I love both of my children equally but I have become a better parent after realizing I have a favorite child. I sat in the hospital room holding our newborn son, Joseph. Just minutes before, the doctor had to tell me to stop talking throughout the delivery because, as my son was being born, he was turning his head to see me, making things difficult. I looked down at his eyes drawn closed in sleep after the arduous journey he had just taken. Something felt different at that moment than it did after William, our first son, was born. When I held William that first time, I had a sense of … [Read more...]
About Brandon Billinger
Foul Ball Memories Shared Between Baseball Loving Fathers, Sons
There is this ball that I have sitting in my office. To many, it looks like just any other baseball. On most days it just sits there, without someone even looking at it. There is no signature on it, and I have yet to fill out the placard on the baseball stand. But I treasure that ball. I wouldn’t say it’s Babe Ruth-esque special, but I’d still be upset if William took the ball to the sandlot one day. The story behind that ball dates back to 1996. A good year for me as a young boy. My local high school baseball team won the state baseball championship, and it seems that anytime something … [Read more...]
Start Daycare Right with These Tips to Prepare Your Child, You
You have picked out your daycare. Now the time has come for your child to start. From experience, it isn’t easy -- for you or your little one. I’ve made the first drop-off twice now. Many emotions run through you as you leave your child with people you barely know. For the most part, nerves take over. You wonder how your child will react to when you leave him to start daycare with this strange person for an entire day. Will he cry all day? You wonder if your boss is going to think you are an emotional wreck, especially if you are returning to work that day for the first time in weeks, … [Read more...]
Pick the Best Daycare Option for Your Child, You with These Tips
Unless you or your partner plan to be a stay-at-home-parent, one of the most significant decisions you will make as a parent is who will be taking care of your child when you are at work. That's often 40-plus hours a week of a stranger raising your child. For most parents, that means picking the best daycare option you can. From my experience, as we looked for daycare for two children, several factors should be considered. Start looking for best daycare option NOW! The reality is, depending on where you live, there could a waiting list longer than 10 months to get into a daycare … [Read more...]
To My Unborn Son: Here are My Fears, My Hopes, of Being That Dad for You
Son, We haven’t met and yet I’ve held you as close as I can. Even though our eyes haven’t locked, you still have me wrapped around your little finger. You might have heard my voice already but have no clue who it is. I am someone who will play a rather significant role in your life. I am your dad. That’s right. That guy with brown eyes, strong arms and a loving heart. That guy who looks like he knows what to do when it comes to parenting but yet it is obvious he really has no clue. I’m the guy who enjoys watching baseball and reading a good book. I’m also that guy who will get down … [Read more...]