Real moms talk Father's Day

In anticipation of Father's Day, I chatted with a few other moms to find out how they celebrate the father of their children on his special day. It turns out there were many similarities, but a few differences as well. Here's what I asked them and what they had to say in response:

Kristin Chessman

Freelance writer, editor and mommy

We were about 5 months pregnant for my husband's first Father's Day, so I framed a special picture for him and wrote a card from our son-to-be.

Kori Ellis

allParenting writer

For my husband's first Father's Day, I made him a photo album containing hundreds of pictures of our kids. So many of our photos are online these days, but it's great to leaf through an actual album.

Nichole Beaudry

allParenting assignment editor

For my husband's first Father's Day gift, he got a newborn baby girl.

Stephanie Precourt

allParenting writer

I took our son all dolled up in a Cubs uniform to The Picture People in the mall and had a whole photo shoot done up for Jeff's first Father's Day. We still look back at those photos and laugh.

Crissy Page

allParenting writer

I tried to make my husband's first Father's Day special. I made him a card, and put a crayon in our baby's hand so he could add his mark!

I feel really terrible for buying my husband socks and underwear last Father's Day. I mean, he really needed socks and underwear, but I guess that was pretty lame. -Crissy

For two years, I created photo books for him. I think the worst gift I ever gave him was the absence of the photo book after that. With two small kids, there was no way I had time to keep up that tradition. I think he's disappointed every year when he doesn't get one. -Nichole

Usually just the kids will give him something, but I will try to find something small to give him, like a golf shirt and a new CD or his favorite candy. -Stephanie

I always give my husband a gift from me, and a gift from the kids. I think it is important to show him how much I appreciate him and his role in our family. -Crissy

Thanks for sharing your stories, ladies. We're wishing you a memorable Father's Day this year!

More on Father's Day

The best parts of being a dad
Easy Father's Day crafts for kids
Father's Day: Sharing a gift