A lot of people have them, but you think yours is the best!

The picture shown was from the first time we went to the beach as a family of 3. It was a difficult 3 hour car trip there as we were not able to leave when we intended due to work obligations. Well, I say it was 3 hours, but that would only be true if we were able to go straight there with no stops according to our GPS. As many people know though, traveling with an infant is rarely a straight forward trip, especially when it happens so close to bed time. After many stops due to diaper changes, crying fits, feedings, mom and dad feedings, we finally made it. The pack-and-play was setup and the baby was finally able to sleep in peace.

These crazy times are practically invisible when fondly looking back on the occasion. I more so see in my mind the first time our little girls feet hit the water. The sour face and cries she made when she realized that the ocean is very cold. The way we laughed at the site of her sitting in her little seat under the shade with her hat and glasses on looking at the waves and the passerby’s looking our way. The first trip to the boardwalk and her seeing the carnival rides stretching up to the skies. Those were clearly magical sights for her, and it was magical for us to see her expressions of these for the first time. We could re-live the wonder all over again.

This seems sappy to be a first blog post, but honestly it was the magic and wonder of experiencing life in a new way again through the eyes of my little one that encouraged me to rekindle passions of writing, performing, and the arts in general. How can her mom and I continue to express ourselves in meaningful ways to provide encouragement for her as she grows to express her passions in meaningful ways. So here we are. A blog, to share with others things I find helpful, encouraging, and special. Something that will hopefully outlast me and continue to serve as a monument to my child and anyone who reads this that, you are special and unique. Share your perspective with the world. Even though the whole world may never see it, and even if it did not everyone would appreciate it. There is, however, a chance that it could help someone see that “if he can do it, I can do it”.

It is special to me, to dream that it could potentially be special to my loved ones or strangers in the world who could use what I have to share. I will share with that in mind and hope that it reaches who it needs to reach, even if it is just for me and my loved ones.

I leave this kick-off with words of encouragement that I have needed to hear many times in these first few months of raising a newborn. You are doing great. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Connect with those around you and support them with your talents, and accept their support of the talents they have. Be the best you that you can be and bring your whole self to the important areas of your life.

I wish the best to all who make their way across this site and hope to have the chance to share with you as my family navigates this crazy world!

-Nolan