Twin boys. Toddler daughter. Hospital Tech Support. Writer. Runner. Gamer. Creating in public again.*

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Family

The Library

Rose’s favorite daddy-daughter dates are at the libraries. We try to go once or twice a week. To play. To build in the sensory room. To look at all the Amiibos near the front entrance. To use the elevator. To walk around. To observe. To think. To have a conversation. To check out books.

We found the book adaptation of My Neighbor Totoro and she learned about the manga-style reading that’s opposite of our books. It’s her first book that she flipped through that was right to left.

As we were leaving the second floor, I noticed a huge puzzle on a table that someone was putting together. Bigger than anything she ever built.

“Look, there’s a big puzzle we could make. Maybe one day we can do a puzzle here,” I said.

“Do you have enough energy for that?” Rose asked.

“No.”

“Me either.”

Rose and Her Backpack

I guess my packing skills have rubbed off on Rose. At three years old, she loves packing her backpack, for pretend or when going somewhere. She spent the last two days prepping her backpack for today’s visit to her cousin’s house. Her bag was ready before she knew for sure she was even going there. The anticipation was unmatched.

I had to pull seven of the ten books out to help her, because she told me that bringing a second backpack would solve the problem. And even though it was too heavy for her, she said I could carry it in to help. That’s when I started recommending things she might not need.

A few other things she has: a water bottle on one side, and a cup on the other. A second pair of shoes, a few stuffed animals. Her glasses, and her Switch. Packed all by herself.

Proud dad moment.

August 6th, 2025

Starting this morning earlier than usual. Adjusting to this new sleep schedule. Arrived at the hospital at 3:30 a.m. to start my work day. Went into the gym to do a twenty-minute workout.

Walked into the office and there was a new Lenovo ThinkPad waiting for me. I’ll spend the day turning this laptop into my main work computer. Should simplify my process and help my workflow be more mobile. Especially on the days I’ll work from home.

It’s now 8:00 a.m. and I just returned home with the family until lunch. Almost time to get ready for Elijah’s first doctor’s appointment.

Nesting

The last time I was creating was when we first found out we were expecting twins. I stopped building for a while. Reflecting back now, it was probably a season of nesting for me. But now that they’re here and healthy, I’m getting the itch to create again.

I have several ideas on what to do next. I could’ve worked on these separate from the site, and even in private like I’ve been doing the last few months, but it felt right to have my website back to normal, as a laboratory for all the ideas. I look forward to documenting my life again, in new and creative ways.

You’re Three

Dear Rose,

You’re turning three today, and I wanted to write you a letter like I did last year, simply to create a snapshot of how you’re processing the world at three. Just like I mentioned last year, time is moving way too fast, and as I try to balance the busyness of life, staying present with you is always at the top of my mind. I don’t want to miss a single moment of you growing up.

You started school recently, and I told you that I’d be sad now that you’re away from home, but you tried to comfort me by saying, “Don’t worry Dad, Mom will protect you.” These are the little sentences you bless me with throughout the week. Like when your brother got in the car recently, and right away, you asked him, “Isaac, how’s your day going?” And after he responded, you replied, “Well, mine is going great.”

I’m constantly fascinated by your mind and how much you’re learning already. You like dancing now, and putting puzzles together. You know all the days of the week, and you’re starting to learn time. Lately you’ve been randomly telling me you’d like a hug. Or as you’re falling asleep, you ask if I can rub your back.

Before each meal, you lead in prayer, even if you’re the only one at the table. It’s the same prayer each meal: “Dear Jesus, thank you for this food. Thank you for mommy and daddy, Isaac and Rose, and all the people. Keep us safe, in your name we pray. Amen.”

This is just a glimpse of my days with you, and there’s not enough words to describe how special all of this feels.

Happy Birthday.

Observations From The Beach

The Plans

A five-hour drive to Destin. A five-day vacation. Two days on the beach. Double red flags for most of the week, meaning the water was closed to the public. A day at the Big Kahuna’s Waterpark, where I spent most of my time there floating around the Lazy River. A professional family photoshoot on the beach. A condo swimming pool. Running a few miles through the town. A dolphin show at the Gulfarium. A five-hour drive back home.

The Food

Have fun during the day, and then have nice meals at night, seemed to be the theme for most our week. Snow Crabs at Brutula’s, Shrimp & Grits at Fudpucker’s, Baja Steak Tacos at Borrito del Sol, and my favorite during the trip, Spicy Chicken Udon Noodle Bowl at Yuga’s Sushi & Sake House. On the way home, I stopped by the smallest coffee shop ever called Alaska Bean Coffee and tried their Iced Grizzly Latte. It was around this time, after reflecting on all the meals we tried throughout our vacation, that I started wondering if I should just pivot my writing career and become a food reviewer.

Traveling with Olivia

I spent most of last week traveling with my wife. To New Orleans and then Biloxi, using Airbnb. A simple roadtrip with no real itinerary. It was just a few days, but it felt much longer. It was a nice getaway for us. It showed us that you can pickup and go have fun even if it’s just for a day or two. It doesn’t have to be a whole week scheduled off. Hoping to do something similar very soon. Getting away for just a day.

Thirty Six

Still love what I wrote last year, and it fits with this year as well:

What a beautiful year it’s been to get to 35. A lot of changes. New relationship. New home. New job. New dog. Completely new life. My world looks nothing like it did before last year, and I wouldn’t change that for the world. I haven’t been creating much, because I’ve been creating a family. I’ve been more private than ever, because the world is more noisy now. I’ve fought many battles throughout my life. The silence only means that I finally won.

At 36, on my birthday, I’m reflecting on three things: my wife, my daughter, and our home. What an amazing life I have. So thankful.