Bobby Krotendorfer, 20, with his 18-month-old son, Junior, and his girlfriend Lori Ball's daughters, 5-year-old Faith, left, and 3-year-old Hope, at home in Waldorf. Bobby is trying to be a loving dad and a strong breadwinner, but the recession has made providing for his young family financially difficult.
Copyright Rebecca Drobis
Many expect young fathers like Bobby to skip town by the time their children are born, but experts say teen dads in rural areas tend to marry their girlfriends. In urban areas like Washington, more than three out of four fathers are romantically involved -- and living with their girlfriends -- when their children are born.
Copyright Rebecca Drobis
Junior tries to play with his dad as he's resting. When Lori told Bobby they were going to have a child, he says: "I took it as it was. I was going to be a man." He would later confide the idea of being a loving father scared him -- a lot.
Copyright Rebecca Drobis
The kids have a fun time playing with packing paper.
Copyright Rebecca Drobis
Lori often texts Bobby throughout the day.
Copyright Rebecca Drobis
Bobby rounds up the kids to get them into a minivan.
Copyright Rebecca Drobis
Bobby enjoys a playful moment with the children during a neighborhood walk.
Copyright Rebecca Drobis
Lori and Bobby look over some bills.
Copyright Rebecca Drobis
Lori greets Bobby in the kitchen.
Copyright Rebecca Drobis
Bobby cleans up at the Waldorf car wash where he was recently hired. "I'm trying the best I can to do what I gotta do," he says.
Copyright Rebecca Drobis
Gallery Credits:
Photo Editor, Producer Troy Witcher
Text Editor Amanda McGrath