Scott

How can just one guy be the perfect person for so many people and circumstances? I'm not the only one who loves Scott, but I get to be the one that loves him the most. I especially love him for being a dad.

He was the perfect dad to Golda recently when he waited in his car in the parking lot of Jake's while she celebrated Alice in Wonderland with her friends. It was a new chapter in fatherhood, being peripheral to her life, and he chuckled over it. He gave her a new outfit to wear to her birthday party yesterday. Then he orchestrated the party, cooking dinner for the girls and artistically plating their cheesecake, then standing back while they enjoyed the fruits of his labor.

He was the perfect dad for Ruby yesterday when she hopped in his car as he was leaving to have some alone time. He didn't complain one bit. He just asked her where she wanted to go. When I posted the story about Ruby being frustrated about the bar, Scott called me and asked, "What time does Ruby have lunch?" He took her to Pepperbelly's and just listened. He told everyone at the office how funny and creative her 3rd grade writing journal was. He revels in the fact that she's such a wise little soul.

He's been the perect dad for Xanthe from the moment he signed on for the adoption journey. He was the first one to draw out her hearty giggle. He's the one who sneaks her drinks in bed when Mama says no. Today, Xanthe saw a forlorn-looking picture of herself the day we got her. Xanthe said, "She was lonely in her crib." It's because of Scott that Xanthe isn't lonely in her crib in China anymore.

Scott was the perfect dad for Freestone yesterday when he let Free drench him with the hose, pretending to be really surprised. He redecorated Free's room and hung big pictures of the beach, Freestone's favorite place. He arranged Freestone's most treasured seashells and trinkets on his dresser. He watched all of this season's soccer games and kept track of the shoes and shin guards. He gives Free his favorite t-shirts to wear to bed. He gets tears in his eyes when he calls Freestone "son."

He's the perfect dad for Araceli when she sneaks out of bed hours after her bedtime. He just puts his arm around her and smiles. Whenever she comes up with an idea about "a special date with Daddy," Scott goes along with it, grabbing his car keys and telling her to fix her hair and get in the car. He compliments her when she practices, he laughs when she's silly, he hugs her when she's cranky. He bites his tongue when he comes home to find ALL of Ari's friends scattered around the house and yard.

Scott's mom, Marlene, has a sixth sense about what her children need. She knows just when to call and see what's wrong. Scott has the same supernatural ability. He keeps his instincts tuned to each of his children, and divines what they need. He often comes home with a little treat or an item that's just the thing. Right now, Scott is soaking cedar planks for a Fathers' Day barbeque, telling me about the beach towels he got on clearance (just what we needed!) and listening to Ruby play Star Wars on the piano for the millionth time. When she finishes and looks at him expectantly, he'll say, "Wow! Good job, Ruby!" And he'll mean it.

Good job, Scott! Good job. And happy Fathers' Day.