Happy (Belated) Fathers Day

To Nic:

Fatherhood has been quite a journey for you, and I'm sure I only know the half of it.
When we brought Remy into this world we didn't have a clue how to be parents; how to change diapers, be unselfish, go without sleep.

But July 25, 2008 we jumped in, ready or not. I think you were ready, I was not.

Remy seemed to know instinctively that you were his safe place, his protector and friend.

As we learned parenting on the fly you also had to deal with a wife with severe post-partum depression. You got up in the nights for a few weeks, despite the fact you were working long hours and commuting out to my parents house. It wasn't always easy and you never asked for it to happen to you, but you kept going and you kept me going too.

For weeks I did not leave the house without you, I did not change dirty diapers unless you were there (good thing he didn't poop much those first couple of weeks!), and I did not give Remy a bath unless you were there. I still felt so unsure and I needed you there to help me feel confidant or at least so we could bumble along together.

As our life and my emotions have become more stable you have been able to become less of a caretaker and more of a fun dad.

You have taught Remy how to be gangsta.

And started teaching him about fishing.

You have taught him about having fun, eating things he shouldn't eat, enjoying the outdoors.

Remy shrieks with joy when you come home from work and crawls as fast as he can to get to you. I truly believe you can tell how loving a father is by how his children react to him, and Remy reacts to you with nothing but love and excitement.

I know that this journey of parenthood has not been easy for us but I am so thankful it has been with you. I have watched you grow from an immature single man who "never wanted to grow up" to a father who loves his son more than anything in the world.

Happy Fathers Day!!

Love,

Rachel