Sadie Story Of The Week

The Great Road Trip Miracle

We took Sadie on her first real car trip this week.

3 hours and 15 minutes of backseat uncertainty and overpacking.

We planned for the worst: a meltdown halfway in, six outfit changes, and a chorus of cries through the mountains.

But she? She crushed it.

Didn’t cry once. Slept like a champ. Only needed one feed and one quick diaper change.

And here’s the kicker: halfway through the trip, traffic stopped for nearly 45 minutes…Because a car ahead was literally on fire.

We sat there, engine off, rescue trucks blazing sirens, and she just chilled. Like a tiny Buddha in a car seat.

No tears. No drama. Just quiet gurgles and the occasional side-eye like, “You people stress too much.”

Lesson learned: never underestimate a newborn… and always pack extra snacks, for you, not her.

Dad Tip: When prepping for a long drive, keep your diaper bag accessible, pre-fill bottles if possible, and don’t forget your essentials: snacks, water, and zen.

Dad-To-Dad Wisdom

Quote Of The Week

"Traveling with kids isn’t about getting there fast, it’s about making memories between the chaos."

— Unknown

Sure, the snacks will spill. The bathroom breaks will be constant. And your playlist? Forget it.

But between the backseat babble, the roadside diaper changes, and the sleepy little snores, you’re collecting the kind of memories that last way longer than the trip.

So slow down. Take the scenic route. Let her kick off her socks.

This is the good stuff.

Dad Hacks & Tips

The Fireworks Fiasco

Last 4th of July, my cousin brought his two kids, ages 2 and 4, to their first “real” fireworks show.

They’d been hyped all day.

Sparklers? Loved them.

Glow sticks? A hit.

Loud booming fireworks at the country club? …That’s when the wheels fell off.

The second the first shell exploded in the sky, the 2-year-old screamed like she’d just seen a ghost.

The 4-year-old? Threw her juice pouch at the sky like it was personally attacking her.

Full meltdown mode.

They ended up watching the rest of the show… from inside the car… with the windows rolled up… and Bluey playing on an iPad.

Dad Tip: Big moments don’t always land how you expect.

Have an exit plan, bring noise-canceling headphones, and remember, sometimes the best memories come from plan B.

Especially when plan B has snuggles and air conditioning.

Dad Gear Check

Girl Dad Diaries Education Packs

_{Daddy & Me Learning Pack: Toddler Workbook (92 Pages)}

What it is: A 92-page printable activity workbook designed for toddlers, filled with letters, numbers, shapes, colors, and fun exercises perfect for ages 2–5.

Why I like it: It’s screen-free bonding that actually feels productive. Sit down, grab some crayons, and suddenly you’re “teacher Daddy” while she crushes tracing letters and proudly names every triangle like it’s a major life accomplishment.

Each page is built for short attention spans, messy handwriting, and those “Wait, I color too?” moments.

Bonus: It gives you a routine, a reason to slow down, and a way to turn learning into quality time, without needing to Google “how to homeschool a toddler.”

Dad Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

_{The Girl Dad Guide to Mindful Parenting (51 Pages)}

What it is: A 51-page digital guide packed with real-world wisdom, mindset shifts, and practical tools to help dads parent with more presence, patience, and purpose, especially when raising daughters.

Why I like it: This isn’t some preachy, perfect-parent playbook. It’s the kind of guide you read during nap time and actually use by bedtime.

From how to handle toddler meltdowns without losing your cool to what it really means to model emotional strength for your daughter, it’s full of real talk and gentle reminders that you’ve got what it takes.

Bonus: It makes you feel like you’re not alone. Like you're part of a quiet brotherhood of dads trying their best and learning as they go.

Dad Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Papa Poll Of The Week

Because fireworks and kids don’t always mix...

Vote now!

Results will be posted in next Friday’s newsletter.

Last Week’s Trivia Results

Which of the following is not a real Disney Princess?

Correct answer: Elsa

Turns out Elsa threw an ice-curveball!

Only a few of you picked the correct answer!

Elsa isn’t technically a Disney Princess. (She’s a queen, and yes, she deserves her own franchise.)

Sofia and Merida stole the spotlight in your guesses… which honestly proves how deep the girl dad knowledge runs. You’ve clearly logged your hours in the Disney+ trenches.

If you nailed it: enjoy your Girl Dad bragging rights.

The Last Crumb

Stars, Stripes, and Sticky Fingers

She won’t remember what time the fireworks started.

She won’t care if the burgers were overcooked or if bedtime was two hours late.

She’ll remember sitting on your shoulders, clutching a sparkler in one hand and a sticky popsicle in the other.

She’ll remember that you let her stay up. That you held her when the booms got too loud. That you were there, right next to her, watching the sky light up.

The 4th of July isn’t about the perfect photo opp or having the best display.

It’s about soaking up the messy, magical chaos of family, freedom, and togetherness.

So let her stay up late. Let her get a second popsicle.

These are the nights she’ll carry with her.

You’ve got this, Dad.