Happy 4th birthday Sierra!

Well hello there. It's been (almost) 2 months since we've blogged. Lot's to talk about  (make excuses for why we haven't blogged) but I'll save that for another post.

The reason I came here to post today is because it's my daughter's FOURTH BIRTHDAY. She's four, it feels weird to even type that. Four sounds so much older than three. This time last year we were gearing up for her to go back to daycare and this year we're trying on school uniforms. YES school, Sierra starts K1 in September! I can't believe how fast she is growing and learning these days.

She astounds me every single day with the things she knows and does and I feel so lucky to be able to help her along the way. Before I start crying, I'll just say: Happy Birthday Sierra!

Love,
Dad

WATCH THIS: Princess is NOT a Career!

A Great Morning.

Good morning everyone. I'm on the bus right now and figured it would be a good time to write a quick note  about how my morning was the complete opposite of yesterday. It went perfectly. Sierra not only slept until my alarm went off she let me hit snooze for 10 minutes and then get everything else ready. Having everything all set, including myself, before having to start getting her dressed and fed is a huge leg up in the race out the door.

When I first went into her room she was crying a bit and asking for Lauren but after about 15 seconds of holding and a game where I pretended her fingers and toes were bananas and that I was STARVING she was giggling and ready to get help pick out her clothes.

We threw the clothes on, the 'clippies' in her hair and toast in her mouth and out the door we went. The rain that was pounding the window earlier in the morning had now subsided and the sun was just beginning to poke through the clouds making our trip much easier than yesterday.

On the stroll to daycare I noticed Fall had certainty begun to fall here in Boston. This is THE best time of the year to be in Boston in case any of you are considering vacationing in the next couple of months, its truly a beautiful time of year. On the walk I asked her if she knew why their were leaves covering the sidewalk and explained that the seasons were beginning to change. I explained that Summer is lots of fun because its warm, sunny and we get to go to the beach but that Autumn can be just as much fun, just in different ways. I explained about the leaves falling and the crunching sound they make when you walk on them. I asked if she remembered going to the apple orchard to pick apples and pumpkins. I reminded her about how we went on a hay ride and asked if she'd like to do that again to which she answered "Yes… some day".

It was a wonderful walk and as much as I miss our leisurely mornings I'm beginning to remember why I love the special mornings between just my daughter and I even more.

-Craig

Guest Dad: Jared Blake (of GiveBackTime.org / Apollo Starfleet)

Hi.  I'm Jared Blake, and I'm the most recent addition to the hipster dad club.  I work two full-time jobs (I'm an Energy Advisor at Patriot Energy and a Director of Youth Programing at Saint Eulalia's Parish), I'm in college studying Economics full-time, I recently started a non-profit called GiveBackTime.org, I'm a lead guitarist in a band called Apollo Starfleet, but most importantly, I'm a father to the coolest and most beautiful girl ever.  Her name is Keira.

It’s so awesome to have somebody that I can love fully and completely without reservation and not expect anything in return.  If I had to give a definition on what being a true father or mother is, it would be that. 

I’ve had the lucky responsibility of being Keira’s dad now for almost three years!  As her birthday approaches next month, she’s getting more and more aware of it and increasingly excited about it.  She’s been preparing by asking for things in the stores.  Although turning three in itself is a huge milestone for both of us, this is a multi-layered event.  I’ve been lucky enough to work from home for her whole life, and have spent mostly every day with her since she’s existed.  The thought running through my mind is that her upcoming birthday brings the promise of her starting preschool, and the reality that I probably won’t have the same amount of time with her ever again.  Now, I know that sounds a bit dramatic, and believe me, my emotions feel it as such.  However, I knew this was coming, and I’m truly am excited for her.  It wouldn’t be right for me to hold her back for my benefit, and I always plan on pushing her to go out adventuring and exploring with or without me.

In the spirit of this blog about being a hipster dad, I bring this little experience up because of the paradox of parenting I’ve recently discovered for myself.  As cliché as it sounds, it’s something that has really hit home in my heart and is currently what I want to articulate.  To love someone regardless of your exact definition is a positive thing.  The act of it though, doesn’t always return such a joyous feeling.  Keira is the type of kid that I have to remind to give me a kiss before I leave her somewhere.  I get it, she’s excited about whatever it is that she will be doing, but it sometimes makes me feel unimportant in her life.  Of course, I know that’s not true.  But what’s going to be hard is sticking with my plan to love her correctly when she gets older and her actions become more defined and rebellious.  Those actions start out right now when she doesn’t say goodbye as I drop her off at preschool; soon it will be sleepovers – camp – articulated and well defended arguments – and then the first time she says “I hate you.” 

I have tattoos, I play the guitar, I rock at hide-and-seek, and I try to be fashionably philanthropic, but what I feel actually makes me a hip dad is my dedication to my daughter  and the unwavering discipline I expect of myself when I’m truly loving her.  Not loving her because she loves me in return, but really loving her so that she can succeed in her life and know deep in her heart that no matter what, I’ll always support her. 

-Jared Blake