• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
City Dads Group

City Dads Group

Navigating Fatherhood Together

  • About
  • Cities
  • Boot Camps
  • Press
  • Podcast
  • Blog
  • Contact

A Letter to My 1-Year-Old Daughter

March 24, 2016 by Lance Somerfeld

first birthday party jade and lance somerfeld
Jade Somerfeld and her proud dad, Lance, at the girl’s first birthday party. (Photo courtesy: Lance Somerfeld)

Dear Jade,

One year ago, you surprised our family by arriving six weeks early.

I wasn’t prepared.

Your bedroom wasn’t built yet, the car seat was still sealed in it’s carton, and we hadn’t cleaned out our apartment to make room for an influx of stuff.

I wasn’t prepared.

Sleep deprivation, irrational crying, piles of laundry, and navigating sibling jealousy.

I wasn’t prepared.

Frilly dresses, hair bows, wiping a vagina for diaper changes, and calling you my “Sweet, Sweet” publicly.

I wasn’t prepared.

Upon your arrival, our family consisted of mom, me, and your 7-year-old brother, and I loved them to infinity and beyond. I wasn’t sure how I could love another person as much as I loved them. Did my heart have any more room?

I wasn’t prepared for the compassion, tenderness and love I had for you since the first moment you were nestled in my arms. Friends mentioned a special bond for dads with daughters, but never in my wildest dreams would I be able to comprehend it until you were napping peacefully in my arms; staring intently and studying every nook and crease on your lovely face.

That jubilant look on your face along with those precious dimples melts my heart every day.  The hugs, cuddles, and steady stream of kisses.

I wasn’t prepared for this.

This past year has been an absolute blur and a thrilling joy ride. I can’t imagine my life or our family being complete without you in it. Additionally, I credit you with opening up a caring side of me that I never knew existed.

Happy First Birthday, Jade. Even though I didn’t think it was possible, your presence has made my life so much richer and that is one of the greatest things a father (and parent) could ever receive. I can’t wait to relish in more of our daily adventures in the years to come.

Love,

Dad

You might also enjoy:

Filed Under: babies / pregnancy, holidays, NYC, relationships Tagged With: birthday, daughters, growing up, letters

About Lance Somerfeld

Lance Somerfeld, co-founder of City Dads Group, lives with his wife and two children in New York City. He frequently contributes to the conversation about modern fatherhood, work-life balance, shifting gender roles, and brand’s marketing to dads. He has appeared on local and national television, including CNN, Today and Katie. He has been quoted by The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, GQ, Parenting and The Atlantic.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kids Can Give Too says

    March 24, 2016 at 12:05 pm

    Happy Birthday Jade! You obviously found yourself a pretty special family <3

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Join Your Local Group

Your local City Dads Group is a welcoming and diverse community of engaged fathers sharing parenting perspectives, knowledge and experiences.

Join Join your local group

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Find us on Social

  • About City Dads
  • Press
  • Media Kit
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

© 2023 City Dads Group All Rights Reserved.