When I first met Paul over twelve and a half years ago, he was without a doubt a 'boys' boy' with interests including dirt bikes, car racing, cricket, fishing and camping. A weekend ride through the bush was a common occurrence in the wetter months, usually followed by camping overnight with mates. He owned a rally car and competed in events, attended the speedway regularly and had a definite adventurous streak.
With Paul as their Dad, my girls were always going to grow up with a love of the outdoors and getting dirty. Grace has a ball going for rides on the family boat, will happily tag along with Paul to have a look at planes taking off at the local airport and excitedly joins him for the occasional bike ride around the local streets.
Having two girls however, has definitely seen me witness a previously unknown side of my husband in the past four years. Surrounded by fairy dresses, dolls and glitter, it has been so lovely to see his softer side come out. He comments to Grace and Sophie how pretty they look when they dress up as princesses or butterflies, gives cuddles and comfort when tears appear and has become an expert in all things Peppa Pig or Tinkerbell related. Early the other morning, Grace tip-toed into our bedroom. Thinking I was still asleep, she crept around to Paul's side of the bed.
"Daddy, can you please help me put this dress on my Barbie?" she asked him.
I couldn't help but smile, thinking of how Paul's world has changed so much since he has become a Daddy to two little girls.
I'm so proud of the wonderful job my husband does with our little ones, for the hands on way he helps with parenting and for his ability to whole-heartedly embrace all things 'pink and pretty'...
Father's Day in our family is always tinged with a slight sense of sadness .. after morning cuddles in bed and enjoying breakfast out as a little family of four, we stopped by the cemetery to leave a camellia from our garden for my dear Dad and then found a spot by the river to let a bloom for Paul's Dad be carried out on the waves... keeping in mind as we did, all of the many special memories we have of our two precious fathers...
Oh Amanda this is such a special tribute to your loving husband. I can just see him cuddling and comforting his girls and dressing barbies for them, it really is beautiful to see that soft side. I know how patient my hubby will be with the girls especially when they were little sitting there having his hair done with lots of clips:) My thoughts are with both you and Paul today on father's day, I think your ways of remembering them today are really beautiful. xxxx
ReplyDeleteAmanda, what a beautiful read. Yes parenting brings out so much in our husbands - seeing them 'blossom' with our children is a gift in itself. x
ReplyDeleteIt's a special thing, the relationship between a dad and a daughter. Your girls (and Paul) are very lucky...Father's day is a little sad for K for the same reason. He visited the cemetery too and said it felt good to sit and reflect. I can't begin to imagine how hard it must be...Lots of love to you, sweet lady xxx
ReplyDeleteAwww Amanda what a gorgeous post (and beautiful meaningful photo). Brought a bit of a tear to my eye. But what a gorgeous way to remember them both. The Barbie story made me smile, I'm sure you were trying to keep down a smile as you "slept" xx
ReplyDeleteThat is so damn cute, to think big strong manly men are such softies around their daughters with their pink fairy dresses. So adorable. Hope you had a nice Fathers day, even the sad parts and remembering your Dads x
ReplyDeleteSeeing the soft sides of our partners is special isn't it. Sounds like Paul is a wonderful father.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute to your husband. I'm sure he is an excellent father to Grace and Sophie. They are lucky girls, and you're a lucky lady to have them all in your life.
ReplyDeleteClaudia
Loved reading this! Put a smile on my face x
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about your Dad, it must be hard on Father's day to wish he was still around.
ReplyDeleteI think it is such a blessing to have two daughters. I know my husband's friends are all saying we should try again for a boy but you can still have a perfect family without boys (or without girls). And so true what you say about guys being such softies around their precious girls...they learn so much from them too.
There is something utterly beautiful about a dad's relationship with his daughtes. I think it might just be one of the most pure relationships on this earth. The fact that Paul was such a boy's boy and is there dressing Barbie says a lot about him as a gentle man. x
ReplyDeleteI love this ... It's the opposite at our house. I was a girly girl and now live in a household of all males. I have been forced to embrace football, cricket and all things dirty and dangerous. But I wouldn't change a thing ... well maybe a little less dirt and danger! :0)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute to fatherhood (and Paul)
ReplyDeletexx
So beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a gorgeous post Amanda. A lovely tribute to Paul and all the great Daddies out there. I think it's important we tell them how fab they are!
ReplyDeleteThinking of you during this time as you cherish the memories of your own Dad.
Mwah xx
Beautiful post Amanda.
ReplyDeleteThanks for popping over to me today too, it's nice to put a face to a name and see pics of your lovely clan. My hubby is "Paul" too, but we have 3 crazy fellas and one princess!
Liv xo
Lovely post. We're the opposite to your family, so it's really nice to see this :)
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful Amanda! I love this Post so much. It's gorgeous seeing their softer side and your hubby sounds like and utterly gorgeous man. Mel x
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