He swings and chases and bathes and feeds. He gets up every morning with them and encourages them to play quietly instead of plopping them down in front of the computer to watch a video. He teaches them how to be good men. He teaches them how to be assertive, how to be gentle, how to respect adults and each other.
I think the most wonderful thing in the world is a father who teaches his boys how to nurture. The very fact of Andrew doing the lion’s share of parenting in the early morning and often the evening shows his boys that men are just as good at childcare as women. In essence, he is teaching them how to be fathers some day, should they choose to be. How to be firm but kind. How to play. How to explain. How to eat healthfully. How to save money. How to work hard and enjoy each day.
Let it be known, there are some pretty crappy dads out there. 
… dads who completely ignore the requests of their children to “Watch me, Dad!” because they are too busy on their smartphones checking the latest whatever. Dads who reply in exasperation, “I don’t need to look because I’ve already seen you do that a million times” without looking up from their phones. Dads who actually lie down on the park bench out of complete boredom to escape the torture that is watching their children play. Dads who leave their four-year-olds in the playground while they go have a rest somewhere else out of sight or earshot for at least the amount of time it would take for someone to snatch a child and take off. Or for the child to wander away. Or have a really bad spill. Yep. There are some really crappy dads.
Thanks, Andrew. For being more than “not crappy.” For being amazing.
What a sweet post, Lauren. Your boys are certainly lucky to have Andrew. And they are so lucky to have you as their mama!
Sweetest post ever!! And yes, I’ve always thought, through your words and pictures, that AK is an amazing dad.
What a wonderful little love letter. I know having three young sons can not be easy and I’m sure that have two engaged parents is what makes it possible… and always look like lots of fun!
Beautiful. Your boys are so lucky! I have an amazing dad, and can’t imagine life without him – he’s one of the most amazing people I know!
That picture of them playing at the table together is great. I love seeing dads play with their kids!
Rob and I often remind each other that our little guy is looking at us, but especially his dad, to learn how to be an adult. It’s an amazing, humbling realization.
This is so sweet – I loved reading it.
I feel the same way about my husband. His father was not around, and he had no role model of how to be a good father. He has told me that part of why he is so involved with our kids is that he learned how NOT to be from his father. He does things with them that he wishes his father did with him.
I wish all kids could be so lucky to have such involved dads.
Those photos and your essay are so sweet! How wonderful for the boys to have two great, involved parents. Crappy dads (well, crappy parents, really) make me sad. Dave is also a fantastic dad and I’m thrilled that Avery is equally comfortable and happy with both of us.
Really, really beautiful, Lauren. And I couldn’t agree more. Your sons are lucky, and so are you, Mama! What a lovely family you have and what great boys you two are raising. I think it’s so important to be mindful about this stuff, every single day. I’m lucky enough to be married to a very similar kind man. And I hope we’re raising our son to be so. And my husband is a Papa too.
Hi Lauren,
I just wanted to say a big thank-you for all your lovely comments on my blog. You really are so sweet.
These photos are truly magical – boys spending precious time with their Papa. It’s what childhood memories are made of xxx
Love this post. You are both SUCH incredible parents and it’s so, so apparent. The boys are incredibly lucky and you’re incredibly lucky to have eachother.