After all, June 21st was the twins' due date. And it was also the exact day we conceived Paxton. I realize that may seem like TMI for outside readers, but when you're doing injections, you pretty much know when you ovulate down to the hour. The fact that we conceived on their exact due date was pretty much a one in a million situation.
And it just so happens that such an important date is marked as Father's Day this year. Not sure it could feel more appropriate.. A date that means something in relation to all of our babies.
This is not your first Father's Day, but it is the first one where you get to hold your son, play peek-a-boo, and "talk" with him all day. It's the first one where you get to really feel like a father with a son to raise. And I am so happy for you.
Still, the importance of being a "father" can't be summed up or adequately celebrated in one day. A relationship as strong as father and son will be ever-changing -- evolving as you go.
I hope, on this special day, you have the time to ponder the years that lie ahead. As hard as I try, and as much as I'll teach him, there are some things a son will take from his father... Things I could never show him. All the lessons you'll teach -- on purpose, and by accident. These are the things that come to my mind this year, if I may make a few requests.
He may listen to your advice, but he'll follow your example. Show him how to be a man. Strong and gentle. Show him how to treat his mother. How to fall in love -- and ideally how to stay there.
Be his friend. Talk about life, sports, and girls. But be his father first. He will look towards you for rules and boundaries. Let him make a mess, but then make him clean it up. Encourage him to take risks, but reassure him you'll catch him if he falls.
Let him see you fail. He will think you're infallible for awhile. It's okay. You're supposed to be his hero. But his role-model will also show him how to stumble, and then recover. Teach him that flaws don't make you weak or define you. Giving up does.
And there are some things I just can't do. My knowledge of football is limited. My knowledge of farming is non-existent. And peeing standing up? Writing his name in the snow? That's all you, dear.
And when you're playing catch or touch football in the yard, and I yell at you both for tearing up the grass or garden... remind me that we're raising a son... not a lawn. I'll get it. <3
I can teach him to say "Dada" -- but only you can show him what it really means...
From Jasper, Bodhi, Paxton (and Bristow and Nori too) -- Happy Father's Day!
