Team work makes the dream work
When I was young, as young as I can remember, I always wanted to play “house” or “classroom”. When I played these games, I always had the role of the mother or the teacher. This is because I dreamt of being a mom and raising little kids. Now that I have the title “mom” and I am raising little kids, I can tell you that it’s the best dream come true!
Being a mom is a great honor but if I am being honest, I wouldn’t be the mom I am today if it wasn’t for my husband. About 2 years into our relationship Cody and I started talking about life questions and where we see ourselves down the road. One thing that has always stuck with me from that conversation was how badly Cody wanted to be a father. Not only did he just want to be a dad, but he wanted to be a present dad and someone his kids could lean on and rely on.
During my pregnancies he was the best partner I could ask for. When I needed him, he was there. If I was craving something, no matter how ridiculous, he would bring it home to me without even telling me. If I was awake in pain during the night, he was right next to me rubbing my feet, bringing me water, or applying counter pressure.
After each delivery when Cody would hold the babies, you could tell how full his heart was. When Cody held Kaison for the first time his smile was HUGE. He insisted on holding him the whole time while we ate dinner in the hospital. When he held Kinzley for the first time he cried. Kinzley was wrapped around his finger from the second they put her in his arms. Since we almost lost Koehn, I think both of us realized how fragile life is and holding him made us realize how blessed we were to have a healthy set of twins to go home with.
When we got home from the hospital both times Cody was all in. He was making bottles, cooking dinners, changing diapers, giving baths, going grocery shopping, etc. He literally did anything and everything he could do to help me while recovering after giving birth.
Cody is not only a great father but a great provider for his family. Raising three babies right now is financially stressful. To help ease this stress, Cody works overtime at his 8am-5pm job when needed and has a second job in the evenings Monday-Friday. With all the sleepless nights we go through and working multiple jobs, it’s easy for him to get worn out but he doesn’t let the kids see that. When he gets home, he is there for the kids.
The kids get so happy to see their dad pull into the driveway in the evenings. They will all be lined up on the couch looking out the picture window jumping up and down, just filled with excitement for their dad. It’s one of my favorite parts of the day.
Anyone who knows Cody will tell you how great of a dad he is. He goes out of his way to do anything for his family. When Koehn was running a 103 fever and we needed to take him to the ER in the middle of the night, Cody took him and had me stay home with the other kids. Not many fathers would pack a diaper bag and take a 9-month-old to the ER by themselves at 5am. He makes the kids laugh so hard that their faces turn red, and they are crying because of how hard they are laughing. Cody is also so compassionate. He loves to cuddle with the kids and get hugs from Kaison. When we talk about the kids growing up too fast, Cody starts crying. His heart just beats for his family, and it shows. He loves being a husband and a father and takes pride in it.
I want Cody to know that even though sometimes it feels like the days will never end and the nights are too short, he is truly an amazing father. I admire his determination to provide for this family. I want our boys to grow up and be like him. I hope our kids have as big of heart as he does and will always go out of their way to help people out, just like he does. Lastly, I want Cody to know that if I had to go back, I would choose him all over again.
I love my husband and I have loved watching him take on this father role. Parenting is hard but when you have someone to walk beside you through it all, it’s such a fun ride.
