A Belated Father's Day -- Kinda

The Munchkin doesn't say "Dad" a lot. He can say it, but much like the baby from Dinosaurs he takes a wider view on parents. You're either Mum, or Also Mum (I'm Gna, but that's cos I'm super special and not a parent). 

This doesn't mean his dad isn't popular. Far from it. The Munchkin recognizes the sound of the car when it pulls up the driveway and goes mad with excitement. They have a host of special games that only Also Mum would be mad enough to play. Nothing brings a look of disappointment onto The Munchkin's face faster than his dad walking past him.

Much like Mr. Sinclair on Dinosaurs, SnL was a bit insulted by not getting his own name. But after our night out at a buffet restaurant on Saturday (all you can eat, FTW!) we all realized that being Also Mum doesn't make him an also ran.

While we were there, The Munckin kept pointing at his dad and saying "Mum! Mum! Muuuuuum!"

SnL muttered something about being, "Dad," but mostly was stoic about it. Then, before heading up to get his fifth helping of dinner (SnL's appetite is legendary in these parts), he put The Munchkin on his shoulders and took him too.

Even from our table, DJ and I could see the huge beaming grin on The Munchkin's face. He waved at everyone, sat up tall with his fingers tangled in his dad's hair.

His expression so clearly said, "Hi! I'm The Munchkin and this is MY dad! Isn't he the coolest, best dad you ever saw? He's probably a *policeman or something!"

For once, when he saw other kids he didn't reach out to them, wanting to play. Instead, he wore an expression that said, "Bet you guys wish you were up here and that your dad was this cool!"

DJ and I watched as The Munchkin and SnL made their parade around the restaurant -- Dad getting fifth dinner, baby sitting up all proud and tall without Dad even realizing the effect he had.

I got all misty-eyed contemplating how even though we might all forget to celebrate it from time to time, the dad's of this world are their kids' heroes. I couldn't wait to tell SnL about his son's face as he rode on his shoulders. I wanted to tell him that he got to be Also Mum because he's just as special as Mum, not less.

Then, DJ said, "You'd think HE was the one who gets up every night to feed him."

Even heroes aren't universally appreciated.

*When I was a kid, I told everyone my dad was a police officer. I figured anyone that bossy had to have a badge. 


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