Dear Beanifer or Benjamin,

 Dear Brecken, It's June 2024, which means it's my 1st Father's Day with you as my son. But before we talk about this weekend, let me first say: YOU HAVE BROUGHT SO MUCH JOY TO SO MANY PEOPLE ALREADY. You are 9 months old now, and you are such a smart, happy, goofy baby, and your smiles just light up every room you enter. I'll do my best to recap the last few months. 1st, you have an Instagram Account: Brecken_in_the_trails     Is that ridiculous? Of course it is, but don't think people haven't noticed that you've visited more National Parks before age 1 than most people do their whole lives.  Instagram is a big deal these days, so let's see what Social Media is doing 18 years from now.  Brecken April 2024 You've hit all your milestones, and once your 2 first teeth came in, you pretty much haven't stopped eating. Your mom bought this food tracking chart, and we started out very slowly...maybe a couple of new vegetables every week. Now, we're ...

Dear Brecken, Happy 1st New Years Eve! I wanted to let you know that you're not even 4-months old yet, and you've already set a very high bar for infant traveling, exploration, and National Parks.  In October, we took a family reunion out West where Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Mike, Aunt Daniela, (great) Aunt DeeDee joined us for a 3-state, 2 National Park Adventure. Here we are: Yellowstone National Park 10.23 The week included Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and a bunch of animals and sightseeing. Antelopes in the cabin yard every morning and wild buffaloes 10-feet from the car were just a couple highlights from the week. (Side note: I may retire up there one day...or maybe have a retirement house) Here's a video recap of an amazing week: IDAHO 2023   I also want to tell you that you became an instant sensation as National Park sign infant baby.  Then...we followed that trip up with a December trip to South Florida. This trek included Everglades Nation...

Dear Brecken, I want to tell you about September 5, 2023. Our story starts at around 1:45 am when your Mom woke me up and told me, "It's time." That was code for: this baby is about to join us in the real world.  Your mom's contractions were coming in hot (less than 5 minutes between), so it was time to make the early morning journey to downtown Nashville. Looking back, part of me was probably relieved it happened in the middle of the night because I had this giant fear of getting stuck on I-24 in rush hour. So we loaded up our 'to-go' luggage and a couple of last-minute items, and off we went to St. Thomas Midtown. Then things took a twist. Picture this: It's 5:00 am. We've been greeted by a nurse and welcome staff. We've been checked into a delivery room. Your mom is in a delivery gown dealing with frequent contractions. We're ready. The world is ready.... But then the Nurse performs a couple checks before revealing a confused look and relayi...

  Dear Bean, It's almost time for your arrival, but we've had a lot of fun preparing for you!  To your Mommy's credit, she never stopped being active despite a blazing hot summer and you in her belly.  This summer included hiking, sporting events, biking, kayaking, and whatever else came up.  Kayaking the Piney River 08.23 Two other highlights from the last 2 months included completion of your nursery and your Baby Shower. Your Mom started with a vision, eventually bought a nail-gun, and 6 weeks later, your future room was ready. I doubt you'll sleep in there over the next couple of months 😊, but we can't wait for you to see it. On the last week of July 2023, Stephen and Stefanie King (former neighbors), opened up their house to host your Baby Shower. It was a perfect afternoon with family and friends, and everyone's generosity showed us how loved you already are. From clothes to toys to a billion diapers, everyone was so kind that your Mommy was full of happy ...

 Dear Beanifer or Beanjamin: Hi, it's your Father...or Dad....or Daddy.  One day, I'm sure you'll choose one of those to call me, but we have so much to talk about until then. Second, let me explain the names. You have 2 siblings waiting for you right now: Leah and Logan, or affectionally known as 'The L's'. After the realization that you would be entering our lives, your mom thought it might be cool to refer to the 3 of you collectively as LL Bean ...a famous clothing store.  But, since she is choosing to not find out your gender until you're born, she alternates calling you Beanifer and Beanjamin.  Yes, I understand your concerns, but, I promise, she's a pretty intelligent woman. :) Your entrance to the world is a little over 3 months away (due date is September 4, 2023), and the previous few months have seen their share of up's and down's with your Mommy's digestive track and moods: It's been a wonderful (at times) rollercoaster betw...