By Alexandrea Johnson 
I said over and over again that I wouldn’t know what to do with a boy during my pregnancy. You see, I grew up as the oldest of three sisters—dolls, tea parties, coordinating outfits and all. While our closest family and friends (including me!) were convinced we were having a boy, my husband’s hunch was spot on with the birth of our beautiful baby girl.
“Phew,” I told myself.
Something familiar. “This you can do!”
And then came breastfeeding, sleepless nights, and a rollercoaster of emotions. Reality check.
I taught a parenting class for four years. I felt very prepared and thought I knew what to expect. No amount of reading parenting books and researching different methods and stages can truly prepare you for the adventure that is parenting.
During first few weeks of maternity leave my husband would come home for lunch to check up on his girls. More often than not he would find both of us in tears. He would offer me reassurance and commend my efforts. Sometimes over the baby’s cries, like the Rascal Flatts’ song, he would remark, “I don’t know how you do what you do!” I’m sure my immediate reaction to that statement was an eye roll.
This isn’t how I imagined motherhood.
It occurred to me in the middle of one of those sleepless nights with a newborn what a blessing my husband is. God could not have created a more perfect match for me, and I couldn’t do “all the things” if it weren’t for his constant support and encouragement.
My husband and I share most of the responsibilities that surround our household. Both of us work outside the home to provide income. Upkeep and day-to-day operations such as meals, laundry, and dishes are a collaboration. And major financial decisions are made as a team. His passions and skills compliment and supplement my own.
But my husband has what is perhaps the most difficult job of all. He navigates the uncharted and irrational territory of emotions that surround my new role as mama.
Husband, don’t sell yourself short.
At times you take a behind the scenes role, but if it weren’t for your stability this mama might lose her mind.
Your ability to recognize when I need some time to myself is uncanny. You take care of me so that I can take care of our baby.
I see the way that you interact with our little one, she just as infatuated with you as I am. My heart explodes with love as I watch you thrive in your new role as a daddy.
Husband, this isn’t how I pictured our life together; it’s better than I ever could have imagined. God went above and beyond in answering my prayers for a loving helpmate and partner to raise a family and grow old with.
by Joy McLaughlin 
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