This week on Bleeping Motherhood, we want to honor the dads.  The dads that get in there with poop up to their elbows, respond to the cries in the night and have tea parties in the middle of an exciting game.  We respect you because you make us better moms and a more connected family.

I have two men in my life to honor on Father’s Day.  First my own father.  Imagine being an Army Ranger and having two daughters.  Two silly, giggling daughters.  With our screaming fights, loads of hairspray (because mall bangs) and dance recitals.  We never felt he wished he had more, we were enough, despite our lack of talent on the soccer field and our noodle arms when he tried to teach us softball.  This dad:

• Let his daughter “style” his hair, complete with barrettes
• Drove his heavily perfumed daughters to school
• Took his daughters horseback riding after subjecting us to too many nights camping in the rain

He shows us he loves us.  He shows our mom he loves her.  Thank you, Dad.

Secondly my husband who got into this crazy parenting gig with me.  He’s stood with me and supported me as my views on parenting have evolved.  He’s as likely to be playing princesses as he is to be building legos.  Our children melt in his hugs (I think he might melt a little too in theirs).  After every new achievement or interesting moment in their day, our children’s first thought is to tell Dad, because these are all the big moments of their life and they know whatever they find important, so will their dad.  This dad:

• Listens to endless “once a ponce a time” stories
• In the middle of cleaning the garage, stops to build a birdhouse with his kids
• Styles his daughter’s hair in pigtails when Mommy isn’t around

He shows our kids he loves them.  He shows me he loves me.  Thank you, Mike.

Tell us about the dads you love!  The dads that work hard for their family, whether it be at home or outside the house.  The dads that sacrifice, the dads that are silly.  Let’s show dads how much we appreciate them, all week long!