Lucky day for Dad

I remember telling Rebecca shortly after the babies came home from the hospital that I need to do this too. I was referring to my desire not just to support with feeding and diaper changes but to actually be an engaged father and calm anxious tears, rock to sleep and do some of the more difficult things that a Mom is naturally good at but us men generally don't and/or can't handle.

About a month ago, Rebecca and I were in the front room and we heard a scream from the back room. Not your normal moan, this was real fear. I ran to the back room to find Alexa screaming like she just had a nightmare. Since Rebecca was pumping and her mom was downstairs, it was my chance to jump off the bench and into action. Alexa was scared and she had been sick with a stuffed up nose the entire day. I think she had some trouble breathing and that is what brought about the tears. She cried and cried. Eventually, Rebecca was able to take her but I said, "let me see if I can do it." Sure enough, after a few more minutes, Alexa stopped crying and was soon sleeping. I was so excited about the moment I almost started crying. You know how cool it is when a backup player comes off the bench to score a touchdown? I had that kind of moment. Thankfully, I have had lots of those moments with each of the kids and Rebecca is gracious enough to let me figure these things out. This moment in particular was a point that I bonded with Alexa and was so very thankful that I was able to be there for her. Below is a picture that Rebecca snapped once Lexi lu was sleeping in my arms.