Welcome Home Daddy

When I picked the kids up from school today I let them know there was a big surprise waiting for them at home.  Tessie was excited, but Christian knew exactly what the surprise would be.  “Wanna go see Daddy!” he said with a smile on his face.  Nick has been out hunting for a little over a week, and although he comes home for a night now and then, the kids have really been missing him a lot.  Both kids were smiling from ear to ear when they saw Nick sitting on the couch as we walked in the door.  Christian reached his arms out, arching his body, and squealing when Nick took him from me.  Tessie immediately launched into a narrative, describing her first day of ballet school.  The only thing better than the obvious joy on my children’s faces was seeing it mirrored by their dad.

The bond between my children and their father is amazing.  It has definitely been hard earned on his part, especially with Christian, who didn’t leave my arms for roughly eighteen months.  His relationship with them is so different than mine, and at times it’s hard not to be envious.  Mom is called for anything bad.  Bumped heads, scraped knees, spilt milk, and nightmares.  Daddy gets to read books, play games, and take them fishing.  Their behavior is almost always better with dad, it’s the rule of the universe.

Watching the kids rejoice over the return of their Daddy was touching, and I will admit, a bit of a relief for me.  I even got a little break from the constant demands of Mommy-hood.  Daddy is special and his attention magical.  No matter how old they get, this will always prove true.  This afternoon I felt lucky to be witness to this little reunion, and didn’t have to look hard to see it for the beautiful moment it was.