I’ve heard it said somewhere that there is no higher compliment known to man than being told he is an amazing father. I know myself that when Craig says I’m a great mummy, it validates me and makes me feel more complete and confident as a mother. It’s not just when he says the words out loud either. It’s those moments when he silently watches Dex and I playing, or when Dex cries and Craig asks me what I think he needs. This is the same for me too, it’s really lovely watching my boys interact, and watching Craig’s fatherly instincts kick in. It’s so amazing to think we’ve created a little life that is dependent on us both.

I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father’s protection. Sigmund Freud

It’s the hardest job, but the most gratifying also, to nurture a child and help their little personalities develop. Craig and I will sometimes sit and talk when Dexter is in bed about what sort of person Dexter might be when he’s older; “Imagine if he becomes a rugby player”, “Do you think he’ll go to university?”, or “I wonder if he’ll be successful with the ladies…”… The one thing I do know is that we’ll always be supportive, even if we find his interests boring, dangerous or unconventional. Our only real hope is that Dexter will be happy, and we’ll have the strength and means to help him get there.

A righteous father protects his children with his time and presence. Howard W. Hunter

Craig is hardworking and a solid provider. He doesn’t do this because he loves his job, he does this because one of us has to and he understands it’s something I need to do, for me. He’s also nurturing and kind and as intimately involved in the day-to-day care of Dexter as I am. He’ll sterilise bottles, change nappies, get up in the night, prepare Dexter’s meals… no job is too messy, too small, or too big. He’s the glue that keeps this family together, and the reason Dexter will grow into a young man we’ll both be proud of.

A boy needs a father to show him how to be in the world. He needs to be given swagger, taught how to read a map so that he can recognize the roads that lead to life and the paths that lead to death, how to know what love requires, and where to find steel in the heart when life makes demands on us that are greater than we think we can endure. Ian Morgan Cron

Together, Dexter and Craig are jokers. They are so similar in their personalities. They both have happy souls, hate to leave a problem unsolved, and have to explore everything. Dexter will always have a very special bond with his daddy. They’ll go to concerts together, go to the pub together, and Dexter will always be able to go to him with problems that he doesn’t want to share with me. To outsiders they will appear like any other father and son, but they’re not. They’re the man I love, and the son we’ve made, and the two most brilliant people in the world.

I love you Craig Mills. Let’s kick off your Father’s Day weekend!