Last week I said I would be honoring three men in my life this year for father’s day; more on the first two see: honoring father’s day

As for the third? Last but of course not least I have to honor the newest father in the family, my husband L.

Leading up to Z’s birth L worked tirelessly at a seemingly never ending list to get us established and settled in a new home, state, and job. From the second he found out were were pregnant he fixated on selling our old house, setting up new insurances and bank accounts, looking for/buying us a home, getting us a safer/newer car and so many other details while also trying to establish himself in a new job. L sacrificed many weeknight hours and almost every weekend leading up to May getting us settled. This  includes also attending a twelve week birth class on the weekends with me and being attentive as we prepared for parenthood.

Adding to all of this, he was wonderful husband and coach through a difficult, and exhausting labor process. He was extremely encouraging, helping me through long hours waiting for Z in spite of his own exhaustion, and hunger. L almost never left my side and only did so to update family. Near the end, he provided the reassurance and wisdom I needed for us change our birth plan and bring Z safely into the world.

Now that he has a few week’s experience as a father, I can say he has also been great as a parent. He was super involved in Z’s care as well as mine after we got home from the hospital. Even now that he is back at work, he checks in with me during the day to see how everything is going. On the weekends he’s very attentive and helps with all aspects of Z’s care and love to play with him. He has already established a strong relationship with Z and can tell what he needs or wants sometimes better than me. On the very overwhelming days, L has been taking Z and K on a walk in the evenings so I can get peace and quiet while I finished up projects around the house, shower, or take a nap.

I never questioned or doubted L would be an awesome father. But I admire him even more as a husband through this whole process. He has been here for me in ways I never expected or anticipated he would need to, and he has taken it all without complaint.

I am honored to watch the way he interacts with Z as they build up a relationship together. I can see how much love he has for his son as well as joy and hope as he looks to the lifetime of adventures they will have together.

Happy First Father’s Day!