Dear George,

Last year you made it clear that you did not want to be honored on Father’s Day because you weren’t yet a father.  Watching you prepare for our babies, I vehemently disagreed, but also understood your perspective.  I’ve heard men don’t feel truly bonded to their babies until they hold them for the first time because that is when it becomes real.  Unlike typical parents who hold their babies immediately after delivery, we had to wait nearly a week.  Instead, we were only able to gaze at them through isolettes and touch them through port holes.  Even though you couldn’t hold the babies immediately, you sprung into action and became “The Quadfather” the moment the babies were delivered.  Without hesitation, you rushed to the NICU to be with them and advocate for their best interests.  You were forced to make decisions for the babies on your own as I recovered.  In fact, you had the task of matching our chosen names to the babies by checking their weights.  I never once worried about your abilities because I knew you were fully capable.

These shirts were a surprise from me to you on D-Day. I love how you still wear it with pride.  You joined the ranks of a few lucky enough to be called “Quadfathers”.

It was excruciating seeing the babies only through isolesttes in the early days, but they were worth the wait.  Our first snuggles were momentous.

We’ve been on quite a journey together, but there’s no one I’d rather have by my side than you.  Each day I wake up to four tiny people jabbering or fussing, I am grateful that you are right beside me.  Few fathers can spoon feed four babies simultaneously, build a quad table and diaper chute, or make formula by the gallon.  You can, because we are a team.  Happy 1st Father’s Day!

Rylin was the first born and first baby you laid eyes upon.

When you held Harper for the first time I could see the love in your eyes.  If you didn’t feel bonded on delivery day, you certainly were by this very moment.

I was terrified to hold our two pound Sydney for the first time, but you didn’t hesitate to wrap her in your arms.

Mason was the first baby we were able to hold.  He opened his eyes and looked deeply into yours.

Whether you know it or not, you are the babies’ hero already. When you arrive home from work, they race to the gates to see you. Whenever possible they follow you and watch your every move. They know you are their Daddy.

xoxo,

Amber