Daddy Doin’ Work Nation

01/15/2013 By 50 Comments

There are a lot of things in life that I’m pretty clueless about. For example, it took until my senior year of High School for me to figure out that Tracy Champan is a woman. However, one thing I absolutely know for sure is that there are some damn good men in this world who love their families and always put them first. Don’t believe me? Check out some of the submissions from my faithful Readers Doin’ Work. These guys are amazing.

 NOTE: The number next to each submission is for identification purposes only. The number does NOT indicate a ranking.

 

#1 – Mark

Today is my husband’s 42nd birthday and I took this picture of him this morning after he willingly let our 4 year old daughter do a Monster High Makeover on him (even though the Draculora lilpstick stings his lips) followed up by the perfect complimenting Hello Kitty headband.

You see, my husband has to go to work in 2 short hours but is happy to spend his precious family time, on his birthday, letting his preschooler deck him out to the nines.  And last night, well, last night our 17 month old didn’t want to go to sleep – sick with cutting eye teeth and a humdinger of a cold.  So what did Daddy do?  He gave Mommy a break and played trains on the island of Sodor with our baby boy until nearly 10pm when wee one was finally able to relax enough to go to sleep AND all of this after a long day of us coaching our daughter’s soccer team together!

Our DDW loves us and takes care of each and every one of us the very best he can.  Thank you Mark, for being a real life – down to earth – role model for our children and the best partner I could ever ask for.

- Kristin K.

 

 

 

#2 – Joshua
He works two full time jobs- one as a mechanic, one as a husband and father. He does dishes, laundry, cleans toilets, reads bedtime stories, gives baths, changes diapers and goes grocery shopping. He counts little piggies. He kisses boo-boos. He builds forts. He miraculously transforms into a tickle monster in two seconds flat.
There aren’t enough words to express the gratitude and love I have for this man, and it certainly can’t be said in two paragraphs. I could go on forever with every difficult scenario we’ve been through, every time he’s come through for us, but I won’t.  The bottom line is, he’s there for us. He’s there every day, working his fingers to the bone, doing side work after work, doing anything he can do to provide for us. He comes home and the work continues. He’s there for me and our children on an every day basis, through the good and the bad, sicknesses, play dates, tantrums, holidays, weekends- you name it. His family is his first priority through every moment of his life. The best part – he does it with a smile on his face…thats a daddy doin’ work!

-Andra B.

 

 

 

#3 – Torrence

My husband Torrence is the best DDW I know! He is an amazing father to our three kids TJ (6) Kyan (5) and Ava (10mos). This man has THREE jobs!!! We always joke and say one for each kid. He works so hard to support our family while I work a part time job and go to college. There are days he will go to his full time job at 7:00 AM, come home at 5:00 PM and leave again for the second and third jobs at 7:30 PM and not come home until 2:00 AM… and get up in the morning and do it all over again. I have woken up in the middle of the night to find all four of them on the couch together cuddling. He hates that he is always at work, but every other second he has, is spent with our babies.

He is also an uncle of 11 from his side of the family. For most of those kids he is the only positive male role model in their life. All of them at some point have relied on Uncle Torrence to show up at a school function, a basketball game, a track meet, or relied on him to keep a secret when they needed someone to talk to. He is a great dad and uncle/surrogate dad to all the kids in his life.

- Amanda

 

 

 

 

#4 – Michael

I want to tell you about my Hubster, Michael. We’ve been together 15 years now. Not only is he a wonderful father but he’s a wonderful husband.

He gave up his career as a chef, to stay home and be my caregiver, he does everything for me, he holds me when I’m crying, he rubs my hands and feet, even though I can’t feel them, he alleviates my fears and listens to me when I talk about my funeral, even though it kills him to see me with a terminal illness, he won’t give up and gives me the strength to go on. He is more than just my husband, friend and lover, he is my champion, my soul mate and my rock.

- Tessa M.

 

 

 

 

#5 – Richard

Richard and I met in September 2007.  Both single parents. My boys were 1 1/2, 3, and 7. His daughter, who he has custody of, was 2.  We clicked instantly.  November 2007 I got very sick and no one could figure out why.  I was in and out of the hospital.  May 2008, I found out I had 2 forms of Lupus, RA, myositis, and fibro.  He could have taken off when I first got sick.  Most men would have.  He stayed though, and he busts his butt to provide for our family.  He has been a wonderful daddy to my boys, and I love his daughter like she was my own.  Not many men would be willing to take on a woman who has a chronic illness and 3 young boys.  I am thankful every day he did though because he has been my rock.  we have a beautiful family and life and I don’t know where I would be without him!

- Dallas P.

 

 

 

 

#6 – Billy

Despite having grown up with no real male role model of his own, my husband’s transition to parenthood has been seamless and he is easily the best father I have ever met. He goes above and beyond to help out with all the baby-rearing duties but candidly its so much more than that. It’s the way he scoops up our son into a giant bear hug every day when he arrives home from work. The way he is never too busy for a wrestling match or another reading of “Mr. Brown Can Moo.” The way he is constantly striving to give our son the best possible childhood. And most importantly, the way I feel when I see him look at our son. There is just this overwhelming sense of love. He was truly born to be a Dad.
By husband proved he was a Daddy Doin Work back in September of 2011, when a doctor informed us that I likely had breast cancer. I remember looking up at my husband, and then down at our newborn son, just weeks old at the time, and sobbing. I was terrified. My husband on the other hand, never waivered in his strength, courage, or positivity. He assured me that, no matter what, we would persevere and be a better family because of it. Just as he’d promised, my husband was by my side through every ultrasound, biopsy, and surgery over that next year. Because he knew how passionate I was about breastfeeding, he even helped advocate for me when doctor after doctor insisted that I quit nursing. Thankfully, the mass ended up being benign and that is all behind us. But I will never forget how my husband mustered the strength and courage necessary to get our family through that horrific time. He was then, and is now, everything my son and I needed in a man. A true Daddy Doin’ Work.
- Amanda M.

 

 

 

 

#7 – Don

Thinking of submitting my husband, I asked myself, “Why is he a DDW?”  As I thought of the answer, the real question came to mind, “Why ISN’T he a DDW?”  On top of serving his country, my husband Don doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to being daddy.  He comes home from work and goes straight to the kids for welcome home hugs and kisses.  It’s more like my daughter attacks him with showers of hugs for daddy (and my son whines for his Daddy’s affection because he is only one)…but I think you get the picture :)

Simply put, he’s an amazing husband and an amazing father who dedicates his life to his job and family.  He dances to Tangled with our little girl on a Friday night, wakes up in the middle of the night to fight monsters in the closet, and you can frequently find him baking cookies or making dinner with our children all after a long day at work.  He’s a wonderful husband, a wonderful father, a wonderful human being, and he sets a fine example to our children of what each of those should be.  Our daughter said, “When I become a lady I want to be in the Air Force just like daddy!”

The following picture is of our daughter Audrey saluting daddy after surprising us with a lunch date last week :)

- Victoria A.

 

 

 

 

#8 – Robert

Robert is my ultimate DDW, he looks after me with as I have a long term illness. Some days I feel awful and I’m in pain. I have gained a lot of weight with medication, but he makes me feel beautiful.

He took on my daughter when she was 4 as his own. She is nearly 8 now and calls him Dad. You may think that this is not unusual, except my daughter is autistic. It takes a big man to take on another guy’s kid, let alone a special needs one. My hubby gets physically and emotionally pushed around when little one has meltdowns, but he takes it in his stride, with humour and love and says that little ones smiles are all the thanks he needs.

He taught my daughter and I to trust again. When we started dating, I had just begun to rebuild our lives as we had been in a shelter for abused women and children. He taught me that there are some really amazing guys out there, not just assholes. He taught both my daughter and I how to laugh, love and appreciate life. His patience is astounding.

Lastly, January 13th is his 39th birthday! We don’t have a lot of money, but things are still good. I wish I could spoil him as he deserves it. I can’t think of a better way of telling him how much we love him than to see him on your blog.

- Georgina

 

 

 

 

#9 – Jeff

I have the greatest DDW ever. He works a full time job plus 19 hours of overtime then comes home and helps bathe my son who is 7 and paralyzed from the waist down. He then helps bathe our girls. He cooks dinner half of the time just to help me out. He then puts my son to bed and then cleans up all the toys throughout the house while I get the kids’ homeschool stuff prepped for the next day. He usually averages 5 hours of sleep a night and he also donates plasma twice a week to help kids who are sick. He is my hero, my soul mate, my everything.  I truly don’t know what I would’ve done if it wouldn’t have been for him opening his heart and his home to me and my baby 6 1/2 years ago.

- Danica

 

 

 

 

#10 – José

I never knew how amazing a dad could be, never having had a biological child of his own. My boyfriend José is a DDW in all aspects of the term. My daughter and I met José a little over three years ago (she had just turned 5) and from the beginning he was always very sweet and accepting towards her.
As the years creep by I see him taking on all of the roles of a loving and protective father.
He teaches her science and math, even buying cool science project kits for them to do together. He wakes up in the morning to walk her to the bus stop, a task I dread as I am not a morning person (even though I “offer” every night when we are setting our alarms, he wants to wake up to do it.)  He imparts discipline (and wisdom) where needed, and shows the greatest concern for her upbringing and well being. They spend quality time together, often making her her favorite breakfast of eggs and waffles on the weekend mornings, or going for walks to the park or thrift store so he can teach her about money. And let’s not forget his hugs and kisses every night before Riley drifts off to sleep. Some nights she can even “con” him into laying down with her for a brief snuggle after I’ve told her no myself!
I never knew a man could love a kid so much without actually being her real father. He doesn’t just exist in her life, he takes part and is active and he truly cares.  We are so lucky! I am so lucky to have this amazing man to help me raise the sweetest, most loving, funny, big-hearted little girl. He deserves all the recognition if a DDW and then some. He’s even modest when I tell him how much we love and appreciate him, like he hasn’t done anything special at all. He has no idea! José is our knight In shining armor for certain.
- Cortney

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#11 – Frank
My boyfriend and I have been together 2 1/2 years. My son just turned 3 in December. My son’s biological father cheated on me when I was seven months pregnant and then had another baby. The last time he saw my son he was only 6 months old. I know this doesn’t sound like a daddy doin work story but it is. My boyfriend has become that father figure for my son. He taught him to play catch and how to pee standing up. He loves my son immensely. He’s been there for every doctor’s appointment, every late night ER trip, and he even picks him up from daycare if I have to work late or my classes go late. He chose to stand up and love my son when he had no obligation to. Yet the person who was supposed to love him abandoned him. Making a baby doesn’t make you a dad…raising a child does.
- Suzi

 

 

 

 

#12 – Matthew
I’ve learned that it doesn’t take sperm to make a man a father/daddy. My husband has proven that time and time again over the last three years. The first time he met my kids, he washed away all doubts and fears I had about bring a new man into their lives. Their sperm donor is the only male figure they’d had for 13 years and not the most suitable one. Matthew, my DDW, took on the role immediately, without having to be asked. I remember when he asked my kids if he could marry me. I didn’t think it was possible to love him anymore than I did at that exact moment. He told me that he would not marry me unless he had their permission because it was their decision as well. I’m sure you can figure out the rest of that happy story. :)
I love the way he loves our kids. Between the two of us, we have four. He changed all of our lives in ways I could not imagine and I believe he taught me to be a better mother. His devotion to them is incredible. He’s the band booster Vice President for my son’s high school, he never misses a soccer game or football game. He sits down with my daughter every night to go over her homework. He’s teaching my teenage son to be a better man and I can see it reflect in his everyday actions. Not long after we got married, he was deployed to Iraq. Even from thousands of miles across the ocean, he still took the time to video chat, send them things and be involved in their everyday lives. God could not have chosen a better man for us. I don’t take a single second for granted.
-Shannon

 

 

 

 

#13 – John
My husband is amazing! He’s a great man, husband and father. It started when he joined the Navy after our first child (son) was born to give us a better life. He was in the Navy for 10 years and did 4 deployments, one including a 6 month deployment that turned into 10 months. At the time it was a record length deployment. He was on a ship that was part of the first battle group to head out and return at the beginning of the war in 2002-2003. Our 2nd child (daughter) was born while he was out on his first deployment. Our 3rd child (daughter) was conceived the day he got home from the war. 10 months is a long time!
He was already a hard worker and very responsible, but the Navy helped him step it up even more. He got out in 2008 and was lucky enough to get a pretty good job. However, he was laid off in October 2011 after 3 years. He has since gone back to school and is working harder than ever. He put in applications left and right and finally got a small part time job in September 2012. He just recently started a new job with a brand new company. They snatched him up pretty quickly and were willing to pay him a little more to start out and work around his school hours. He is once again working his butt off for our family. I am so proud of him!
He is one of those guys that will give you the shirt off his back. He will always lend a helping hand.
- Jill

 

 

 

 

#14 – Luis
My children are blessed with an amazing father. The kind of father who, before they were even born, took an active (but not controlling) role in my pregnancy and their births. He is the kind of dad who quit his full time job to stay home and raise 1, 2, then 3 children all born within 4 years. He is the kind of dad that does not only the “fun, dad” type of things with his kids like playing ball and rough housing, but he french braids my daughters hair, bathes the kids, and washes the cloth diapers. He also does the really tedious things like take them to the dentist, read birthing books, and watches “Food Inc.”, with the desire to feed his family healthier foods. He is a strong, smart, sensitive, hilarious man, and every day I wonder what I did to deserve someone like him. My children adore him, and he them. He loves spending his days caring for them and playing with them.
As much as he loves being home with our kids, when he saw how much I longed to be home with them, he returned to work, allowing me the chance to stay with our kids. That may not sound like much to some, but for him it was a huge sacrifice, as I know he would rather be with his children than anywhere else.
-Myndee C.

 

 

 

 

#15 – George
My husband George is a DDO (Daddy Doin’ Overtime) and a true partner in every sense of the word.
We both work full time; I work from home and he works nights. Because of our different schedules, he gets to have the most amazing bond and we jointly raise our 14 month old daughter Olivia with quality one-on-one time every day. He is in the trenches slingin’ diapers and swayin’ with our baby girl to Otis Redding like it’s the Superbowl and everything rides on her happiness. He snaps on the Ergo and wears her during morning walks with our 100lb Akita pup, making sure she gets lots of fresh air while I’m stuck inside on conference calls and pumping her food supply. He knows that singing The Itsy Bitsy Spider on loop calms her down and knows the exact amount of water that needs to go into the bottle warmer for the optimal bottle temperature. He knows how to ‘floof her curls’ the way I like, he knows her favorite food is bbq ribs (yes I have photos to prove it) and he knows how to match an outfit with a hairbow like no one else’s business. He also is a fabulous cook and makes the best Apple Pie (from scratch, crust and all) that I’ve ever had.
We’ve been together for 12 years, celebrated 4 amazing years of marriage and now we have Olivia, our little ray of sun making each day brighter than the last. I love him more now than I ever thought I could love a person and am thankful for his sacrifices each day to keep our household grounded, happy, and the spark still alive between us. :) If you’re looking for a fellow DDW, look no more. My husband George is all that and then some. That’s why he’s the Daddy Doin’ Overtime. Thanks for everything you do to bring advocacy to the forefront about what it truly means to be a real man!
- Hillary

 

 

 

 

#16 – Dana
We live in New Jersey. Our DDW is amazing to us. I am a stay at home mom. And he busts his butt working. He wakes up at 4 am everyday to go to work. He cleans, cooks, helps with the kids and manages to go to work everyday (except Sunday which is family day). He doesn’t go out on “the streets,” because he would much rather be home baking cookies with us instead of working. He deserves a shout out because where we are from, most fathers aren’t around. He never knew his dad when he was younger so he makes sure he is the father he never had. His name is Dana. He is 29 years old. And more than I could ever ask for!
- Nikki

 

 

 

 

#17 – Carlos
My husband Carlos is a faithful RDW and a Daddy Doin’ Work. He’s also a Husband Doin’ Work and the most amazing man I know, but it doesn’t end there. He’s the scrambled egg maker, middle of the night bottle fixer, & bedtime bubble bath giver in our household. He works hard to provide for our family-not just 9 to 5 on weekdays, but nights & weekends too- so that I can be home to take care of our amazing 22 month old son. He gives 110% in everything that he does, but I never have to question where his priorities lie. No matter how hard he has worked that day or how tired he is, he’s never too busy to kiss a boo boo, change a diaper, or read a story book. Nobody (and I truly mean NOBODY) can make our son laugh like he can. It’s my favorite thing in the world to watch.
Even more unbelievable is that as amazing of a father as he is, he’s just as amazing as a husband, son, brother, friend, and all of the other roles he plays on a daily basis. He cares deeply about the people in his life and always makes sure that they know it. I can only hope he knows how much we all love and care about him as well.
- Jaclyn

 

 

 

 

#18 – David
My husband is a Daddy Doin’ Work because because he is father to 7 children one of whom is not his biological child (and one more on the way unless it is twins again*:D big grin). He loves and makes time for them all.. He helps me with the cooking & cleaning and laundry. He bakes all kinds of awesome stuff just because we want it. Dirty diapers, not a problem.  He helps with homework and baths and craft projects and daily medicines for all the kids. Our son has a rare disease which landed him in the hospital for 7 weeks and 4 days at the end of 2011 and almost took his life. My husband was a full-time college student at the time and he would get out of school go straight to the hospital to sit with him all night then come home and help me get stuff done so during the day I could spend my time up there. He still managed to do his reports,homework,projects,etc. graduating Magna Cum Laude. He makes sure every one of those kids knows how special they are. He plays the best games and builds the best towers,castles,igloos and makes the most awesome forts and coolest bow and arrows around *:) happy. He is pretty creative so the kids are never bored. Most importantly, he is all about his kids and I. We are pretty damn lucky to have him. He loves Doin’ Work.. and we love him!
- Christina

 

 

 

 

#19 – Seth

My husband Seth never used to be a DDW. He had the W part down, but the Daddyin’ took some time for him. We were very young, he was 21 when our daughter Abigail was born and he had to work 70 hrs a week to take care of us. When Logan was born 3 yrs later things were a bit better financially, but having a son who had so many problems was tough on Seth. A man should have a big, strong son who can tag along and learn guy stuff, right? I think that’s what we all just assumed, and it took a while to get used to the idea that this plan for our family was not going how we’d pictured. I embraced the situation, and dove in head first to doctor’s appointments and therapies, but Seth hung back. He wasn’t sure of himself or where he stood. I tried to pull him in, but he resisted. I wasn’t sure where our future was heading.
I’m not sure when it happened, it was pretty gradual, but Seth started realizing that he was a crucial part of our family dynamic. He announced that he wanted to get out of the garage he worked at and start his own business, and we built a shop onto our house so he could be home after school for the kids while I was at work. He started taking over mornings, cooking breakfast, making lunches. He learned to do laundry, he learned the names of Logan’s teachers and therapists. He figured out he was happy with his role, once I ‘let go of the reigns’ and let him…I see that now.. Today he is a fantastic, loving, involved daddy. He just came back from moving our daughter to FL, and the first thing Logan said was “You make it one breffass dad?” Mine was not to his satisfaction. My husband works hard, plays hard, and loves hard, and after being together 23 yrs I would not trade him for anything.
- Allyson

 

 

 

 

#20 – Gideon

I am a very lucky woman to have my DDW, aka Gideon. He works full time as well as studying for his masters degree. His job can be quite stressful due to deadlines etc. The studying takes up at least 2 nights a week at school and around 20-30 hours of homework.  Gideon does this without complaining and without taking out any of his stress on me or the kids.  As well as doing his daily job and study, he still comes home with a smile on his face and plays like mad with the kids before dinner. After dinner he then puts the kids in the bath! Not an easy task with our two toddlers! The kids love this special time with their DDW. (Think they are fed up with me by this point as I am a SAHM)

He is very much the modern man, he will help out in the house, he knows where I keep the hoover and the iron! Cooking is one of his hobbies! He will often spend Friday evenings in the kitchen to cook us up a fantastic feast for the Saturday evening! (He loves spicy food with lots of flavours so this needs to marinate and takes time!) He also makes the best apple pie ever! Gideon does all of the above and aswell as being a fantastic father he is a loving husband, always knows what to say and when to say it.  He will also sometimes come home with a bunch of flowers if he knows I have had a bad week to try to cheer me up!  He knows when all I need is a hug after a hard day, and I get that hug without question.  He makes me complete and a better person and mother.

- Nicola

 

 

 

#21 – Colin

This is my son-in-law, Colin. Despite his full-time career, and up until last month, part-time school schedule, he always makes quality time for his kids, and does it with a great sense of humor, and a childlike wonder of his own.
There’s T-ball, tae kwon do, Legos to be built and tea parties to be had, and he truly enjoys every minute he spends with them.  His patience level is something I don’t see too often in most parents, and it does this  grandma’s heart good to know that her grandchildren are his priority, his loves, his all.

- Glori

 

 

 

 

#22 – Frank
I have 4 wonderful kids with this man. Two are his stepchildren and two are his, but he treats them all the same.
Last year my amazing boyfriend stood by my side while I buried my mom who passed away from colon cancer in April, which I fell apart from. He also stood here while I had my first c-section and received a terrible infection. He had to take care of my infection (he saw every disgusting part of it and even though he was lightheaded at first, he knew I needed his help). He had to tend to my wound 2-3 times a day, and he had to repack it – and let me tell you it’s NOT easy. He saw me go though so much pain and while I couldn’t do much, he kept his grades up and helped me tend to my 4 kids. Even the newborn.
In the middle of last year, his father passed away of a heart attack right after the baby was born so we all rushed to Upstate NY so we could be by his mother side. He also stood tall and helped her plan everything for his father’s funeral. In the middle of it all he still had time to remember to help me with the kids and to take care of my infection. Life was crazy for him with work, school, and us – and so many unfortunate things happened last year, but he’s still by my side.
Others would have run, but not him. He is a great man and he is already a winner in my eyes.
- Linda

 

 

 

 

#23 – Marcus
This is Marcus.  I met this man when i was 3 months pregnant with the daughter you see in the picture. He still gave me a chance. He knew the father of the child wanted nothing to do with her so he took over all aspects of being DADDY. He made it to every doctors appointment. Anything I needed he made sure I had. He was by my side through 13 hours of labor.
Skip forward 20 months. In 7 days I will marry this awesome DDW. He wants nothing but the best for me and my child. He is the best man God could have ever placed in my life. With all that said he is a DDW that didn’t have to be.  Any man can be a father but it takes a real man to be a dad especially when he didn’t have to be.
- Renee

 

 

 

 

#24 – Michael N.
My husband Michael had his first child, a son, when he was 21. Circumstances were such that my husband was his son’s primary parent, he was working two jobs and would still be the one up with his son at night for his comfort and feedings. Because of these challenges his son bonded with him and they share a very close relationship to this day. My husband says he grew up with his son, their bond is incredible. I came into the picture when his son was 18 months old and my husband now has primary placement of his son.When my stepson was 9-1/2 I gave birth to our daughter, after some years of challenges. It has been incredible to watch this man who is a mountain biker and rock climber, cuddle and care for a tiny little girl. He took such great care of me during a difficult pregnancy, I graduated college a month before giving birth. I asked my husband to not treat the kids differently and to expose our daughter to all the same things he has exposed his son too and he has been amazing with this.
Our daughter has been rock climbing, playing on the crash pad and throwing rocks. She has been on a bike since she was 3 months old.The most amazing thing about this man who works so hard to care and provide for his family is the way he encouraged and allowed the development of the relationship between my stepson and daughter. He has always done whatever is in the best interest of his son, even if that means letting me rant and rave, then gently reminding me we are the adults. He has dealt with his son’s mom with so much patience and grace. He is someone I love and admire deeply. He is funny, crazy and loves life. I am so proud of him and honored to share my life with him.
- Amber N.

 

 

 

 

#25 – Chris

I am Chris’s second wife. He has a 10 year old son and a special needs, 11 year old daughter from the previous relationship. The older children live 30 miles from our home and 40 miles from his work but he does not let that stop him from being a DDW! Without fail he picks them up 3 days during the week, gets homework done with both kids, spends individual time with each child, does a fun group activity, gets them fed and then returns them to their mother. He was given every other Saturday one weekend and Friday – Sunday on the opposite weekends. (He does not miss weekends.)He has burned through 3 cars making sure his kids know their dad! He also works hard to make sure they have a roof over their head, lots of food, and all the clothes they need. He (we) also NEVER gets a babysitter when the older kids are over as he does not see them everyday.This DDW welcomed his third child into the world this past October. He does his best to help as much as he can! He is ready and willing to jump in for dirty diaper changes and puke clean-up. He is able to mix a bottle in a flash and assists in feeding (daytime and middle of the night). He makes sure to play with the little one when possible too. He does all of this while working 50 hours a week while I have yet to return to work from maternity leave. All three kids love their daddy and this wife is lucky indeed!

- Victoria S.

 

 

 These 25 Daddies Doin’ Work will be displayed on my blog in the new DDW Nation section! (Hover your mouse over the “Daddy’s Details” section to see it)

Which one of these stories is your favorite? Make your voices heard below!

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Comments

  1. Shola says:
    01/15/2013 at 6:26 AM

    Hell yes, Twin! I hope that out of all of your posts that it’s *THIS* post that is one that goes viral for the entire world to see. There are so many amazing, positive, loving fathers in the world and it’s time for the world to see what they’re all about. Congrats to the fathers in this post for being recognized, and congrats to the millions of daddies out there Doin’ Work and making the world a better place for all of us.
    Shola recently posted..The Workplace Myth That Could Kill Your Career (at Brazen Life)My Profile

    Reply
  2. Kristin Kalmbach says:
    01/15/2013 at 6:41 AM

    I am beyond moved that you selected my submission for my husband, Mark Kalmbach. Everyone on this blog is a winner and I feel like the luckiest girl in the world right now that I get to share with my husband that there is a picture of him on the internet with Monster High Makeup and a Hello Kitty headband on him :-) P.S. He is a guitar teacher – I can only imagine what his students are going to think!

    Reply
  3. Spring says:
    01/15/2013 at 6:44 AM

    Wow! It’s so hard to choose just one! Such amazing stories! It took me a while to choose, but I am going to choose number 3.

    Reply
  4. Rowan says:
    01/15/2013 at 6:46 AM

    Awesome post! Great to see the amount of men appreciated so much! :-D

    Reply
  5. btwmommy says:
    01/15/2013 at 6:49 AM

    How uplifting! Gotta say – I know that #1 guy MARK mentioned first, and he is AMAZING!

    Reply
  6. Renee says:
    01/15/2013 at 6:58 AM

    I am in awe of how many awesome DDW we have in this world. I knew they were out there….. You rarely hear about the awesome DDW but rather the horror stories of the DNDW(Daddies not doing work) Thanks for this

    Reply
  7. Myndee says:
    01/15/2013 at 7:02 AM

    Great stories! There are a lot of wonderful men and fathers out there, its great of you to shed some light on them. Thanks for featuring my husband, Luis. It was awesome to show this to him on our anniversary. (8 years today!)
    Myndee recently posted..Reaching the Terrible Two’s a Year EarlyMy Profile

    Reply
  8. Flawed Mommy says:
    01/15/2013 at 7:12 AM

    I just love hearing these stories! My first marriage lasted 15 years, basically 15 years too long. I was married to an abuser who not only abused me but also our four children. When I finally got the strength to move on with my life I truly believed that all men were like my ex-husband, so I vowed to just be a single mother the rest of my life. Then I met “Daddy” and and without hesitation he took on a battered, non-trusting woman, and her four children. He showed us what a good man truly is. There are so many good men and fathers out there, and it’s about time we payed tribute to them. Thanks so much for sharing.
    Flawed Mommy recently posted..Caring For My Mom & My Kids: How Will I Balance It All?My Profile

    Reply
  9. mommabueller says:
    01/15/2013 at 7:24 AM

    I have enjoyed reading all of these postings so much. How wonderful to hear people edifying and praising their wonderful men. I love the DDW postings. Please count me in favor them all, but ESPECIALLY fond #1 Mark

    Reply
  10. Georgina says:
    01/15/2013 at 7:33 AM

    Thank you so much for including my Husband Robert (#8). I can never thank him enough or love him enough for what he does for us everyday. As I have a long term illness, he cooks, cleans, shops, looks after my autistic daughter as his own – and holds down a demanding full time job. He taught us both how to trust again, to laugh and embrace life after an abusive first marriage to my daughters biological father.
    All the guys listed are winners, but Robert is my hero x

    Reply
  11. Donna Arthurs says:
    01/15/2013 at 7:57 AM

    I know it is too late to submit my husband as a wonderful DDW but I am going to tell you about him anyway. Unlike most of the fathers I read about above, my husband is 60 and our children are grown and living their own lives. My husband is your stereotype old Navy man, quiet, unemotional, stoic, or so people think unless they have seen him with his family. When our oldest son died, my husband cried and then set to work helping me and his 2 remaining children continue to live. He is the gruff daddy who calls his daughter just to say he loves her. He calls his son to tell him how proud he is of him every moment. He shows me everyday that he still loves me after 31 years of marriage.
    I applaud all the young men who tend children, do housework, work more than one job, and everything else a good daddy will do. I just wanted to introduce you to Gene, a man that you would never think of as a dad who would let his daughter dress him up, who would cry as he pinned his son’s police badge on him, who will get down on the floor to play with his grandchildren even though his back injury makes it almost impossible to move. I hope all you young women appreciate your husbands and that you all have all the years we have had to appreciate each other. And BTW, I love you DDW for being who you are and encouraging other men to be the same.

    Reply
  12. Leanne says:
    01/15/2013 at 8:11 AM

    Such heartwarming stories! Great job DDW Mark Kalmbach – #1!

    Reply
  13. Nicola says:
    01/15/2013 at 8:18 AM

    Thankyou Doyin for including my wonderful hubby and DDW Gideon, it is a fantastic way to make sure he knows that we all appreciate him. Thankyou from the bottom of my heart. One more thing to add WOW what an amount of fantastic fathers there are out there! They are all amazing men!

    Reply
  14. Keely says:
    01/15/2013 at 8:20 AM

    Oh man, I love Tracy Chapman:)

    A lovely post, Doyin – I teared up multiple times reading this – wow, a big shout out to all of the daddies that are a true partner, especially during those early months and years!

    Reply
  15. ;;/11OΩÅ1 ÂÔM says:
    01/15/2013 at 8:43 AM

    I’d first like to point out my daughter chose my name here. (She’s 8 months and typed it herself) Thanks so much for this post! I feel like men have gotten such a bad rap in the media for so long and it’s unfortunate. I’m married to a wonderful man who is an awesome father to our daughter and I love to see other wives giving props to their husbands instead of ranting about them. Thanks, DDW!

    Reply
  16. Amber says:
    01/15/2013 at 9:06 AM

    Everyday I am honored to share my life with #24, I couldn’t be happier to have him join your nation of DDW.

    Reply
  17. Jill@ Mormon Surrogate says:
    01/15/2013 at 9:15 AM

    This was a wonderful idea. I wish had said more about my husband as a father was trying to keep it short and sweet. I usually am a rambler. #13 sure is handsome!
    Jill@ Mormon Surrogate recently posted..Gestational and Traditional Surrogacy and a book reviewMy Profile

    Reply
  18. Shannon says:
    01/15/2013 at 9:20 AM

    Thank you so much. Yesterday proved to me even more why he’s such a wonderful DDW. I’m a full time college student so I’m not home during the day. Matt cleaned house, did laundry, took my sick kid to the doctor, picked up his meds then came home to help my girl with her homework. Some might not be so impressed. I am. I’ve never had that before. And it was his only day off from work this week. So you know, my vote is #12!

    Reply
  19. Bionic Dee says:
    01/15/2013 at 9:42 AM

    Doyin have we told you lately how AMAZING you are!! Your post has made my day so much brighter. Seeing all of the wonderful DDW’s out there is just incredible. I’d like to add my boyfriend Mark to the DDW list too. He works hard everyday as a corrections officer. After dealing with hundreds of inmates all day he always finds time to be with his son. Never misses a football game, wrestling match or practice. Whenever his son needs him he drops everything for him. I’ve seen him turn down overtime, which is a good chunk of money, because he’d rather spend time with his son. That’s what a DDW is a man who puts his children, whether they’re his biologically or not, above everything else.
    Bionic Dee recently posted..Hiding Under My BlanketMy Profile

    Reply
  20. Daddy Doyin says:
    01/15/2013 at 10:11 AM

    You guys are way too kind, but please know that this post has ZERO to do with me. This is all about a group of unquestionably epic men who take fatherhood seriously and are loving partners to their wives. I’m happy to use my platform to share them with everyone.

    And for the single women out there, don’t lose hope! These guys were single at one point too. :)
    Daddy Doyin recently posted..A Dude’s Guide To Pregnant WomenMy Profile

    Reply
    • Nicola says:
      01/15/2013 at 11:22 AM

      No we are not to kind at all! you made this post possible all because you are such a fantastic DDW yourself! You and TDW mmake me look forward to Mondays and Tuesdays, you guys are fantastic and insperational, positive and great role models, just what the world needs right now!

      Oh and I totally agree there are so many good men out there, so no single women should dont lose hope!

      Reply
  21. Andra Baehr says:
    01/15/2013 at 11:03 AM

    Thank you again so much for this post! What a great opportunity for these wonderful men to be recognized! My husband (# 2) is SUCH a remarkable man. He’s a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, and uncle. He truly enriches the lives of those he meets. I know my boys have an excellent told model and I pray they are just like him when they grow up :) I’m so delighted to hear there are so many other men as awesome as he is!!! Thank you again!!

    Reply
  22. Erin Baehr says:
    01/15/2013 at 11:43 AM

    I’ve witnessed #2 Joshua in action and I can attest he is an awesome husband and father (and stepson!). As the mechanic in the family you can imagine he is called on quite a bit, and he is always willing to help, even on days off and after work. I watched him support his wife so lovingly during her childbirths and recoveries, and how he sees himself as part of a parenting team, not just the guy who helps out when his wife asks. I hope our daughters are paying attention and look for a guy just like him.
    Erin Baehr recently posted..Disorganized Food Storage Almost Cost Me My LifeMy Profile

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  23. Linzy says:
    01/15/2013 at 11:45 AM

    Such fabulous stories of dads! I choose #2, Joshua! :) I know him & his family very well and they are some of the best people I know! He’s a great dad & role model for his 2 boys. he works very hard to take care of his family. I’m so glad all of these dads had the chance to be recognized! They all sound amazing!

    Reply
  24. Alyssa says:
    01/15/2013 at 12:35 PM

    I vote for #1, Mark! He is an awesome father to my little niece and nephew, and I love them all!

    Reply
  25. Cindy Pickering says:
    01/15/2013 at 12:36 PM

    I recently ‘found’ DDW through The Klonopin Chronicles, and I LERVE you!! Not just because of this forum for folks to honor the Daddies in their lives, but for so many little things I cannot begin to address–mostly just your POSITIVITY, which is sorely needed in this world, and comes through wonderfully in every word you write! I could never pick one of these men as being ‘the best’-they ALL sound like wonderful Daddies and husbands-I was crying before I made it though one of them! But simply giving these Daddies kudos for what they do is a wonderful thing, and I so wish I had thought of a way to honor my own Dad while he was still alive-the things he has taught me just by doing and living his life! Thank you for this forum, and congratulations to all the men honored here!! Good luck picking just one!!

    Reply
  26. Lisa says:
    01/15/2013 at 12:39 PM

    i choose #1 I think daddy doing work is great! Way to go Mark getting your hair done!

    Reply
  27. Wendy says:
    01/15/2013 at 12:42 PM

    I have to say there are some amazing dad’s in this list, but I personally know the guy that is #1 and he’s an amazing and loving dad to his 2 kids. So my vote is for #1 :)

    Reply
  28. Stacey says:
    01/15/2013 at 12:42 PM

    Amazing stories, each and every one of them! I’ve had the honour of knowing Mark (#1) for the better part of my life, he’s always been a fantastic friend and has proven to be an amazing husband and father. Keep sharing that love! <3

    Reply
  29. mer gar says:
    01/15/2013 at 12:53 PM

    Good work Mark!

    Reply
  30. Larissa says:
    01/15/2013 at 12:54 PM

    I think this article is wonderful! Finally a little time in the spotlight for our leading men! I choose #1 Mark! Such an amazing husband and father!!

    Reply
  31. Dia says:
    01/15/2013 at 12:55 PM

    It’s great to see such wonderful Dads being featured for their unconditional love and devotion for their families. Now as hard as it is to pick just one, my pick is for #1 Mark Kalmbach!!! No matter what this loving family perseveres TOGETHER and without a doubt Mark is always there for each and every single one of them. Even though we live miles apart and sometimes only have Facebook to connect as our busy lives take us else where, you can tell the love and devotion he has for his family through his shining pictures and wonderful stories that they share!!!

    Reply
  32. Alex says:
    01/15/2013 at 1:05 PM

    #1 is where’s its at! I worked with Mark for a long time and I can confirm the hard work mark does for his family. Not because he has to but because he wants to. He’s a great dude and a great dad.

    Reply
  33. Mandy says:
    01/15/2013 at 1:20 PM

    I am a friend of Kristin’s – daddy #1′s wife :) I don’t know Mark personally, but by the things I always see and hear of him doing with his kids, I definitely think he is very deserving of this! Way to go Mark, your children are so very lucky to have you for their daddy!

    Reply
  34. Dallas says:
    01/15/2013 at 1:32 PM

    Thanks for making Richard (#5) one of your top 25. I feel blessed that others are able to see how awesome he is!! All these guys are amazing!

    Reply
  35. Marissa says:
    01/15/2013 at 1:42 PM

    I have known Kristin & Mark for years. They are amazing parents & so giving to others! Mark is a wonderful Daddy & it is no doubt one of the heights of his life.

    Reply
  36. Sarah says:
    01/15/2013 at 1:56 PM

    I am also a friend of Kristin’s, daddy #1′s wife. I honestly don’t know him personally because they live in Canada and I live in the States, but I feel as though I know him very well because of everything I hear about him through her and others. I have always thought that Kristin is one of the most blessed women that I know when it comes to having a husband like Mark. There doesn’t seem to be anything he won’t do for his family. He is an amazing father with great patience, a wonderful sense of fun, and a loving heart.

    Reply
  37. Michelle m. says:
    01/15/2013 at 2:23 PM

    #2 josh!

    Reply
  38. Melanie Watson-Hoyle says:
    01/15/2013 at 2:29 PM

    DDW, this is by far your best blog ever!! It’s so beautifully done and perfect! Xx

    Reply
  39. Loralee123 says:
    01/15/2013 at 2:31 PM

    I have only met Mark a handful of times in person but he and his wife are always posting pictures on their facebook pages of all of the activities they do with their kids. Some days they have been to three or fun different activities with their kidlets before the afternoon has hit! Soccer, hockey related activities (oilers), parades, playground,etc. not to mention all of the things he posts about how awesome his kids are or funny things they did that made hom laugh! Mark (#1) is an inspiring dad! Kudos to all of them too. ,

    Reply
  40. dannielle says:
    01/15/2013 at 2:41 PM

    I pick #12 for sure!

    Reply
  41. Mare says:
    01/15/2013 at 4:18 PM

    Mark (#1) is our neighbour and my 5 year old daughter is a constant fixture at their house for playdates. She loves that Mark plays the guitar for them and will actually play their games with them and act silly. Makes me feel blessed to have such a wonderful neighbour who really appreciates kids and all their crazy silliness!!!

    Reply
  42. Gigi says:
    01/15/2013 at 4:31 PM

    Typing through the tears – because holy hell – there IS hope for humanity! And this post proves it!
    Gigi recently posted..Pajamas…a short girls dilemma.My Profile

    Reply
  43. Holly Hamm says:
    01/15/2013 at 4:40 PM

    I know Matt, #12, and have seen first hand how amazing he is as a father. He is the complete definition of stepping up, where their birth father has not. Much, much respect for this man. And he manages to make my best friend feel like a princess, which only gives him bonus points in my book.

    Reply
  44. Chris pope says:
    01/15/2013 at 5:01 PM

    Dad # 2 Josh Baehr, awesome young man, who has really stepped up to the plate. A role model for all young fathers. God Bless this family.

    Reply
  45. Momma Baehr says:
    01/15/2013 at 5:28 PM

    I LOVE my Son Joshua #2 and he is blessed to have an amazing wife Andra and 2 sons Caleb and Joshua Andrew.

    Reply
  46. Linda says:
    01/15/2013 at 6:07 PM

    Thank you for adding Frank #22 to your top 25. Thank you DDW for posting this I want everyone to know what a wonderful man Frank is and thank you for helping me show it.
    There are still great men out there.

    Reply
  47. Lauri Gervasi says:
    01/16/2013 at 2:36 PM

    Honestly Ddw , I choose them all. I can’t possibly choose just one because they are all amazing and inspiring men. I think you should do this a few times a year because its so wonderful to read and share what real daddys are supposed to be like. Kudos to all the daddys I read about , you are all amazing.

    Reply
  48. Becky says:
    01/19/2013 at 8:17 PM

    wow! where would we be without dads?! they are such a critical part of the balance of a child’s world! Go Dad’s you rock, and your thankless efforts don’t go unnoticed! Not only are you appreciated (tho not always stated as often as it should be) you are an inspiration to us moms, especially on the hard days….when we can remember we are not alone, you too, are in there elbows deep in playdough, mud, bubbles or hairspray and curls! So this tribute and thank you is for you all! (Raise your glass!)

    Reply
  49. Stephanie says:
    02/06/2013 at 4:57 AM

    I found this blog from google searching: does my toddler have pneumonia?.. And I love it. You have such an adorable family! I was hooked when I read about you thinking Tracy Chapman was a guy, hilarious! Thanks for making me cry, its 4:30 in the morning and I’m laying in bed reading about these wonderful dads doing work, sobbing, while my 16 month old climbs all over me. Keep doing what you’re doing!

    Reply

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