My Two Dads

No, I'm not talking about that late 1980's sitcom called "My Two Dads." Does anyone remember that show? I loved that program but I'm not sure why. When you think about it, the plot was quite scandalous: Nicole Bradford whose mother dies and she leaves her daughter with two men, one of whom could be her father, but she's not sure which one. Hmmm.....

While I loved the characters in that t.v. show, this blog entry has no plot and guesses in it. Rather, I want to talk about the two greatest dads in my life: my husband Kirk who is father to our daughter Vivian and my own dad Larry Babin.

Of course Kirk is not my father and doesn't act like one to me. Yet he does play a protective and nurturing role in my life. He does offer that security and support that was once held only in my life by my dad. But I'd rather talk about what a great new role Kirk now plays in my life.

One of the most surprising joys about being a mom has been watching my husband Kirk be a father to our daughter Vivian. Nothing melts my heart more than seeing the two of them together. When Vivian gives him a hug or when she signs "dad" then utters the sound "dah" when she sees him, I nearly sink to my knees.


Kirk with Vivian on the first day we brought her home from the hospital:



Kirk and I will be married seven years this August, 2009. In those seven years and the year prior to that when we were dating, I have never seen him be as hands-on, kind, protective, silly and playful with any other child before. Kirk never wanted much to do with kids or babies. He was not one of those men who interacted with other people's children, except for his neice Kristen every now and then. But I knew he would be a wonderful father to our child someday. I knew when I met him that he had those instincts in him. Seeing him today, I still feel the same way.

I love watching he and Vivian play. Kirk will crouch to the floor on his hands and knees then act like a dog or some other animal to make Vivian laugh. He tickles her, throws the ball with her, blows bubbles at her, makes silly faces at her and enjoys his time with her. He hides from her and scares her, which she loves! It is incredibly sweet and sexy to watch him interact with her.


Kirk playing around with Viv two months ago:



Of course Kirk will say some really funny, over-the-top things about Vivian that make me realize, yes he is going to be an over-protective dad. Like for instance,

"She's not dating anyone until she's 30."

"I'm not letting her run around barefoot in the rain. She could get sick or catch a disease."

"Vivian won't wear any low-cut tops or short shorts around me."

And so on....

Although unrealistic, I think his statements are very sweet. He says these things out of love and best interest for Viv. So I just agree with him.

I usually drop Vivian off at day care in the mornings and Kirk picks her up in the afternoons. He has said numerous times that picking her up is his favorite part of the day with her. She is ALWAYS so happy to see him (and to be leaving school). She will run up to Kirk and hug him so tight then immediately start waving her hand good bye to the teacher and her classmates. For just those few minutes, her dad is her whole world and he loves that.

Then mom (me) comes home from work and it's all about mommy and daddy is often forgotten. Kirk says that Vivian is a mommy's girl and wants me these days but I say that her behavior just temporary. I can see that Daddy's Girl in her even at this young age. She's got that twinkle in her eyes around him and he lights up, (since she has him wrapped around her tiny fingers).

I should know about these things - after all, I am a daddy's girl too. My dad, Larry, is a wonderful father. The older I grow, the more I appreciate and admire him. We've had our ups and downs over the years. He gave me the belt a few times, yelled at me MANY times and I know I tried his patience over and over again as a teenager. But no one could affect me emotionally the way that my father could. And it was because I just think the world of my him (still do).


Dancing with my dad on my wedding day:



I have a lot of my father's personality traits. Some good - like my incredible sense of humor from him. (Sometimes my mom is funny too, but not quite like my dad. He's much crazier!) Some not so good - like my impatience and my foul mouth. I'd like to think that I have my dad's determination and courage along with his wide feet, light-brown colored eyes and that Babin smile.

Long ago I used to believe my dad was made of steel, but then there have been times that I made him cry because of something I said or did; then I realized he is human after all. On occasion, he'd surprise me with flowers and a card when I did something like receive all "A's" as my grade for a few semesters in college. My dad is very generous but practical in his advice, gifts and time.


I so enjoy seeing my dad play with Vivian too. He is so silly with her and she just loves it. I like to think that he was that way with me when I was that age but I honestly can't remember back that far. He is a wonderful grandpa or "Buddy" as he calls himself.


My dad has told me that the best part of being a father has been watching his two children (my brother Stu and me) grow into responsible, mature adults. He says he often wondered if he was a good dad to us. He admits that he wishes he could have done more or been around more but he feels happy that he has a "do-over" with his two granddaughters whom he adores.

Hey dad, I think you did pretty good! :-)


Vivian and me with my dad on Father's day last year, 2008:



I'm very lucky that these two great father figures - my husband and my dad get along so well too. They will often play rounds of golf or hit the pool tables together. My two best guys laugh, talk and more importantly, drink lots of beer or Crown Royal together. I never worry about them when they're together since I know they enjoy each other's company. And they share the same love for the same girls - Vivian and me.

So I don't have two dads in the same way that Staci Keanan's character did on the "My Two Dads" program, but I do have these two wonderful, special men in my life. I am very lucky to have a wonderful husband who is also a wonderful father to Vivian. And I'm fortunate to have a terrific dad who is a terrific grandpa to Vivian too.

Happy Father's Day to you both (and to all the great dads out there)! I love you!