ELLIOTT CHIN
OCCUPATION: Technician at Crown Carpet Care Inc.
CHILDREN: Drew, Jane, Daniel and Caleb (new arrival after photo shoot)
WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A DAD? The opportunity I get to influence my kids to be the best version of themselves that they can be.
HOW HAS BECOMING A DAD CHANGED YOU? I am a better man than I ever would have been if I hadn’t had children. I’ve learned to sacrifice. I’ve learned to love better. I’ve learned to get excited to spend time with those I love rather than want to go do my own thing. Because of my children I am a better man.
ARE THERE SPECIFIC QUALITIES YOU WANT TO INSTILL IN YOUR CHILDREN? Yes. I want to instill humility, meekness, kindness, patience, gentleness...all the things a loving dad would want for his kids, I want for mine.
WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN TO ALWAYS REMEMBER ABOUT YOU? I loved their mom well.
JAY JEFFREY
OCCUPATION: Craftsman/Co-Founder of Lumber JAKKSS Millworks
CHILDREN: Kiernan, Killian, Sloane and Shaye
WHAT DOES BEING A DAD MEAN TO YOU? To guide, foster and teach our children to be good human beings, while having the most fun possible, of course!
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO WITH YOUR CHILDREN? To teach them new skills either in the shop or on the farm that make them think critically...Or wrestle on the living room floor...And, "Friday Pizza Night"...I knead and roll out all the dough, then our children apply their favorite sauce, cheese and toppings.
DID YOU FEEL PREPARED FOR FATHERHOOD? Yes, because I have an amazing wife. She is uber organized and scheduled, which made my part much easier. I owe much of being a good father to her.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A SOON-TO-BE-DAD? It's going to be OK!... they don't break as easily as you think.
DR. JEFF TOOTHMAN
OCCUPATION: Orthodontist/Owner of Toothman Orthodontics
CHILDREN: Quinn, Charlotte, Ellie and James
WHAT DOES BEING A DAD SYMBOLIZE TO YOU? To provide for and protect them while instilling values that will build strong moral character.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A DAD? Watching their individuality shine as they discover their unique personal interests.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST HEARTWARMING DAD MOMENT SO FAR? The unsolicited hugs, kisses and “I love you Daddy’s!”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DAD JOKE OF ALL TIME? What time do you go to the dentist? Tooth-thirty (dentist dad joke!)
JASON "MR. JAY" JOHNSON
OCCUPATION: Computer Science Educator & Board of Education Member at FCPS
CHILDREN: Ariel and Emmanuel
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO WITH YOUR CHILDREN? My favorite thing to do with my children is just to spend time in their presence. It is easy to have a good time with them, mainly because they are hilarious...being with them is a treat!
WHAT DOES BEING A DAD SYMBOLIZE TO YOU? For me being a father symbolizes being a legacy builder. Together with my wife, Jilcia, we hope to build up a legacy of love for our children to follow and pass on to their children and to the future generations of our family.
WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN TO ALWAYS REMEMBER ABOUT YOU? How much I love them.
ANDREW KLEIN
OCCUPATION: General Manager of the Frederick Keys Baseball Team
CHILDREN: Isla and Holden
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A DAD? The love. Seeing their faces every morning and the excitement when they know they have a full day with me is the best feeling.
DO YOU THINK TODAY'S FATHERS HAVE IT HARDER, EASIER OR JUST DIFFERENT? I think it is both easier and harder in different ways for different people. I will say that my life as a father is made so much easier by my loving wife who cares for our children while I work long hours during the baseball season and brings them to baseball games so I can see them even while working.
HOW WOULD YOU SPEND THE PERFECT DAY WITH YOUR CHILDREN? Playing at home, going to the park, and having popsicles. Nothing more is needed if we’re all together.