Tag Archives: happy

Happy Birthday to the Best G-Ma Ever!

Today is G-Ma’s (my Mom’s) birthday, and although we can’t celebrate with her today, we will soon enough!

My mom has been through so much and always forges on. She’s always been by my side even when I’m not the best son (sorry about that), and she continues to be there now that we have a +1. I’m referring to our daughter, Avery, just to be clear. 🙂

Mom, G-Ma, thank you for being you and making life so much better. We all hope you have a wonderful birthday and can’t wait to see you to celebrate!

I’ve gathered several pictures of G-Ma and Avery from birth to present (Ha ha, get it, present? As in a gift? Ahhh, never mind.) day. Just like you were there for me, you’ve always been there for Avery in her whole 8 1/2 months of life and her love for you shows with each visit you make.

G-Ma and Avery; just 2 days old!
G-Ma and Avery; just 2 days old!
Not sure what's happening, but G-Ma is keeping me warm! 11/26/13
Not sure what’s happening, but G-Ma is keeping me warm! 11/26/13
Keeping cozy. 12/29/13
Keeping cozy. 12/29/13
Happy to be with G-ma!
Happy to be with G-ma! 02/20/14
Practicing her poker face.  03/12/14
Practicing her poker face. 03/12/14
Happy to be at G-Ma's! 04/13/14
Happy to be at G-Ma’s! 04/13/14
Meeting Tash with Dad and G-Ma. 05/18/14
Meeting Tash with Dad and G-Ma. 05/18/14
Cheering Daddy on at a Labor Day 10k! 05/26/14
Cheering Daddy on at a Labor Day 10k! 05/26/14
Hanging with the best group for my 30th. 06/07/14
Hanging with the best group for my 30th. 06/07/14
Fourth of July 2014
Fourth of July 2014
Playing the recorder for Avery. 07/08/14
Playing the recorder for Avery. 07/08/14

 

At the rate we take pictures, I know there will be many more to come! We love you, Mom/G-Ma, have an awesome birthday!

Doesn’t she look to young to be a grandma? I think so.

“Your Eyes”: A Poem to my Daughter

After looking at the most recent pictures I took of Avery, I can’t get over how beautiful her eyes are. I’ve been enthralled by their brilliance since she was born, and I’m ever so grateful the magnificent blue hue is still with her.

Inspired by her beauty, I decided to write a poem. I’m not an experienced writer by any means, much less at poem writing, but it doesn’t stop me from trying!

So, Avery, when you are old enough to read, I hope you appreciate my attempt at writing a poem to you. Beware, this probably won’t be the only one!!

DSC_0675

Your Eyes

When I look into your eyes,

it comes as no surprise,

the beauty that they hold

will endure as we grow old.

 

Filled with endless wonder,

there must be a spell I’m under,

since every time I look,

they absorb me more than the greatest book.

 

Even the bluest of oceans can’t compete,

with your gorgeous eyes that knock me off my feet.

Your enchanting stare,

and crazy hair,

fill mommy and me with pride,

and a love we will never hide.

 

Avery, your eyes are perfect in every way,

and they allow you to experience new things each day.

Mommy and I know we’ve done right,

as we watch you grow morning, noon and night.

 

Just remember you must be wary,

your blue eyes will have many guys asking you to marry,

but that’s a long time from now,

so I won’t have a cow.

 

Mommy and I are a little fearful,

that your striking peepers will prevent us from giving you an earful.

How could we possibly get mad

when to us you can do no bad?

 

Please don’t take advantage,

and do things we cannot manage

since your brilliant eyes,

could cover your deepest lies.

 

I could go on forever,

but my words I need to sever,

as you are waking from your nap,

and it’s time to walk our lap.

Have you ever written a poem even though you lack the experience? Was it to a loved one or just for your own?

How the #PowerofDad is Everlasting

My father passed away when I was only 7 years old. He and my mom were divorced and since he lived in another state, I didn’t see him very often. Even with the infrequent visits, I still have lasting memories of him that I will never forget.

I never thought much about how and/or why I was able to hold on to memories at such a young age, but now I know it’s from the #PowerofDad. The influence a father makes on his kids is powerful and stays with them through life; I’m living proof!

Now that I’m a father to one beautiful little girl, I make it a point to harness the #PowerofDad every day. By treating my daughter with respect, getting on the floor and playing with her, and teaching her how to live a healthy life by example, I know I’m shaping a positive future for Avery.

One of my favorite moments in the 6.5 months I’ve been a father is being there as she first entered this world. After her time with Mommy, I got my skin to skin time with Avery as soon as possible to better help establish our father-daughter bond.

Skin to skin with dad!
Skin to skin with dad!

Watching Avery being born created the deepest love I’ve felt since meeting Kelley (Going Mom) and it took the air out of my lungs! It was the best and scariest feeling I have ever encountered and I will never forget that day I became “Dad.”

Being a stay-at-home dad to our little girl makes every day with her is my favorite moment. We show her how living an active, healthy lifestyle is beneficial is so many ways and hope she’ll follow in our footsteps.

From our nightly bath time routine where she brushes her teeth gums….

Avery Brushing

….to watching her actually eat solids through our baby-led weaning tactics…

Avery Eating Carrot

….to going on walks while wearing her..

Avery in Onya NexStep

..I know I’m utilizing the #PowerofDad to the best of my abilities.

Knowing just how important the #PowerofDad is, I am proud to announce that I have partnered with Oral B and a group of other outstanding dad bloggers for an awesome Father’s Day campaign! Just like words can’t describe my intense love for my daughter and wife, the same goes for trying to explain the #PowerofDad.

Luckily, Oral B put together a video that needs no words to show how powerful it can be.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3z3rbcJ7Qk&w=560&h=315]

I’ve watched this video several times, and get goosebumps every time I see the father helping his daughter pack up to leave for college. Yeah, yeah, it’s years down the road, but time is going so fast, we all need to cherish every moment we have and don’t rush things too fast!

Oral B and Life of Dad have joined forces to promote the #PowerofDad which celebrates fatherhood’s little moments and the dads that bring big smiles to their families every day.

Oral B wins my seal of approval for recognizing the important, yet overlooked role of mothers and fathers, and supporting great causes.

In their second year of this Father’s Day program, P&G Oral Care has partnered with March of Dimes, a leading organization for healthy, happy families that celebrates mothers and fathers every day. P&G Oral Care is also joining forces with members of “Football’s First Family,” New York Giants’ quarterback Eli Manning, his father Archie and his daughter Ava – to celebrate fatherhood’s little moments.

And when you’re happy, you smile, right? In order to help keep those smiles shining bright, Oral B has introduced its newest and most technologically advanced toothbrush yet, the Oral-B 7000 BLACK. The Oral-B 7000 BLACK features Oral-B’s signature oscillating, rotating and pulsating technology and provides superior cleaning and a more personalized brushing experience compared to a regular manual toothbrush.  With its sleek design and top of the line features, even the most discerning consumers will note, and benefit from, the unparalleled design and technology it offers.

oral-b-black-7000

Now that’s a dad brush if I’ve ever seen one! This brush has stats better than most athletes:

  • Oral-B’s signature oscillating, rotating and pulsating technology provides a superior tooth-by-tooth clean to remove up to two times more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush.
  • Features 8,800 oscillations per minute and 40,000 pulsations per minute to create shearing forces for excellent cleaning efficacy.
  • Six modes for a more personalized brushing experience including an extra “Tongue Cleaner Mode” along with standard Daily Clean, Deep Clean, Sensitive, Whitening, and Massage modes.
  • Quadrant pacing signals every 30 seconds to guide quadrant switching; at the end of two minutes a longer signal indicates when the dental professional recommended brushing time period has been reached.
  • SmartGuide wireless display with while-you-brush feedback to help you brush thoroughly, gently and for the dentist-recommended two minutes.
  • Indicator® bristles remind you to replace your brush head every 3 months, or once they’ve faded halfway.
  • Accelerates to top speed faster than a race car

That last bullet pretty much means you’ll get the feeling of NASCAR in your mouth! Popcorn kernels beware, Oral-B is coming for you!!

So this Father’s Day, upgrade the toothbrush for the dad in your life to the Oral-B 7000 BLACK and watch their smile become even more vibrant! Oral-B even has a $7 off coupon to help you (and dad) out.

Let me know some of your favorite #PowerofDad moments below and have an awesome Father’s Day. I’m excited to celebrate my first!!

Disclosure: I partnered with Oral-B and Life of Dad, LLC for the #PowerofDad Father’s Day promotion and was compensated for my involvement.