I married a tough guy. A man's-man. A (mild) badass. When I met him back in 5th grade and saw him for the first time in those bib overalls with one strap undone I thought he was so cute (and pretended to be Mrs. Taylor for the next two weeks). Throughout middle school Doug continued to be a tough guy: getting in a few fights (really Doug?!), playing all kinds of sports, and not doing his homework (that's for nerds).
In high school Doug was very passionate about basketball, earning a few technical fouls his senior season for his passionate behavior. He didn't follow many of the rules and many adults and teachers thought he was a trouble-maker. Now don't get me wrong, some of Doug's actions probably were uncalled for, but for the most part he was a good guy. He would attend parties, but was never the one drinking. In fact, he was usually there to offer a safe ride home for many (a habit he continued in college and beyond). He was carefree and fun.
Doug had some things happen during his childhood that no person should ever have to go through! Those events have made him into the man he is today....still a tough guy (although he has a softer side as well), still a man's man (he knows how to do just about anything and everything around the house), and still a mild badass (he's not scared of much!). But more than those things Doug is now a dad, and not just any dad...the best dad. Now many of you are thinking that your husband or your dad is the best, and I'm sorry to disappoint you, but Doug is the best.
He has turned his life experiences into something positive. Despite his past, his future with his son is bright. Each and every day he rushes home to say hi to his "buddy," "buster" or "baby bear." Doug can't get enough of Camber! I knew it the minute Camber was placed on my stomach, even for that millisecond that he was there that Doug was in love. As Camber was taken from us to be worked on by the nurses and doctors, Doug turned into a Daddy. Knowing he had to leave me, that I would be fine, he tended to our boy. And in those first scary minutes of Camber's life, the emotion that flooded Doug's eyes connected him with our son. Doug held Camber's tiny, strong hand as the doctors worked. Doug never left his side (something I wish I could have done). The bond those two have is undeniable.
Many guys think babies just "eat, sleep, and poop," but Doug truly thinks that Camber is FUN. Many guys tell him, "You must think poopy diapers are fun." It's so amazing to watch Doug lay on the floor next to Camber totally engrossed in every sound and move he makes. If you want to see this badass turn to mush just watch Camber smile at him! Doug said to me one day as we were on a walk, Camber strapped to Doug in the Ergo, "I think I was meant to have a son." I couldn't agree more. Camber has the best role model to look up to and I couldn't be more proud of my badass-turned-softie husband!
Happy Father's Day Daddy!
This song by Rodney Atkins, Watching You is Doug and Camber's relationship in the next few years :-)
He said I've been watching you dad, ain't that cool
I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are
We like fixing things and holding mama's hand
Yeah we're just alike, hey ain't we dad
I wanna do everything you do
So I've been watching you
