The Leader of the Pack

We had a happy Father's Day Sunday, celebrating a man who is an incredible daddy to our three precious children.  

Ryan loves his kids so much, he offered them each a Belgian chocolate.  This is true love, people.

Ryan's been a good father from day one.  But starting a family while in law school, full time, and working off and on jobs was a big load to carry.  I'll never fully understand the sacrifices he made to keep his wife and kids a priority during those three-and-a-half years of working towards becoming an attorney, but he dealt with the tension and struggle of the balancing act with strength and conviction. 

Watching Ryan father our kids over the last year, without law school staring him in the face every day, has blessed me beyond words.  He's amazing.  He's fun.  He gets the kids laughing and giggling.  He's energetic.  He paints nails.  He plays racers.  He changes diapers.  He encourages me to get out for some alone time.  He keeps life at home exciting for all of us.  And I hadn't seen this side of him to the fullest extent until this past year.  He comes home from work each day completely ready to help, serve, love, and care for his family.  

And adjusting to life with a newborn this third time around has also been totally different without law school in the picture.  Classes started for him two days after Rooke was born.  We got four days with him at home after Gretchen joined us.  With Bridgette, we were grateful to have a full week of paternity leave and remain thankful for a job that allows him to be home with us most evenings without extra work or responsibilities to think of.  His devotion to helping and serving me as much as he could after Bridgette was born has made the move from two to three feel like a breeze.  

Ryan fits the role of father well.  He instructs and disciplines with love.  He teaches by example.  He prays.  He leads our family to keep Christ at the center.  The kids LOVE him.  They respect him.  And they make sure to see him off to work every day with waves, hugs, kisses, more hugs, "I love you" in sign-language, and window-watching until his red car is completely out of sight.  Even threats of soggy cereal can't pull them away from this morning ritual.  He wouldn't have it any other way.