Father's Day

Today is a day to celebrate all the Dads out there.   And yes, there's a difference between a "Father" and a "Dad".  Noel has always been Avery's Father, and proud of it, but he's slowly been working on being a good dad.  Now that Avery is a little older, it's becoming easier.  I think because he (Avery) seems less fragile.  And he's so much fun now!  He cracks Noel up!  They had a great time playing together.  When they are playing, Avery looks to Noel for a reaction, not me.  It's nice to see.  Noel has also recently starting giving Avery his bath and it's a special time for them.  Avery loves his bath so it's nice that Noel gets to share that with him.  Noel also likes to push Avery in his stroller when we go out together as a family.  Avery loves his Daddy.  Here's 2 photos of them that I took today.

I also want to mention the Grand"Dads" in Avery's life.  He is lucky that he has three!

Noel's Dad - Scott Wraight - lives in Windsor but comes to visit as often as he can make it work. We call him Grandpa Scott.  He always makes sure that we have everything that we need (Avery will be outfitted in Pekkle Sleepers for the next year or so!).   Here is Avery and Scott, a few months ago.

Noel's other Dad - Scott Shepherd - lives in London and he and Noel's Mom come to visit every month or so.  We call him "Grampy" (or Grumpy, depending on the day!).  Scott helped us get Avery`s room all painted before Avery arrived.  He also has a set of puppets that he uses to entertain Avery.  Here's a photo from Avery's birthday.  (Somebody was sleepy and needed to go to bed!)

And last but not least, is my Dad - Bill Willemsen.  He's a great dad to me and an awesome Grandpa.  Avery is lucky because my parents moved a 3-minute walk away from me (at the end of my pregnancy) so they could be close to us.  When I went back to work, my Mom and Dad started babysitting Avery for me.  So, Avery has been lucky enough to spend lots of time with his Grandpa.  They read books together and take walks to watch the cars go by.  Avery likes to ride on Grandpa's shoulders.  And Grandpa has taught him the difference between "tires" and "wheels".  Grandpa and Grandma are going travelling again in September, and Avery will really miss them.  Here's Avery and Grandpa reading a book.

I just wanted to give some recognition to all the special Dads in Avery's life.  He is lucky to have so many caring men in his family.