Another confession: I’m REALLY grateful to be raising kids in the 21st century in MANY ways.  We parents of this generation have some challenges…but one of the things I am most grateful for is the social norm and role of DADS.  Before I start sounding crazy here, I fully believe that forever, since parenting began, there have been endless super engaged, present, and helpful dads.  But it is clear that the last 30-40 years have seen an ENORMOUS change in the social customs of fathers to be much more active in the home, and my favorite part, with their kids. When we were taking Bradley Courses before we had our first child, we were studying a “method” that had been born out of the time when dad’s weren’t even allowed in the delivery room for their children because their social role just wasn’t what it is now.  And that is what I am so grateful for. Because in my home, and with my baby’s grandparents, I see engaging men who take such a hugely active role in the parenting and care taking.  And while it is great, it isn’t necessarily remarkable- it is just what they do.  What dad’s do, just like moms…and I love that.  And in these JGP dads I have gotten to photograph??? Such involvement and fun and adventure and love!  These men take such joy and pride in their babies- and it is SO SO fun to photograph again and again. There is just nothing like little kids hanging on their dad’s shoulders, and giggling while being tossed in the air, and snuggling in his big arms, and walking them down the aisle.  I am so thankful for these little glimpses into the amazing relationships that these dad’s have with their kids.  It truly is breathtaking!

Happy Father’s Day (one day late of course, who blogs on Sunday?!), Dads!