So, I’ve posted about Jason and our courtship, and about his amazing family traditions, but tonight it strikes me that I haven’t posted about how he has completely enabled our family’s life. When we first had Oliver, we both worked at full-time jobs. I took Oliver to preschool and picked him up, because my job was more flexible. The months of driving O to daycare, driving back to the house to jump on my bike and bike to work, then biking home and driving to pick him up? Those are not my fondest memories, although his daycare provider was gentle and awesome.

So when Allyson came along, and Jason was gradually realizing his job wasn’t an exact match for his talents, we decided he would resign and try being a stay-at-home dad. He was not expecting to like it, and I wasn’t sure what would happen.

Jason and his beloved ‘Serenity’ — our new family bike that holds all three kids (Oliver not pictured) and has an electric motor to get them all up Seattle’s steep hills …

He is the greatest. dad. to. our. kids., ever. Part of that is how his yin matched my yang — I am very strict and obsessive, he is very gentle and occasionally flexible. He cooks and cleans, I balance the bank statement and plan outings. (I got the better part of that deal, I think.) Every mom or dad I’ve met who knows Jason always makes sure to speak to me about how awesome he is, how caring, how loving, and how lucky I am.

Without him being home, we couldn’t have afforded to have Eleanor, and oh my goodness how we all adore Eleanor.

Without him being home, we couldn’t have done only cloth diapers for all three kids — he cleans out the awful ones, even if I am home!! We are still using the diapers and wraps my dad bought Oliver.

Without him being home, we wouldn’t have home-baked bread, awesome and delicious fresh meals at home, endless classes for the two little girls (gymnastics, dance, art) and so much more.

Without him being home, I wouldn’t be able to work as hard and as much as I do in my career.

Without Jason at home,  without his dedication to us as a family and his willingness to put us first, I’m not sure where we’d be. And I don’t want to find out.

Thank you, Jason, for finding your life’s work in our children, and excelling at it. I love you and appreciate you.