They've got something special...

My kids have an amazing dad. It has been so special watching Kris become a dad. Kris has taught me how to be involved and be an active parent. From remembering the 'small' stuff that means so much to them to being hands-on with their coaching to wrestling the last hour before bedtime to creating 'dates with dad'. I have just loved watching them connect and desire to be together...even when his energy would have had him rather on the sidelines.

Kris has set the bar high as a father. A day doesn't go by that he hasn't asked them about their day, explained and shown character building by example, made eye contact to show each kiddo that they are valued in his eyes. Even when the job stress was at his peak, he didn't burden them with his pain and stress. Kris takes every opportunity that he has with them 100% of himself. It's so encouraging to witness.

With humour and strength, he has made these kids feel so loved, so wanted and safe. Our social worker has mentioned that our kids are well behaved, thoughtful and gracious. She says it has much to do with them feeling loved and secure in their surroundings and parents have the ability to do that for our kids. (***a side note, I wish everyone could have the experience of having social worker like ours in their home...to help see what's happening from a different perspective...we just adore Anne...she is like a family member to us.***)

He has taught them how to play golf, throw a ball, play any game with sportsmanship and sing with passion and always make the best of it...even when the situation isn't ideal.

Staying positive isn't my forte but it is something that drives him, seeing the good in every situation. I just love that he is passing that down to our kids.

Even when kiddo would never remember nor is old enough to do something herself, he has spent time to prove their value in his eyes.

Every day, one at a time, he looks into each of their eyes and asks them "Do you know that I love you?"

To which, the kiddo groans, "Yes dad".

And then he responds, "Do you know how proud I am of you?"

...to which, their eyes light up and they smile wide...and I feel so blessed to know that these kiddos are so loved and their father is so proud!

These kids have got something really special!