Sadie Story Of The Week

Sitting Pretty

This week, Sadie hit a new milestone: sitting up unassisted like a tiny, wobbly queen on her throne.

No pillows. No propping. No backup support team. Just her and those chubby little abs holding the line.

She’ll sit there proudly, wide-eyed and smiling like she just conquered Mount Everest, then slowly start to tip sideways like a confused Jenga tower. But she’s trying. Hard. And every day, she holds it a second longer.

And here’s what hit me:
This moment isn’t just about balance, it’s about independence.
She doesn’t want help every time she falls.
She wants the chance to try again.

So whether it’s sitting on her own or later standing up to life’s big stuff, I hope she always knows we’re right behind her, but cheering her on, not holding her up.

We’ve officially entered the Sit Zone. And I’m not ready… but she clearly is.

Dad-Stuff We’re Eyeing
_Fall-Edition

➠ Solo Stove Bonfire 19.5" Smokeless Fire Pit with Removable Ash Pan

➠ Magnetic Ultra Slim Hand Warmers Rechargeable 2 Pack

➠ Timberland Men's Britton Road Waterproof Boot

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Dad-To-Dad Wisdom

Quote Of The Week

“ Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."

— Robert Brault

Halloween hits different when you’re a dad.

You used to care about the party. The costume. Maybe the candy (ok, definitely the candy).

Now? It’s all about watching her tiny legs run from house to house, plastic pumpkin in hand, practicing her “Trick or Treat!” like it’s opening night on Broadway.

Here’s the thing: you only get so many of these.
So don’t just be the one trailing behind with a flashlight.
Be the dad who puts on the silly costume.
Be the dad who says, “One more house,” even if your feet hurt.
Be the dad who kneels down to admire every piece of candy she shows you like it’s gold.

Because one day she’ll be too cool for costumes.
Too grown-up for your jokes.
And Halloween will shift from magic to memory.

Your job right now?
Make that memory count.

Dad Hacks & Tips

How to Make Her Halloween Magical

It’s not about the Pinterest-perfect pumpkin or the hand-sewn costume.
It’s about how she feels, seen, excited, and like Dad’s all in.

Here are some easy, low-lift ways to make Halloween extra special this year:

• Match Her Costume
  Yes, even if it means being the glittery sidekick to her princess. The photo will be worth it.

• Practice Trick-or-Treating at Home
  Make it a game! Knock on bedroom doors, have her rehearse her lines. It builds confidence and hype.

• Let Her Pick the Route
  Even if it zig-zags like a toddler’s crayon drawing. Giving her the lead turns a simple walk into a mini adventure.

• Create a Candy Sorting Station
  Lay out a towel on the floor and make a big deal out of organizing the loot. Chocolate pile. Gummy pile. Dad's "sample tax" pile.

• End with a Halloween Movie Wind-Down
  After the sugar storm, cue up a cozy classic and snuggle in. Even 30 quiet minutes together makes the chaos feel complete.

Dad Tip:
It’s not the number of houses you hit. It’s how you made her feel in every moment. Show up with energy, lean into the silly, and let her know this night is hers.

Small Moments. Big Memories. Everyday Bonding Made Easy.

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.

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 kind of relationship did you have with your own dad growing up?

This one hit home for a lot of us, and the results speak volumes.

Most dads who responded didn’t describe a relationship full of deep talks or emotional closeness. The top response?

"He provided, but we didn’t talk much."

It’s a reminder that for many of us, presence wasn’t always the same as connection.

Some of you shared that your relationship was strained. Some didn’t have one at all. And yet, here you are. Showing up. Trying to build something different with your daughter.

That’s powerful.

Whether you had a close bond or are still untangling the impact of your upbringing, this space is for you. We’re not just learning how to be better dads, we’re healing old patterns while writing new stories.

And that’s exactly what makes what you're doing so meaningful.

You’re breaking the cycle. One bedtime story, hug, and heart-to-heart at a time.

Featured Dad Spotlight

We want to shine the spotlight on you.

We’ll be featuring one incredible Girl Dad in an upcoming newsletter. Someone who’s in the trenches, doing the work, and showing up with love, laughter, and maybe a little bit of chaos.

Want in?

Tell us about your journey so far, the wins, the lessons, the moment she melted you into a puddle.

And most importantly, share one piece of advice you’d pass on to other Girl Dads.

Submit your story here for a chance to be featured.

We can’t wait to brag about you.

The Last Crumb

Safety On Halloween

Before she darts up to the next porch, eyes locked on a king-sized Kit Kat, remember this:

You’re not just her treat chaperone.
You’re her safe zone.

Hold her hand.
Double-knot her shoes.
Make her costume visible.
And scan the sidewalk before she even sees the step.

Because while she’s focused on the fun…
You’re watching the streetlights, checking for cars, and counting heads in the dark.

It’s not about being paranoid.
It’s about being prepared.

So while she feels free to run, laugh, and collect memories…
She’s only able to do that because you made the space safe enough for her to just be a kid.

Dad Tip:
Tuck a small flashlight or clip-on light into her costume or candy bucket. It’s a simple move that keeps her seen and lets her lead the way without disappearing into the night.

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