Counting…

Isaac and I have kind of a standard list of places we go for outings. It’s pretty much narrowed down to the zoo, the Children’s Museum or any one of a number of parks around our house (a big perk of living where we do, there are about 10 within a 5 mile radius). With so many visits compiled over the last few months, I’ve found myself doing something every time we go.

I count.

Not kids, not total number of parents or anything else.

I count dads.

I know there aren’t many stay-at-home dads in the area, I’ve come to accept that. But what’s surprised me is even the times we go to the park when parents would generally be home and there are 10 kids there and one dad. We were at the park on Memorial Day and there was one dad there. ONE. Let’s just say there were a few more than one kid there.

I eagerly await the day that when I go places there are enough dads around that counting seems ridiculous. That seeing a dad playing with his kids at the park at 2pm doesn’t make you think he took the day off. When after work activities frequently involve everyone going out and having fun. Family walks, family bike rides, family trips to the park. Anything everyone can do together. THAT is what I want.

And that is what we should all expect.

I know I might be waiting for a while, but I’m not going to give up hope. The day will come, and I hope I’m around to see it. When I do, Erin, Isaac and his sibling(s) will be with me.