I want to be a role model for my daughter.

On July 1, 2007, I held my daughter in my arms for the first time. Emma Frost (the nickname I gave her) was 6 pounds and 9 ounces with a head full of hair. I couldn’t feel a thing until I left the hospital. 

As I sat in the cab, looking out the window, I thought about good memories I had of my dad, how he always talked to me and showed me how to look out for trouble and avoid it. 

My dad mostly raised me when I was a child and we were close even when I was in foster care. I pictured myself in my dad’s place and Emma in my place. I could see myself helping her grow like my dad did with me. 

Being There for My Baby 

Since my girlfriend, Erica, and I brought Emma home from the hospital, I’ve been proud to witness our baby growing up. Just seeing her coo, grab her feet and sit up is a joy. 

Of course, some things have been difficult. At first I was dead tired due to her heavy overnight crying. Now she sleeps through the night and it’s much easier for me to keep up with my energetic girl. 

Some days things are hard, but easier days follow, so whenever I am having a hard time caring for Emma, I try to remain calm and hope that the next day will be easier. 

Not many dads are around for their kids. I am making it a priority to be there for my baby. 

The Courage to Grow 

Erica and I are raising our baby as a team. We’re attending couples therapy and, whatever problems we have, we battle it out there. 

My relationship with my dad is getting stronger, too. He rocks Emma in such a lovely way. It braces my sprits to see them together. 

I hope that Emma can look to me as a role model as she grows up. Maybe she will find a genuine guy like her father when she gets of age to start dating.That’s what I hope for my daughter.