BAD IDEA DAD Blog Post...

New post on my BAD IDEA DAD blog. Link below.

http://badideadad.blogspot.com/2013/09/goats-milk-baking-and-sinking-ships.html

Baths and Showers...

Dear boys,

 

Just wanted to say I love you and share some pictures that I love to show your girlfriends in the future. Enjoy!

 

 

You're welcome.

 

Love,

Dad



A Little Lady Gaga Scare...

Dudes,

 

As much as I blame your mom for a lot of things that happen to you, this one is on me. But, one of the most fun things that a parent can do to his/her children is...scare them. You know, it gets the blood pumping and the heart rate up.

 

And, it is as funny as can be. Oh man, you guys jumped so high.

I love you guys. Sorry for the scare.

Love,
Dad


Splash Park Fun...

Boston & Braxton,

 

This week, Mommy took you guys to the Splash Park for the first time. You guys absolutely loved it. You were giggling the entire time. Your mommy is a pretty amazing person. She was brave enough to wrangle both of you at the Splash Park. She is crazy, but we love her.

On Saturday, we went back to the Splash Park and had some more fun. I love watching you guys play in the water with big smiles on your faces.



At the end of the day, Braxton, you got stung by a bee. You showed off your super quick reflexes and caught the bee in your hand. He stung you. But, you were a tough little guy and in the words of Papi, "just rubbed some dirt on it".

I love you guys!

Thanks for a super fun weekend.

Love,
Dad

 

Puppy Play Time...

Boys,

 

You guys love to play with your puppies. And, as much as they don't want to admit it, they love you guys too.

 

Sometimes, you guys cannot wait until they come inside.

 

Here is a montage of some of your most fun moments that we have caught on camera.

Love you guys.

Love,
Dad

Eyebrows from Mom...

Dudes,

 

I apologize in advance for this one. This was your mom's doing. I failed you. I didn't do enough to stop her.

 

Without further adieu, here it is...

 

You aren't even safe at bathtime.

 

 

But, do not worry guys, you will be avenged.

 

Love,

Dad



11 Months of Joyful Chaos...

Boston and Braxton,

 

As I sit here, there are so many words that come to my mind. However, none of them seem to do justice for the feelings that truly reside in my heart. As tears fill my eyes and blur my vision, I stare at a blank screen and a blinking cursor. I have written and deleted words over and over again. One day, I hope I can truly share the feelings of my heart with you. But, for now, hopefully these will suffice.

 

 With the click of a button, I am watching a slide show of you two and my heart is suddenly overwhelmed with gratitude, happiness and love. As I think of the past eleven months of my life, I am in awe of what has transpired. I have felt scared, overwhelmed and inadequate. I have cried. I have laughed. I have felt more love than I ever thought was possible. The incredible range and rush of emotions has been truly an experience that I cannot describe with words.

 

11 months ago, I laid in bed unable to sleep. I was tossing and turning due to a jumble of emotions; fear, excitement, anticipation and thankfulness. As we drove to the hospital, I pondered my readiness to become a father. And, while I have been blessed with great examples of wonderful fathers in my life, I felt far from adequate to start the journey of being yours. I wished I was better prepared. But, regardless of my readiness, I knew that I would work as hard as I could to be the best father I could be.

 

As I stood in the hallway while your momma was receiving her epidural, my knees grew weak...mostly because I am terrified of needles and I hate hospitals, but also because I was unsure of how the next few minutes would play out. Would every one be healthy? Would there be 20 fingers and 20 toes? Would you be white? Ok, that last one was a joke. But, in that moment, a million thoughts bounced around my mind.

 

When the time came to enter the room, I was scared for your momma. I was excited for her. I was in awe of her. I was inspired by her. In the time that I have known her, she has done and endured so many amazing and incredibly difficult things. But, even with her resume of awesomeness, nothing could compare to the journey of the last 38 weeks that was about to come to it's pinnacle. And, the thought of watching her hold the two of you in her arms melted my heart.

 

After each of you were born, the nurses held each of you near her and she cried. As I looked at the smile on her face, I knew that heaven existed on Earth. The miracle of life had just happened right in front of me, and I was truly amazed by the experience.

 

Fast forward 11 months...

As I sit here writing this, I watch you guys zooming around all over the place. My life has changed dramatically. In many ways, I cannot imagine what my life used to be like. As much as I thought I would, I don't miss the late nights, the hours of XBox or the random hang out with the guys. I thought that the changes would be hard, but they weren't. I go to bed earlier now, so that I won't miss you as much when you are asleep. Rather than XBox, I spend my evenings playing cars, giving piggybacks, watching BabyFirst TV and chasing you handsome devils around. Rather than hanging out with the guys, I get to spend my weekends playing at the Splash Park, going on walks and crawling around the living room floor with you guys. And, I wouldn't change it for the world. It is the dad life and it is truly remarkable.

 

In 11 months, I have watched you guys grow from little wrinkly aliens that couldn't hold up their heads to little dudes that sit up on their own to handsome devils that crawleed all over the place to silly jokesters that stand up, walk ocassionally, climb on everything and talk constantly. I have seen you guys develop into amazing fellas that are incredibly smart and super happy. I am excited for what the future holds because the ride thus far has been one of undeniable and constant joy.

 

With every step, every smile and every giggle another ounce of love that I didn't think could exist courses through my body. Just when I think my heart has reached it's capacity, when my gauge is on full, when I am overwhelmed by the amount of love I am feeling...in those moments, just like the Grinch, my heart grows 3 sizes those days. It is truly incredible the amount of love that can reside within a human heart. And, every ounce of it is for you two and your amazing mother.

Boston, as I look into your eyes and see that mischievous smile form on your face, I cannot help but wonder what you will be like. You already have so much personality. You love to joke and giggle. You love to play and you never stop moving. You chase around the puppies and love eating Mandarin Oranges. You have recently become more of a daddy's boy which I absolutely love. You make me laugh every single day. You are my boy and I love you.

Braxton, your eyes twinkle as you smile at everyone you can. You are already such a loving and snugly boy. You love to talk and you never stop babbling. You like to play with any cord you can find. You like to play Peek-a-boo, PattyCake and So Big. You love eating pizza and watermelon. You like to push your brother in his car and you love your mommy more than I can even imagine. You make me say "awe" every single say. You are my boy and I love you.

You two love to play together. You find joy in each other and it warms my heart. Every morning when you guys wake up, you will spend the next half hour babbling back and forth. And, while I am sure you are plotting against, I love every minute of it.

In a month, you guys will be a whole year old. And, if every year can be like the last, it is going to an amazing life. So, as I hit my knees, I thank God for each of you and your mom. He has blessed me with so much that I don't deserve. But, I will accept the blessings I don't deserve, especially when they come in packages as awesome, beautiful and as truly inspiring as the two of you and your mother.

I love you guys and mommy too. Let the joyful chaos continue.

Love,
Dad

A Little Walky for Bossy

Bossy,

 

Tonight, with Nana and I watching, you walked. You took six steps from Nana to me. Unfortunately, we couldn't get you to do it again. You would take two or three steps and drop on your booty. But, today...just a few days short of 11 months old, you walked. It was awesome to see. Pretty cool buddy!

 

I love you.

 

Love,

Dad

 

PS: This is the best video we got...only a couple steps.



Time for Bed...

Boston,

 

When it is time for bed, you know right where to go. It is pretty awesome.

 

I love you buddy.

 

Love,

Dad

Art Time...

Boys,

 

Your mommy has always been extremely active in your development. She works tirelessly with you guys. She has pushed your guys to sit, roll, and crawl. She has pushed your eye/hand coordination, your pincher skills, and so much more.

 

For quite a while, she has been doing sensory time with you guys. During this time, you guys will play with water, cool whip paint or countless other things. It is pretty fun to watch you guys as both of you love each and every minute of it.

 

Art time is definitely a time you guys love. Whether it is on the iPad, with crayons, or paint (cool whip style), the art you make is pretty cool. And, the majority of the time it finds its way onto the refrigerator.  

 

 

 

Brax, you sometimes end up a little messy but that's alright. Bossy and I just have to keep you from eating it. 

You guys are so blessed to have a loving mother who is so eager to give you a head start in life. I am amazed by how active you are, how smart you are and how quickly you are developing. Keep up the hard work.

 

I love you guys.

 

Love,

Dad



Summer Swim...

Brax & Bos,

 

Summer has arrived. We finally broke down and started running the A/C in the house. Saturday afternoon walks have been cancelled or moved to the early morning hours. But, with all this heat, you guys get to spend a lot more time in the swimming pool.

 

This week, you guys began having pool parties with all your friends at Aunt Jo's pool. In your new Lightning McQueen floaties, you guys are comfy and styling.

 

Brax, you love to lounge while your brother soaks up the sun.

 

I am ready for a summer in the pool with you guys.

 

Love you both.

 

Love,

Dad

 



Laundry Time...

Bossy and Brax,

 

One of mommy's least favorite chores is laundry. She hates it. So, on Sundays, daddy usually gets up early and helps out so she doesn't have to do it. Plus, we all need some clean clothes with all the droppings that you two are leaving everywhere.

 

Today, we worked on laundry as a team.

 

Well...kinda. You guys really just rode in the basket with the clean clothes and unfolded all my hard work. But, that is alright. It was fun to spend time together.

Somebody didn't want to leave either.

 

I love you little dudes.

 

Love,

Dad

Picnic Buddies...

Boys,

 

Today, we had a picnic with friends. You guys had a great time playing with Jaylen and Brooklyn.

Looking forward to many more in the future.

 

Love you boys.

 

Love,

Dad

Treat Celebration...

Little Dudes,

 

Today, we spend some time "late" celebrating my birthday. It was fun and we shared treats. Sssshhh! Mother would not approve.

 

But, since I am the late bday boy...I make the rules.

 

I love you.

 

Love,

Dad.



Small Actions...

Gentlemen,

 

One thing I want you to remember is that small actions can change some one's life, make them smile, and/or brighten their day. Far too often in this life, we get caught up in our worries that we forget about others. However, we should never be too busy to share a smile, a laugh, a kind word, or our time. I try to practice those things on a daily basis, but I cannot say that I always succeed. Yesterday, I was reminded of how kind a person can be.

 

While I was sitting at my desk on my birthday, a super sweet and funny lady that I work with brought me a birthday present. I was quite surprised to receive a gift. But, I was not surprised by her kindness as she is one of the most generous people I know. This small act helped make my birthday special. It helped remind me the kindness of people. Also, inside my awesome birthday gift, there was a special present for you guys. A movie that I think you guys like...

 

So, remember to be kind. Remember to think of others. Remember to share joy with others.

 

I love you guys.

 

Love,

Dad

 

PS: Thanks Tiana for thinking of my boys and myself.

Backwards Baths...

Boston & Braxton,

 

Here are some pictures from your backwards baths in the sink.

 

I love you guys!

Love,

Dad 

 

The Helicopter...

Boys,

 

Papi got us an awesome helicopter to play with together. You guys loves to watch it fly around.

And, when the time comes, we always put it away.


I love you guys.

Love,
Dad

It's Time to Dance...

Dancing Dudes,

 

You guys love to dance. Whenever the music comes on, you guys start to move. You have done this since you were in your mommy's belly. I love that you guys love music because your mommy and I love music. Unfortunately though, only one of us can move like you guys.

 

When MC Hammer gets going...no one can touch this...


And, when Mommy drops a beat and the roll calls start, Bossy begins to shake...


I love you guys and your little shaking butts.

Love,
Dad

So Big and PattyCake...

Braxton,

 

You love to play "So Big" and "PattyCake" with Mommy. And, she loves to play it with you all the time. And, I love watching it.

 

You are so big...


You love PattyCake...


Love you big boy!

Love,
Dad
 

Moments of Reflection...

This week has been a tragic for thousands upon thousands of people. Lives were forever altered this week. Lives were lost. People were taken far too soon. As I sit and watch my baby boys sleep, I am still reminded of the good this world possesses. While so much tragedy and hardship surround us as human beings, we cannot forget the glorious blessings of life, love and family. Those who lost a piece of one of those glorious blessings are in our thoughts and prayers. I, like the rest of you, cannot even begin to comprehend these tragedies. That fact restores a little of my faith in humanity. If we were able to understand these horrific events, it would not bode well for the future of our species. The fact that these events bring tears to our eyes, break our fragile hearts and make us ponder our very existence reaffirms to me the goodness in the hearts of human beings. These past few nights, I have thought a lot about the tragedy in Boston. As I have held my wife and snuggled with my babies, I pondered so many questions. Tonight, as news of the West, Texas tragedy hit the news feeds, I did the same thing. I held my family close and pondered these tragedies. I share with you my moments of reflection. Peace and love to all of you.

THOUGHTS FOLLOWING THE BOSTON MARATHON TRAGEDY

Do not let the senseless actions of a deranged person or group of persons make you question humanity. While many horrible things happen in this world, the majority of people are caring, loving and giving people. Humanity is inherently good. Good will always prevail over evil. Love will always overcome hate. You have to look no further than our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who overcame death and... the most powerful evil to have everlasting life. In the beautiful words of Izumi Shikibu, “Even when a river of tears courses through this body, the flame of love cannot be quenched.” The true love that resides in the hearts of humanity will continually change the world for the better. That is an undeniable certainty. Prayers and love for Boston and all those affected by this tragedy.

THOUGHTS FOLLOWING THE BOSTON MARATHON & WEST, TX TRAGEDIES
It is times like these that people's faith is tested. It has been a disheartening week, and tonight's news will, without a doubt, add to the fear, uncertainty and sadness of people around the nation. In the words of Coach K, "There is a destination beyond the devastation". For me, sitting here, that is much easier typed than actually realized. For those suffering, it is a much more difficult task ...to see the destination beyond. But, it is there. At all times, we should remain vigilant in our love and service of our fellow human beings. But, in times like these, it is more important than ever. Prayers, positive thoughts, and assistance are needed for people suffering from these horrific tragedies. I cannot even begin to comprehend the hardships that many are facing. Still, I (we) mourn with them.

While many of us cannot do nearly as much as we would like, we can each do a little. Share a prayer with a loved one. Think of those in need. Help someone in your own neighborhood. Be kind. Be loving. In the words of Henri Frederic Amiel, “Life is short and we have never too much time for gladdening the hearts of those who are traveling the dark journey with us. Oh be swift to love, make haste to be kind.” Or as Ellen Degeneres would say "Be kind to one another."

As Boston, Massachusetts, it's surrounding area, and people around the world mourn and start the road to recovery...I challenge each of you (and myself) to go out of your way to help someone in need. You may not be able to help someone directly affected by the tragedy there, but you can help someone in your area. The tragedy in West, Texas is also just beginning to unfold. The devastation and heartbreak will be overwhelming. Again, I urge each of you (and myself) to go out of your way to help someone in need. Lets remind people that human beings are good. Let's remind the world that people care. Let's remind the world that love will always overcome despair and hardship.

In the words of Rumi "You have within you more love than you could ever understand." Lets make it our goal to share love and try to find out just how much is there.