Adding color to Evangeline's world

Dear Readers, Father's Day, June 18, 2023. This is dedicated to all of the men who play the important and irreplaceable role of Dad. The partners or caregivers that have graciously stepped into this role without missing a beat. Most of all, my husband and Evangeline's father, Nick, on his first Father's Day. I want to document this milestone so we may share these words with her someday. May she always know that she was born out of love and has a mother who adores her father. Let's flashback to November 9, 2022, when Evangeline entered the world. During our stay in the hospital, I will admit that I did not change a single diaper, prepare a bottle or swaddle our new baby girl one time. It was not because of a lack of desire. I cheered Nick on from the sideline of my hospital bed and c-section recovery station. It's safe to say, I was not in pristine physical or mental form and did not have enough strength to lift and carry a baby. On her second night, she grew fussier, and Nick stood by her bassinet and cradled her to sleep. I remember looking at the clock behind him and it was almost midnight. I was recovering from major surgery and the look of exhaustion took over his face. We had this little crying baby who was depending on us for all of her biological needs, and we felt a bit overwhelmed. I remember thinking this was our first taste of new parenthood. Reality hit. I realized in those first few days of being "mom" and "dad" the importance of having a good partner. One person picks up where the other left off and you work together to meet your goals as a team. For us, this means one person makes dinner, the other cleans up. There is no room for ego, or competition about who "works harder" when it comes to effective parenting or partnership. That first week of Evangeline's life set the tone for the following days and months of parenting a young infant. While we are both still learning how to best raise a child, Nick stepped up during our hospital stay and has been a stable and loving dad for her ever since. I've shared in an earlier blog that he adds color to her world. A touch of levity and playfulness that I don't necessarily give her during the day.

At seven months, she is starting to get more reactive and responsive to her environment. She now smiles, looks up and bounces her arms and legs when he comes home from work. She reaches for his red goatee and knows she's safe with him. It's in those moments, especially, that I fall in love with my husband all over again. I can't wait to see what milestones we are celebrating next Father's Day. Here's to you, Nick.