Tag: The Dad Speaks

Last Thursday, Nina and I celebrated our 9th anniversary; ALONE WITH NO CHILD, by buying myself a belt at Marshall’s, dropping off a package for Nina at the UPS store, depositing money at our bank, and eating at Salt Grass. The icing on the cake was an impulse stop at CVS for Blue Bell Mint…

On Thursday, Nina and I will be celebrating our 9 year wedding anniversary. Yes, we are 10/10/10; it’s easy to remember! I am off that day and also on Friday. We don’t have big plans, probably just a steak lunch somewhere while Niko naps or doesn’t nap and maybe some shopping for a new belt…

On days where I have work the following day, I always get my clothes out the night before and put them in the closet. So, when I get up the next morning, I don’t have to think; just put on the clothes and I am good to go.  Yes, I get dressed in the closet. …

So, I am 11 days into my phase to lose some weight and although I don’t think I’ve lost any weight, my body feels different; thinner may be a better word. Since last Monday, I started to walk instead of reading during my breaks at work. It’s nice to get away from my desk. I…

Hi, my name is Mark and I want to lose 20 pounds. I have been eating unhealthy for several years. I am by no means overweight, but I do enjoy food; especially pasta, rice, and bread. And, definitely anything sweet! The hardest thing for me will be eating healthier. I tend to snack a lot…

Ever since we started doing midnight potty training with Niko, I have been getting less sleep and sleep for me is very important. But, as I say, I do what I have to do. I would much rather have me do the midnight potty training than Nina; Nina isn’t the best sleeper in the world…

Tomorrow is Nina’s birthday. So, to celebrate, I have a day off; I really like bank holidays. I was also off on Friday and my parents came over during Niko’s nap so we could have a date. The date wasn’t exciting as we went to Old Navy and Target. But, it was nice to get…

So, it’s been more than 3 weeks with his new bed and about 4 1/2 weeks of midnight potty training. And, both are going really well. He hasn’t yet gotten up in the middle of the night and roamed around his room. Sometimes, after we tuck him in his bed with 3 blankets, he throws…

Even though we have a beautiful children’s pool, we have only gotten in it a a few times; mainly, because Niko won’t wear a bathing suit. Hopefully, next summer he will wear a bathing suit and we can enjoy the pools a lot more. To substitute a pool, I ask Niko if he wants to…

Nina and I got a new king mattress from Purple on Tuesday, July 30th. And, our old king mattress will be Niko’s new crib. Yes, my 3 year old is going to have a king sized bed! Yes, this is is going to be a new experience for all of us as he will no…

Sometimes when I come home from work, Niko says that I look very nice. I always say thanks! My work uniform is blue jeans, a polo shirt, and nice work shoes. I can’t wear my daddy uniform to work, because most of the time the clothes I am wearing when I am at home with…

I have been doing really good with not cursing around Niko. Yeah, I curse a lot less than I used to. But, a few days ago, I almost said the SH word as Niko was sitting on my lap eating dinner. I am glad I stopped at the SH, because he immediately repeated the SH!

I know I am not the only dad who bribes their kid to do something. In my situation, the bribe is ice cream and the issue is clothes; most of the time!   Dad: Niko, if you take off your pajamas and wear shorts and a short sleeve shirt, I will get you ice cream….

This week, Niko has been very interested in forts. And, I am happy to help him build them; whether it be on the staircase landing or in the upstairs loft. Niko gets posters, tops of plastic bins, pillows, and blankets from the house supply. Now, these posters aren’t normal size; no, they are two of…

Sometimes when I need advice for what to do with Niko, I am very glad that I can ask the mothers whom are my co-workers. They are experienced as most have kids older than Niko and I take in all the advice. Then, when the time is right for Niko and I, I do my…

I can’t even remember the last paperback book I have read because it’s easier for me to read either on my phone or my Kindle. Everyday since last June when I purchased my Kindle, I have brought it to work and read before I login in the morning, my breaks, my lunch, and even the…

As much as I love having Niko with me, sometimes it’s just easier when I do stuff alone. On Saturday’s, I take Niko somewhere without Nina; she stays home and cooks and cleans! No, I am kidding. She works her job as a stylist for Stitchfix.com. Plus, that is basically the only time she really…

When Niko takes my phone from me and watches videos of us or looks at pictures of us, it always makes me sad. Because, if anything happens to me and I don’t come home, those pictures and videos will be Niko’s only memory of me. I know that soon his memories of me will be…

Ever since Niko was born 3 years ago, I haven’t been able to sleep in! During the week for work, I get up at 6 am and on the weekends, it is usually around 7:30 or 8 am and that depends when Niko wakes up. I let Nina get a few extra minutes of sleep…

After Niko goes to sleep in the crib for nighttime; I say crib for now, but in a few months, we will be getting him a big boy bed, I get to do all of my daddy/husband duties both upstairs and downstairs. Upstairs, I gather all the trash and all the food plates and drinks….