Super Dad: Stepping Up to the Plate and Not Striking Out. (Reblog)

I’m so impressed with the way my husband, Roland, has embraced fatherhood. He’s a quiet spirit, intelligent, accountable, funny, warm, and seldom breaks a sweat when obstacles come his way. My mom calls him an “old soul.” My dad says, “You’re a lucky kid kiddo to have such a great husband.” What makes my husband an exceptional father and extraordinaire human being is that he has the patience, love, and desire to be a positive and influential figure in our sons’ lives.

Roland and I met in undergrad at Clark Atlanta University, located in Atlanta, GA. He swears he noticed me first, but he caught my eye on the promenade; a place where sorority and fraternity members stroll and future love birds meet. Having the same English class our first year sealed the deal, and six years later we jumped the broom in holy matrimony. I tell him that his life would be boring without me. Secretly, I think he agrees.

If my husband wasn’t so introverted, I’d cast him in a reality show on public access television and call it, “Super Dad.” He’s the modern day Cliff Huxtable, but with a little swagger. More like my dad or President Obama, who made Father’s Day a “national conversation on responsible fatherhood and healthy families,” according to the White House. President Obama bringing the conversation of fatherhood to the forefront is important and vital to the development of children.

Roland’s father and my dad have a strong presence in our lives and provide us daily with lifelong lessons. My husband has continued this with our children. It’s about stepping up to the plate and not striking out. It’s our job to raise strong young men who understand the importance of taking care of their responsibilities, and provide them with positive role models to look up to for guidance, support, and unconditional love. When the time comes, they will be super dads for their children.

Chanda M. Scott Photography

Sojourner Marable Grimmett is Assistant Director, Student Access Programs and Services at the Southern Regional Education Board. She is responsible for administering a regional program called the Academic Common Market which allows students that are in-state to attend out-of-state institutions at in-state rates. A founding host Mom Blogger for FOX 5 News Atlanta, Mom-To-Mom Blogger for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Sojourner is recognized for writing about the joys and challenges of being a “stay-at-work” mom and connects with moms, both new and experienced, who have the responsibility of raising a family and maintaining a full-time job. Passionate about breastfeeding, Sojourner is co-founder of Table for Two a national campaign to support establishing lactation rooms in public places, visit www.supporttablefortwo.org, on Facebook (@SupportTableforTwo) follow on Twitter (@LactationRooms).

Sojourner has been featured in FitPregnancy, WhatToExpect.com, BlackAndMarriedwithKids.com, MacaroniKid.com, Fox News, and CNN. Sojourner freelances as a social media consultant and has worked with America's largest companies to execute social media marketing strategies and increase customer awareness. Sojourner has a BA in communications from Clark Atlanta University and an MA in media studies from Pennsylvania State University. She is married to her college sweetheart, Roland and they have two young breastfed sons, Roland Jay "RJ" and Joshua Palmer "JP". Visit her blog sojournermarablegrimmett.blogspot.com follow her on Twitter (@sojournerruth) and like her on Facebook (@MarriedwithTwoBoys). She volunteers her services at the YWCA of Greater Atlanta and KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) STRIVE Academy.

Thankful Thursday

Married w/ 2 Boys: Everyday Mommy Moments

I grew up a Tomboy. I ran track, was a power forward basketball player, climbed birch trees, collected marble looking rocks, wore bright colored Cross Colour baggy jeans (during the TLC era), and was always the peddler on my banana bike; while my older sister, Malaika directed my every turn. I was tough and hanged with my twin brother, Joshua who was as Southerns say, “all-boy.”

I’m convinced that I was destined to have sons. Genetically boys run on my husband’s side of the family, but I think God knew I’d be a great mom to boys. Being married with two boys has already created some memorable moments. Hopefully you too can relate.

1. Married w / 2 Boys: Do I really need to take a picture of your Number 2 in the potty? Click Click

2. Married w / 2 Boys: How do I explain to our 2 year old that he can't fly like Superman?

3. Married w/ 2 Boys: I hope skinny jeans aren’t a fad when my boys get older. The boys at the bus stop are sagging skinny jeans…Yikes!

4. Married w/ 2 Boys: ESPN 30 for 30 is my new favorite show…scary!

5. Married w/ 2 Boys: Our 4 month old son is still cute at 4am.

6. Married w/ 2 Boys: I'm slowly turning back into a Tomboy. I need a room in the house that doesn't remind me of any sports or superheroes.

7. Married w/ 2 Boys: What’s up with wiping your snot on the couch pillow!

8. Married w/ 2 Boys: Mommy doesn’t like getting hit on the chest, nor does she like being tackled.

9. Married w/ 2 Boys: Son, get off the top of the car!

10. Married w/ 2 Boys: Taco Mac’s VIP section does not include dancing girls.

We can all relate to these funny everyday moments with our children. These memorable moments are so funny that they seem made up. Tweet me funny moments about your kids: http://twitter.com/sojournerruth.

Sojourner Marable Grimmett has a BA in communications from Clark Atlanta University and an MA in media studies from Pennsylvania State University. She is a stay-at-work mom and her experience in higher education spans over 10 years working in student services and enrollment management. She lives in southwest Atlanta with her husband, Roland and two young sons, Roland Jay and Joshua. Visit her blog: http://sojournermarablegrimmett.blogspot.com. Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/sojournerruth