Sadie Story Of The Week

Infant Emotion Explosion

Sadie just hit 3 months… and suddenly, she’s got opinions.

We're talking smiles that light up the room, tiny giggles that sneak out mid-burp, and eyes that go wide like she just heard the ending to a good story.

The other day, I sneezed loudly.

She flinched like I’d dropped a cymbal in her bassinet… and then cracked up like it was the funniest thing in the world.

We’ve officially entered the “tiny human with big feelings” era.

Every coo feels like a conversation. Every grin feels like a win. And I’m realizing that the more I exaggerate my expressions, the more she comes alive.

It’s like living with a very short improv partner who doesn’t speak English… but definitely gets the joke.

Dad Tip:
Start your one-man show early. Big smiles, silly noises, dramatic gasps, she’s learning from every one of them. And don’t be afraid to look ridiculous. To her, you’re already a star.

Turn Everyday Moments Into Memories She’ll Never Forget

Being a dad isn’t about grand gestures, it’s about the little moments she’ll remember forever. Here are simple, screen-free ways to laugh, learn, and connect with your daughter (even on your busiest days):

Daddy & Me Learning Pack - Never run out of ways to keep her entertained and learning. 92 pages of screen-free games, crafts, and educational activities that make bonding effortless.

Girl Dad Guide to Mindful Parenting - Beat dad guilt with quick, practical tips to show up with intention. Packed with bite-sized wins that fit into any schedule.

100 Kid-Friendly Recipes - Turn mealtime into memory-making time. Delicious, simple dishes designed to bring dads & daughters together in the kitchen (yes, even picky eaters).

Daddy & Daughter Coupon Book - 30 silly, sweet, and unforgettable coupons she can cash in. From pancake breakfasts to dance-party nights. Guaranteed giggles every time.

⭐️ Limited-Time Bundle - Get all 4 for 50% off and start making memories today.

Dad-To-Dad Wisdom

Quote Of The Week

“There are no perfect road trips. Only perfectly unforgettable ones."

— Anonymous

Every dad knows: it’s not the long drive that gets you, it’s the unexpected stop.

A friend of mine was just 45 minutes into a family road trip when his tire gave out on a back road with almost zero cell signal and one cranky year-old.

Cue the panic.

But instead of spiraling, he turned the wait into an adventure. He told his daughter the car was “taking a nap,” and they had to “sing it a lullaby” until help arrived.

So there they were, two humans sitting roadside, belting out Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to a Toyota Camry.

She thought it was hilarious. He thought it was survival.

By the time AAA showed up, she’d also collected rocks (“treasures”) and turned a granola bar wrapper into a makeshift puppet show.

Crisis: averted.

Memory: made.

Dad Tip:
When the road throws a curveball, your calm becomes her compass. Stay playful, stay patient, and subscribe to some kind of roadside service. (You’ll thank me later)

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Dad Hacks & Tips

The Sharing Struggle Is Real

Teaching a young child to share is like convincing a Leprechaun to give up its gold, especially when the “treasure” is a favorite glitter marker or the last blue popsicle.

But here’s the trick:
Don’t force it. Model it.

Your daughter watches everything.

So when she sees you offer the last bite, wait your turn, or hand over the remote with a smile (even if it hurts)… she takes notes.

When she does share, celebrate it like she just cured the common cold.

Big praise, big smiles.

And when she doesn’t?

Stay calm. Don’t shame.

Just gently remind her: “Sharing makes us both feel good.” Even if she’s in full meltdown mode over who gets the princess plate at snack time.

Bonus Dad Tip:
Try “turn-taking” before full-on sharing. It feels less like giving something up and more like a game. Set a timer, hand off the toy, and repeat until it sticks.

Papa Poll Of The Week

Vote now!

Results will be posted in next Friday’s newsletter. (All votes are anonymous)

Last Week’s Poll Results

What’s your biggest “dad guilt” moment?

Last week’s Papa Poll results hit hard.

Top answer?

Raising my voice when I should’ve slowed down.

And yeah… we’ve all been there.

You’re running on fumes, she’s melting down over the wrong pink cup, and before you know it, you snap.

But here’s the reminder tucked inside the regret: the fact that it bothers you means you’re trying. You care. You’re aware.

And that awareness? That’s what creates change.

We don’t need to be perfect, we just need to be present, apologize when we miss, and keep showing up better the next time.

Progress over perfection, always.

The Last Crumb

Even dads mess up.

Here’s the truth no one puts on the Hallmark card:

We’re going to get it wrong sometimes.

We’ll say the wrong thing. Snap when we should’ve softened. Miss a moment we swore we wouldn’t.

And yeah, it stings.

But the goal isn’t flawless fatherhood. It’s humble fatherhood.

It’s learning, adjusting, and showing our daughters what it looks like to take responsibility… and try again.

Because she doesn’t need a perfect dad.

She needs a dad who owns it, and grows from it.

So here’s to messing up, making up, and always moving forward.

She’s watching how you handle the hard parts, too.

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