Raising Violet

I Love Your Mommy

I vowed to never love again. I get it a bit melodramatic right? But understand this. I was in the middle of a turning point in my life. The point where we no longer are; we have become.

I’ve always been a bit of a romantic. And when my marriage failed I didn’t have a plan B (no pun intended). The one thing that was certain was that the woman I was with had no interest in ever having children. I had tricked myself into thinking I was okay with that which deep down I was not.

You see I come from a big family. A big Italian family. I have cousins I’ve never met and others I haven’t seen in years. Without my divorce I wouldn’t have met Violets mother. I wouldn’t have Violet. Or this blog now that I think about it. So in actuality 3 good things come from one bad situation.

Do not ask yourself why and be a victim, ask yourself when and be the victor.

I’m a difficult person to understand. I haven’t even figured out how to interpret everything I feel myself. It gets a bit easier with each passing day. Everytime I blog or podcast I discover a little more. I Discovery more about myself and those around me.

I probably don’t say it enough, but I love Violets Mommy. I probably don’t express it enough, but I love Violets Mommy. I probably don’t deserve her, but I love Violets Mommy. Communication is difficult. Especially for the reason that technology has just about taken out the human element from most things. If you are able to communicate love above anything else, if only for a moment, I’d say you’re doing alright.

Violet, you are growing up so fast. Raising you is simultaneously the most difficult, and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. One thing is certain I wouldn’t be able to Raise Violet the way she needs without Violets Mommy.

Check out my projects and new book at my website MeMyselfAndIRadio.com

By: Anthony Hayes

If this is your first time reading this blog welcome! I had this grand idea of what I wanted this blog to become, but at the end of the day I’m just a father looking for answers.

I’m not best writer. But I do my best to learn and evolve everyday. On occasion, someone will call me out on spelling, grammar, etc… (which I appreciate). The reason for my creative endeavors, writing especially, is simply a way to process the thoughts or emotions I cannot otherwise express. A process for which my brain spits out more information than I can understand, let alone put it in writing quick enough. This does not discourage me and I continue to press on.

Imperfect is what I am and I admit that openly.

Parenting, in particular has opened up the “Pandora’s Box” of emotions. My biggest struggle is the rapid pace and growth of Violet. Quite frankly, I can’t keep up with her. She’s fast, smart, devious and the most beautiful thing I have ever laid my eyes on.

When I blog, it is typically at my lowest and highest points. The climax of darkness, or clarity; not really in between.

If you are a new reader, welcome to The Daddy Diaries. While I am always creating content, sometimes it takes me a while to put the pieces together. I hope you find value and appreciation in my quest for understanding while I am “Raising Violet.”

For more information, or to pick up a copy of my new book, The Science of Being Surviving; Depression please visit my website. The journey is just beginning, where are you at in your own?

-Anthony

http://www.memyselfandiradio.com

A Fathers Gratitude

By: Anthony Hayes | @ahayes_mmi

Little shoes and oversized building blocks litted the floor…at this point I’m grateful they weren’t the tiny Lego blocks we played with as kids. I walk through the living room checking the locks one last time before bed.

Luna, my Siberian Husky lies asleep on the cool tile floor. I got Luna 5 years ago, a rescue; she is almost 11 years old now. Despite their circumstances, Violet and Luna get along famously. Violet always kisses Luna goodnight, and wishes her a good morning the next day. Luna, reluctant most of the time, loves the attention–despite the fact that children can be unpredictable at times…
It’s moments like this, all the stress and responsibility of being a father seems insignificant. I have a hard enough time managing my own emotions for which you can read about here, let alone those of others. Despite all of this, I find one moment each day to be grateful I am a father.

Violet is two and some change now. Everyday is a new adventure with her, as it is with myself. You see, over a decade ago I was diagnosed with major clinical depression and ADHD. I’ve also struggled with insomnia, anxiety, and bouts of paranoia in years past. But despite all of these circumstances and obstacles I am grateful everyday to be her dad.

Giving her life pushes me everyday to be a better father, and more importantly a being human being.

I belong to an elite online community of other fathers comprised of authors, podcasters, professional fighters, entrepreneurs, coaches, the list goes on…each and every member bringing more value than the next.

Surrounding myself with greatness has helped me become more resilient to the adversity we face as fathers. Having to constantly be the “protectors,” the “providers,” or whatever label society thrusts upon us we too contain emotions. Regardless of all this pressure, one constant remains among us all–GRATITUDE.

I dedicate this post first and foremost to my father. A man who up until a few years ago, was there for me when I needed him the most. To Larry Hagner from the Good Dad Project Podcast and author of The Dad’s Edge, my graditude is all I have to give. To my friend Brian R. King. You are an inspiration more than words can express; I give you my graditude today. To Walter Eggers, Jason Mackenzie, Tanel Jäppinen, Jay Forte, Andrew Dresden, Charlie “The Spaniard” Brenneman and so many others (too many to name) thank you for all that you do in the DadSpace/Dadosphere, today I give you my undying gatitude.

Today I am grateful to be a father no matter what difficulties it may hold.

This blog post brought to you by fellow “Good Dad” and “Rad Dad” Anthony Hayes.

For more information on all my projects please visit memyselfandiradio.com

From Zero To Terrible Twos

I had originally set out to use this blog as a resource for new parents, specifically fathers. But what I have come to realize the past two years is that I am no parenting expert.

I have no advice to give just a journey to document nothing more. A sounding board for the emotional conquests that every father goes through but seldom talk about. So it goes…

You never really value the concept of time until you have a child. Their growth and intelligence multiplies on the daily, never stopping to catch a breath. If you are not present you will miss out on some of the most important times of your life.

Just the other day a piece of my heart chipped off. I had worked an overnight and slept all day as a result. In that time, Violet got dropped off at the sitters house. I woke up and got ready for work that afternoon. I didn’t see Violet that day.

I told myself that would never happen again. I argued, an inner dialogue only I could hear. I called just so I could talk to her. I also had a video of her eating dinner sent to me.

Being present with your child can be both physical and emotional. Whatever you are doing with your child today disregard the distractions.

You are all that matters to them. Life is moving too fast. Slow it down, if only for a moment or two, then reflect on it.

Today we read “Cat in a Hat” by Dr. Sues. Today was a great day.

Please visit memyselfandiradio.com and sign up for my newsletter to stay informed. I have since done a complete overhaul of the site thanks to Joe Pardo from superjoepardo.com
“Control the controllable. As for the rest Keep on Flowing, Just be…”

Comprehensive Resource List for New Dads PART 1

Confused? Nervous? Scared? Being a new parent can envoke a number of unfamiliar emotions. Especially for a dad. Men don’t cry. Men aren’t sensitive. We are big, strong, emotionless robots. We grow beards and drink craft beer. We do not talk abouts feelings and fears.

Not exactly the case.

I was an anxious mess in the weeks leading up to Violets arrival. I was the one that did a majority of the nesting. I went on a cleaning spree both inside and outside our home. I washed and detailed the cars, got the car seats locked and loaded–

But what if I had questions, concerns? Where would I turn to then? While majority of parenting resources are marketed toward women, who has the best interest for us dads?

Raising Violet – The Daddy Diaries is only the beginning. There is a tight knit group of dads who’ve got your back and I would like to introduce them to you:

Digital Dads

Brent Basham and Andrew Currie

(Bio via digitaldads.fm)

“My name is Brent Basham and I’m one half of Digital Dads. The other guy in the mix is Andrew Currie, but since he made me write this I probably won’t say much about him. To sum it up, he’s a computer programmer, has enough other talents (singing, design) to make me #jealous, and he’s pretty instrumental in the production of our podcast (specifically bringing the kids in like we do in the Star Wars episode). Other than that I believe we can safely ignore him for now. 🙂

Now where was I, oh yes, back to me. Like Andrew, I’m also a computer programmer and love technology. I’m also a dad to the three little monkeys pictured to the left. One afternoon at lunch (we used to work together), we realized we are part of a unique generation of parents.

You see Andrew and I grew up in a time without the Internet. Perhaps the single biggest invention since the beginning of time. Seriously. It’s right up there with fire, the wheel, and toilet paper. And our children will never know a world that is not always on, always connected (listen to Top 10 Things Our Kids will Never Know), and increasingly distracting. As parents, we are challenged with raising them to succeed in a world that is moving faster by the day. How can we possibly keep up?

Our biggest goal at Digital Dads is to provide a super interesting and amazingly insightful look at the joys and pains of parenting in this brave new world. And if we come up a little short well, we tried. But I can tell you now that this is the best thing to hit the Internet since AOL. And that’s saying something.

So check out a few of our posts or listen to a couple of our podcasts, and I’m certain you’ll be hooked for good. If not, check back with us in a couple weeks. We are working hard to improve our craft and we may have gotten better by then. A great place to start is Hello World or our first podcast “Where We’re Going We Don’t Need Roads”. And if you really want to go for a ride make sure you check out our episode where we recorded the S-E-X talk with my son. It’s authentic and guaranteed to make you laugh.

If you enjoy the show iTunes reviews are like gold in the podcast world. And I’m talking about pre-bubble gold. It would help us a ton if you gave us a good rating and review.
Also, we’d love to include you as part of our community. We are all in this together after all. And all of us are better than any one of us. You can of course connect with us here and you can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter. We look forward to getting to know you better as we blaze a digital path to the future together.”

For more information on Brent, Andrew, or Digital Dads please visit: Digitaldads.fm

Listen on iTunes: Digital Dads Podcast
The Good Dad Project

***THE EPICENTER OF THE DAD-SPHERE***

(Bio via thegooddadproject.com)

LARRY HAGNER
“OUR children are not born with manuals and the Journey of Fatherhood doesn’t necessarily come with a “map.” There are challenges, twists, and turns along the way.

As much as we truly enjoy our children and being a father, we tend to internalize our struggles. When we do that, we get distracted and stressed out. As a result, we do not enjoy the Journey of being a Dad as much as we would really like to.

I am not a psychologist. I am not a counselor in family dynamics. I don’t have any accolades behind my name.

I am like you.

I have an awesome wife and 3 amazing boys (Ethan-8, Mason-6, and Lawson-7 months).
I am an everyday dad trying to do the best job I can. I just want to be the best version of myself so I can guide my kids to be the best version of themselves.
My story and passion for being a father is a bit unique.
I grew up virtually in “fatherless environment” for most of my life. In fact, I didn’t meet my real father until I was 30 years old. As fate would have it, our paths crossed when he walked into a coffee shop eight years ago. I am happy to say we have a great relationship now and spend a great deal of time together.

It was really through my own childhood struggles that I realized my true passion for being a dad.”

For more information on Larry, Dads Edge, or The Good Dad Project please visit: thegooddadproject.com

Listen on iTunes: The Good Dad Project Podcast

Get Your Kids Ready For Life

Jay Forte

I am disappointed say I do not know Jay on a personal level. I do however know someone very close to him that once told me “When Jay speaks it’s like listening to the wisdom of Yoda.” (Star Wars Reference)

I’ll just leave it there.

Get Your Kids Ready For Life by Jay Forte – Life, Family and Career Coach, Author

Jay’s Podcast

We Rad Dads

Walter Eggers

(Bio via weraddads.com)

Last but certainly not least, the new kid on the block Walter Eggers from We Rad Dads. I have gotten to know Walt very well these past few weeks in a variety of ways. Those being, mutual group affiliations, voice calls, Skype calls and even as a guest on his amazing show.

Walt is a guy whom I admire very much. He has been through a hailstorm of obstacles in life and continues to persevere regardless of his circumstances. It is with great honor I introduce you to my final Dad resource for this post.

“Hello, I am your host Walter Eggers. Walter Eggers and his sonI am a very happy single dad who is excited to bring you something that isn’t offered ANYWHERE else, wisdom for non-traditional Dads.

How do I find my footing and move forward from here?

Have you found yourself asking this question? I did and It was one of the hundreds that spun around and around relentlessly in my head, never finding an answer.

Among the strife and wreckage of my own bomb crater, I recognized one sole truth: The ONLY thing that’s important in life is providing the absolute best atmosphere and life for my son, providing for my own well-being and continuing to move forward –but how do I do that from here?

Recognize what’s truly important and let everything else go
What I was building, what I had planned, where I was going and everything I WAS all blew up and had taken my sense of self-worth with it; save one thing- my son. He is THE primary reason for my existence and I can not fail to provide for him.

Physically and mentally broken, fighting with his mom, feeling ostracized from my circle of “friends,” out of work, in debt, quickly running out of money, time, options and now; all of a sudden, a newly single dad. I had a world of worries on my mind and they had only gotten worse to that point. …Perhaps worry was the very problem.

Worry and solitude are your enemy- as they were mine

When my life blew up I intentionally sought solitude to process my exploded life. I wasted months to years in this place alone trying to reason my own way through my own struggles. And what happened? I got nowhere, I realized no resolution, I only ruminated the same questions around and around in my own head. I was literally driving myself crazy. I did not have the roadmap of knowledge or perspective to navigate these problems or a trusted community to support me. What I sought most was valuable wisdom from people who have already navigated this difficult time. I wanted to truncate the anguish and minimalize the impact it had on my son, my family and my life as a whole.

And so I created We RAD DADS.

To answer the questions we have and provide each of us with a roadmap to where we’d like to go; toward resolution, toward healing toward hope and peace. I would hope; like me, you have decided to live an intentional life. It’s time we map out exactly where you want to be and begin your trek TODAY. Don’t wait for permission, seize control of your life and take action. Start moving towards the life you desire one day at a time.

If you don’t start, you’ll never finish.

I’m so happy you’ve found us and I hope to be everything you need. If you find ANY value in what we offer here, PLEASE SHARE WITH A FRIEND. Should you have any questions whatsoever, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I would love to connect with you.
That’s what WE’re here for.”

We RAD DADS by Single Dads & Blended families. Conversation & Resources with Walter Eggers

We Rad Dads Podcast

wearadads.com

Fear of the outside world

by Anthony Hayes | @ahayes_mmi
*NEW CONTENT COMING SOON!!!*

Don’t Pity the Father of Three

Guest Post – Jeff Bouwman

Hey everyone – my name is Jeff. I am part of an amazing community of Dads with Anthony on the Dads Edge. I love that Anthony is sharing and growing with all of you!

I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story…..

I have an amazing wife and three beautiful daughters. My girls are all under five years old, and like every other parent, they mean the world to me.

I am happy to say that I am in a place where I feel like I have full control over my life. I have a great job and I have friends that I can count on. I have wonderful parents and siblings, and I have terrific in laws.

I feel happy. I AM HAPPY!

But it wasn’t always that way. Let’s rewind 11 years.

I looked normal, but I didn’t feel normal.

My problems were my secret. I was like a shell of a person that looked dependable on the outside, but was miserable on the inside.

I sought out one bad relationship after another. I looked for people that I thought I could help, so I could ignore the person who needed my help the most. Me.

I was in still in my twenties and these coping behaviors had now contributed to a failed marriage. These coping behaviors caused me to push away most of the people that I was ever close to.

I did the only thing I could do. I ASKED FOR HELP.

It turns out the first relationship I had to mend, was the one with myself. The only person that could make me happy, was me. Unconditional love for myself would be the only way I would ever be able to unconditionally love someone else.

Had I known then, what I know today – I would have sought out help so much sooner. When you are in the moment, it is hard to see that happiness is so much closer than you think.

For the first time in my life I was able to speak to communicate, instead of speaking to be “heard”.

I found out how to make myself happy. For that I am grateful.

It would be several years later that I would realize how ready I was for love. I was ready to start a family.

Sometimes it takes tragedy to see what matters most in life.

My sister went through something that I don’t wish on anyone. The loss of a child. At the young age of three my nephew would head home from the hospital to spend his last hours at home. He was an angel in his families arms that night, and will be forever more.

It was at this moment in my life that I realized there was so much more to life. More to life than the work you do or the money you make.

As fate would have it, not long after that I would meet my future wife; the mother of my children. My wife is my partner, my love, and my hero all in one. She allows me to be in the moment and enjoy the small things in life each and every day.

My Three Girls

My oldest just turned five years old last week. Every year for about two months we get to say that we have three girls, and they are all 1 year apart. I love seeing how people react when they hear that.

Unfortunately, this also creates its own sets of challenges. In fact it is one of the big challenges I have as a father with three girls.

This story comes from a post I previously wrote on my site in January. You can see the story “Don’t pity the father of three girls” by clicking here. I still have this issue almost every time we are out.

Here is the story:

I used to be full of pity for parents. The parents of that screaming child in the grocery store. The parents that had to take their 3 kids on a plane. The parents at the restaurant that had to tell their kids 12 times to sit down.

I was also quick to judge. I can still remember thinking (and sometimes saying)

“you need to be a parent not a friend….show your kids who is boss”.

Looking back, I sure knew a lot about parenting……before I became a parent!

All this changes when you have your own kids. Once you feel the love for a child, you change your perspectives on parenting. Parents certainly don’t need pity.

What a Dad doesn’t want to hear….

Whether you see us in the grocery store, at the mall, or at the park; please do not say:

“Three girls, ohhhhh. I feel sorry for you dad”

“Wow, three girls – dad is a brave one”

“Three girls eh – still trying for that boy?”

Recognize that you are not only speaking to me, you are speaking to my girls. I certainly don’t need your pity, I have everything I could ever ask for.

I know there will be many things that I need to learn. I suck at playing Barbie – I am NOT a “Barbie Girl in a Barbie World”. I will need serious help when they are all teenagers at the same time, and my blood will boil when they start dating (let’s say in 25 years).

It is what I have already learned that I talk to you about today.

Horton said it best – “A person is a person, no matter how small”

Adults often assume that because children aren’t saying much, they don’t understand much. I am here to tell you different.

Kids listen to every word that comes out of the mouths around them. I hear it daily while listening to them play – and sometimes I don’t like how “I” sound when it is played back.

Kids are watching us, listening to us, and learning from us. Sometimes we hear it in what they say, other times things float into their subconscious (for use later in life).

Now go back to the statements I mentioned above and interpret them from the mind of a little girl.

I think there are enough unrealistic cultural messages that my girls will need to deal with. I don’t think we need to subject them to the notion that “Dad really wanted a boy“.

Don’t worry. I will ensure that my daughters know they don’t have to DO anything to make me love them. They can be exactly who they want to be, and I will support them.

I want them to focus on their own happiness before that of anyone else (especially a man). After all, when they can do that they will make everyone around them happy as well.

So as a father of three little girls, I have a favor to ask of you….the next time you see a father with his daughters, please spare him the pity.

Instead try something different. How about:

“three beautiful girls, what a lucky dad”!

Thank you for the opportunity to share – keep on Daddying!

Guest post – Jeff Bouwman

If you want to see more, head to my my blog at DadsReflections.com. Click on follow and you will get all the important updates on the release of my new Dad site.

Sharing is encouraged! Spoken like a true parent……….

Being a sick parent with a sick child

5 weeks blasted by filled with overnight shifts, very little sleep, and a lot of caffeine filled cans of hope. I was just doing what had to be done for my career, and my family–completely forgetting I’m no longer an invincible 20-something.

Tensions were high, time was scarce, but we managed to get through. All the while I had been sick. I grabbed some over the counter medicine and went about my week.

In that time, I was able to squeeze in recording my podcast, maintain my blogs and website but not at a cost. Listening back to my voice here reminded me of the exhaustion I had to endue.

Now, no longer a creature of the night the daily rituals commenced. The pain grew and grew, finally becoming too much. I had developed bronchitis.

I was out of work for a week in an attempt to recover. That week Violet also had contracted a cold, ear infection, and efm virus.

I did what I could to help out with the baby and around the house when I was able to muster up enough strength. I felt useless and less than a man. It was a terrible feeling.

I could not even fathom being a single parent. If you are, I commend you! So here is what I recommend you do next time you feel under the weather.

Go to the doctor or walk in urgent care. You nor anyone else is qualified to diagnose your ailments. Not even the most well read WebMd experts in your life.
Call out of work. Chances are you have sick time, that’s what it is there for use it! You will only make it worse and risk the chance of infecting those around you.
Drink Tea, Water and Gatorade and lots of it.
Wear a surgical mask when in confined spaces and in close proximity to others.

In conclusion

To take care of others you must take of yourself first.

When does the warning light appear before a man breaks…

-Darren Hayes

website | podcast | support

Being a Dad Living with Depression

By: Anthony Hayes

Anthony Hayes and Violet — Anthony Hayes from Raising Violet – the Daddy Diaries

The word depressed or depression gets thrown around all to often. It’s true meaning gets lost in the stigma and misunderstanding that surrounds those unfortunate souls plagued with this dibilitating disease.

You can believe what you think you know about depression as it were. The fact of the matter is there is a distinct difference between being depressed or the blues, and having depression. Emotions can take many forms.

Anger
Sadness
Happiness
Shyness
ETC…

Some days I experience all of these, others I experience none whatsoever.

Being depressed is an emotion where as, clinical depression is lacking the ability to control ones emotional state. I learned the difference between the two in early 2004 when I began to experience some emotional flatteness, ADHD and Insomnia.

What Is Major or Clinical Depression?

Most people feel sad or low at some point in their lives. But clinical depression is marked by a depressed mood most of the day, particularly in the morning, and a loss of interest in normal activities and relationships — symptoms that are present every day for at least 2 weeks. In addition, according to the DSM-5 — a manual used to diagnose mental health conditions — you may have other symptoms with major depression. (source WebMD)

Those symptoms might include:

Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt almost every day
Impaired concentration, indecisiveness
Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) almost every day
Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities nearly every day (called anhedonia, this symptom can be indicated by reports from significant others)
Restlessness or feeling slowed down
Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
Significant weight loss or gain (a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month)

Major depression affects about 6.7% of the U.S. population over age 18, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The crippling grasp has had me in its clutches for over a decade.

Luckily for me, I have gained the upper hand and chose a life with hope instead of hopelessness. I’ve read countless publications on the human psyche, depression, and mental health. I did this to better understand what I was experiencing and how to combat it.

Over time, I have combined those teachings and knowledge with my own life experiences to be consumed by the masses. I’ve done this in a variety of different ways:

The Science of Being: Me Myself and I – I take you on a journey of self discovery in my early to mid twenties as I document some of the darkness I experience with the onset of my depression (Due out later this year).
Me Myself and I Radio Podcast – In order to complement the message of the book, and use my time learning a new endeavor the podcast was born. With a plethora of 5 star ratings and rave reviews, this is not your typical podcast. Now almost two years later and 25 episodes, whatever it ‘is’ it will be.
The Blog(s) — Raising Violet – The Daddy Diaries and the Me Myself and I Radio #blog are where I go to express that which I cannot say. Words do not always come with ease for me. When I write they just “Keep on Flowing…”

Fast forward to today. I am now 31 years old, a father, and seldom do I have days filled with “feelingless feelings.” An intricate part of my arsenal against this has been monthly therepy and medication. I am also a member in an online group with a great group of dads created my Larry Hagner.

While antidepressants are not a cure all magic pill, they do help to mask and pain I truly feel inside. A pain that exists for no rhyme or reason. With the right care and will power it is possible to get a little breathing room. After all we are living in a “Prozac Nation” aren’t we Lizzy?

Not having control over ones emotions renders you powerless. Due to the fact that the circuitry mind is ultimately malfunctioning, the body at times often becomes lethargic. So how does someone care for another life if they struggle so much to care for themselves?

Not with ease.

While I do not identify with my depression and use it as a handicap, it sure slows me down when it hits. Violet is a handful and the most important thing in my life. Violet pushes me to a better father, and more importantly a better human being.

I do not look to glorify this topic, I do not look for sympathy. What I do wish is that we all do our best not to be so quick to judge. You see we are all fighting a battle inside. The only difference is our circumstances. We all face obstacles. What sets us apart is the journey we take to get there.

For some a journey lasts till you get to your destination, for others the journey lasts forever.

How can I get help for depression? Start Here

If you or you know someone who is Suicidal, help is available 24/7 at the Nation Suicide Prevention Hotline.

“Control the controllable, as for the rest Keep on flowing…Just be.”

The Day My Baby Became a Toddler

By: Anthony Hayes

It was Saturday July 25, 2015. We just returned home from our first family vacation a day prior. This was the day I realized my baby girl was now a toddler, and no longer a baby.

Violet’s development has always been on track. Of course the proud parent in me would say she is ahead. We take every opportunity we can to teach, sing, play piano, and read to her.

Prior to this, while Violet played or was getting into something it was like a never ending journey of nothingness. Now, she is so focused and engaged with what she is doing. When she is building with blocks she analyzes each piece.

It’s the look she had. I could just see it in her eyes. I believe it may have had something to do with our family vacation that caused this. The change of scenery, culture, the company, all equal contributors to this affirmation.

She’s a little human

It was then I realized I need to step my game up. Looking for more opportunities to teach her new things. Everything we engage with I say it aloud.

Book
Shoe
Brush
Duck

You get the idea. I also make a more conscious effort to read to her everyday. This week was Dr. Seuss.

Music is another great thing to incorporate in your daily routine. Violet loves music and dancing. I’ve made up songs for certain activities such as bath time. It was my way of getting her to understand it was time to wash up and get ready for bed.

It has been an amazing transformation. Now all I have to say is let’s take a bath and she scurries off and sings the song to me!

Final Thoughts

Cherish every laugh, every cry, every waking moment.

New resources

“Control the controllable, as for the rest Keep on flowing…Just be.”