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March 04, 2016

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FATHERHOOD FRIDAY / Anthony Esteves

Anthony Esteves is a designer and creative force.

I live in Maine with my partner Julie O'Rourke, our baby boy Diogo, and our dog Violet. I design spaces, surfaces, and objects, and I spend a lot of time outdoors.

Every father has his story. This is a small glimpse into Anthony's.

1. Sometimes, the connection to fatherhood is not immediate. Was it for you? And if not, was there a moment that you really felt, "Woah. I'm a dad."

I caught Diogo when he was born, so that was definitely the "whoa im a Dad" moment. We had a home birth that lasted 60 hours, it was like running a marathon. For me it was an incredible lesson in being present and aware of someone else and their needs wholly. Which is a completely invaluable lesson when, within moments, you all of a sudden have a baby to take care of.

2. What has been easier than you thought it would be? How about harder?

Poop! I was so scared of all the poop. But we started using Elimination Communication when Diogo was 6 weeks old, and it changed my understanding of how babies go to the bathroom. It was a great way for me and Diogo to initially bond and for me to learn to understand his needs and what his queues are. When you begin the process you spend a lot of time staring at your baby and waiting for him to poop, you really get to know him in a different way. He's 8 months old now and out of diapers 80% of most days. It's a pretty exciting accomplishment for both of us, plus i think he really gets a kick out of pooping in the toilet. .

3. What kids book would you read a million times out loud in a row? What book are you actually have to read a million times out loud in a row? How about songs?

Every morning Diogo reaches for a book called Goodnight Maine, it's a mediocre play off Goodnight Moon, he thinks its funny if I read it very loudly and with accents, I'm sure Julie loves waking up to it too.. We also make up a lot of songs, Diogo is endlessly fascinated with things that make noise so we like to play instruments and bang things together and be as loud as possible.

4. What traditions are you excited to carry on with your son?

I really want to share with Diogo his Portuguese heritage. My father was born in Lisbon and moved to the states as a boy. His family immigrated to East Providence RI where he grew up and eventually had me. My father, Antonio passed away when I was 18 and along with his passing some family ties were severed as well. It was a difficult loss to say the least. Now that Diogo is here it feels as though a new beginning is possible. I'm excited to experience and discover our family's Portuguese traditions in a new light, alongside of my son.

5. Being a dad makes me feel _____________________.

excited for the moment he asks me to be in his rock band...

Thank you for this amazing interview and images, Anthony! Please check out his inspiring work on www.muwincollective.com and his amazing Instagram account.

January 29, 2016

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FATHERHOOD FRIDAY / LA GUARDIA CROSS

La Guardia Cross is a musician, artist, and new father hilariously documenting the sleepless roller-coaster ride between him and his cute baby daughter Amalah. With over 4.6 million YouTube channel views and a few viral hits, their web series “New Father Chronicles” has caught the attention of the Huffington Post, Today.com, Buzzfeed, Parenting Magazine, News One, and various media outlets. La Guardia uses comedy to relate to families and Amalah uses cuteness to brainwash adult minds.

Every father has his story. This is a small glimpse into La Guardia Cross's.

1. Sometimes, the connection to fatherhood is not immediate. Was it for you? And if not, was there a moment that you really felt, "Woah. I'm a dad."

Hearing my wife say "I'm pregnant" while I stood with her in the bathroom...that was my "Woah. I'm a dad. B-b-but but but" moment. It was an unexpected and early blessing. By the time she was born, I was much more prepared in a "I've never done this before" sense.

This mini human was so delicate. I stared at her for a really really really really long time. It was amazing to witness. The sense of responsibility is what came immediately.

2. What has been easier than you thought it would be? How about harder?

Changing a diaper, clothes, and bathing was a lot easier. Dealing with the cries of a colicky baby and losing sleep...that was hard to adjust to.

3. What kids book would you read a million times out loud in a row? What book are you actually have to read a million times out loud in a row? How about songs?

We've read Dr. Seuss, Nursery Rhymes, others, but the main thing we do is talk to her and sing made up songs. She'll have full babble conversations with us and now she's trying to sing too. My wife likes singing the Barney Song and I'm a little tea pot. I like making up songs about her. There's no one thing she's stuck with...yet.

4. What traditions are you excited to carry on with your daughter?

Creating. I want her to believe in and try out her own ideas, whatever they might be. Sleeping through the night is another tradition we'd like to carry on with her. Eating from one's own plate as well.

5. Being a dad makes me feel _____________________.

Soft. I cried when I heard a certain song that I won't mention...and it's because of her. (Don't tell anybody).

Thank you for letting us profile you La Guardia Cross and highlighting the hilarious parts of the journey of fatherhood. Please check out his amazing work on YouTube, Facebook, and IG.

January 22, 2016

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Fatherfood Friday / Mike Quinones

Mike Quinones is creative director from Los Angeles.

Born in San Clemente and raised in San Diego, I spent my youth surfing, skateboarding, playing soccer and shooting photos. Currently, I spend most my time with my epic son Micah, way-out-of-my-league-wife Amanda, and creatively directing and managing various projects from apparel and brand development, to retail, and even a little bit of food here and there.

Every father has his story. This is a small glimpse into Mikes's.

1. Sometimes, the connection to fatherhood is not immediate. Was it for you? And if not, was there a moment that you really felt, "Woah. I'm a dad."

When Amanda (my wife) told me she was pregnant I instantly felt a change. Something in between fear and excitement of what was to come. The connection to fatherhood itself came the second I held our son Micah at the hospital. Suddenly you realize that this beautiful being from you / of you will be yours for the rest of your life. There is nothing else in this world that gives that sense of responsibility and honor. Sure, you can get pets, get married, but bringing life into this world is an amazing commitment.

2. What has been easier than you thought it would be? How about harder?

My wife and I both work extremely hard in our careers, as most parents do. Before our son, we had plenty of concerns of how difficult it would be balancing life with a child and our work / careers. Together we both took a look at where we were at with work goals, and if we were both ok with this new balance we’d have to adapt to, potentially making us take a step back in our careers. We assumed that this to be a very hard task to balance, however, the second Micah was born there was nothing hard about making that choice. The decision was simple and an internal mechanism turned on, drawing us to spend as much time as physically possible with our son, putting career goals and work as a secondary thought. Suddenly, priorities changed and focus’ shifted to family. Amanda and I are hardworking and I never thought anything besides each other would be able to pull us away from career goals, but Micah completely shifted what our goals should of even been in the first place!

3. What kids book would you read a million times out loud in a row? What book are you actually have to read a million times out loud in a row? How about songs?

We certainly have Good Night Gorilla! Additionally, Brown Bear Brown Bear and any of the “what do you see” books have pages falling out of them they’ve been gone through so many times. There’s one Micah loves now, something about a Blue Truck going Beep Beep!.

4. What traditions are you excited to carry on with your son?

The love and appreciation of spending time outdoors, a good strong work ethic, and a respect for the world and God.

5. Being a dad makes me feel _____________________.

complete.

Thank you for letting us profile you, Mike! Be sure and check out his rad line ourCaste as well as the awesome Instagram feeds for him and Micah.

January 08, 2016

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FATHERHOOD FRIDAY / KHALIL MUHSIN

Khalil Muhsin is a photographer in Oakland, CA.

Dad to Paloma, cocktail connoisseur and photographer. Born in Detroit. From DC. Lives in Oakland. He's often taking Paloma on adventures (and secretly giving her lollipops and gummy bears). He's also known for changing whatever outfit mom puts Paloma in, to make her a bit more 'cool kid'... and, has already let her paint his nails pink. But he'll never tell you that..

Every father has his story. This is a small glimpse into Khalil's.

1. Sometimes, the connection to fatherhood is not immediate. Was it for you? And if not, was there a moment that you really felt, "Woah. I'm a dad."

You think wow; I have this human that I helped create - but it wasn't instant. To be honest, the initial connection for babies is super maternal. Especially if the mom is breastfeeding - which, in my case she was. That bond is as much biological as it is emotional. It didn't come until later for me. But now, it's great.

2. What has been easier than you thought it would be? How about harder?

I don't think of fatherhood as easier or harder; it's a marathon, a triathlon, an Iron Man. It's a hell of a journey. All those physical things I listed are inherently known to be difficult. The level of difficulty albeit perceived or actual is arbitrary. I mean; you're assisting with the development and matriculation of a human into this world. What could be more difficult, and at the same time fulfilling?!

3. What kids book would you read a million times out loud in a row? What book are you actually have to read a million times out loud in a row?

"Oh the Places You'll Go" The Dr. Suess classic. The book is awe-inspiring. It was Paloma's first favorite, and she still loves it. But on the flip side, I usually have to read "Goodnight Moon" and "You Are My I Love You" several times. Because those are her soothing night time reads.

4. What traditions are you excited to carry on with your daughter?

I'm excited for Paloma to live a healthy, active lifestyle alongside me . . . and for her to also join me in fun, leisurely activities like movies. It's been a favorite pastime of mine for years. I can't wait to take her on a date to see "The Good Dinosaur."

5. Being a dad makes me feel _____________________.

whole.

Thank you for letting us profile you, Khalil! Please check out him and sweet Paloma on his beautiful Instagram account.

November 13, 2015

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FATHERHOOD FRIDAY / Cree Jones

Cree Jones is a student based in Chicago.

I am a graduate student at the University of Chicago working on a PhD in economics. I am married to the talented Amanda Jane Jones, creator of Define Magazine (launching 10/15/15) and co-creator of Kinfolk Magazine. We live together with our sweet Jane in Chicago and will be welcomed baby Miles into the family a few weeks ago.

Every father has his story. This is a small glimpse into Cree's.

1. Sometimes, the connection to fatherhood is not immediate. Was it for you? And if not, was there a moment that you really felt, "Woah. I'm a dad."

For me the connection was immediate. Jane arrived via an emergency C-section. I remember hearing her little voice for the first time sitting with Amanda behind the curtain in the operating room. When they brought her around the corner for us to meet her it felt like we were meeting someone we already knew.

2. What has been easier than you thought it would be? How about harder?

Changing diapers has been easier than I thought it would be. I never really gave much thought to the task before she got here, but I assumed it would not be a part of fatherhood that I enjoyed. But, after doing it for two years, I really don't mind doing it and actually enjoy chatting with her while we get it done. It has been really hard to sit with her when she gets her shots. In my mind I believe we are doing what is in her best interests, but I can't help but feel like I am betraying her when she sits on one of our laps with complete trust and confidence while they prep the needles to poke her a few times.

3. What kids book would you read a million times out loud in a row? What book are you actually have to read a million times out loud in a row? How about songs?

"Because a Little Bug Went Kachoo" (would) and "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" (are).

4. What traditions are you excited to carry on with your kids?

Growing up, my Dad would always take each of us out on a "special night" where it was just you and him, one-on-one, and you got to pick the activity. A lot of times it was getting a blizzard from Dairy Queen, sometimes skipping rocks, and other times playing pool. I just remember really looking forward to having my turn to spend time alone with Dad and really feeling special and loved. I'm excited to do the same thing with each of my kids.

5. Being a dad makes me feel _____________________.

loved.

Thank you for letting us profile you, Cree! Please check out his incredibly inspiring Instagram as well as the new Define Magazine.

August 07, 2015

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FATHERHOOD FRIDAY / Max Wanger

Max Wanger is an LA based photographer.

born and raised by reformed hippies. educated in los angeles, honolulu, berkeley and the here and there of tokyo. lover of lazy sundays, mismatched socks, negative space, nyc, soba, green tea and last but almost certainly first, my wife, margaux & our little boy, dash.

Every father has his story. This is a small glimpse into Max's.

1. Sometimes, the connection to fatherhood is not immediate. Was it for you? And if not, was there a moment that you really felt, "Woah. I'm a dad."

It was immediate for me. I really didn't know what to expect, but the moment I held Dash, I felt connected. Parenthood is something I don't think you're truly ever prepared for. But it felt natural to hold him and love him and want to protect him. I remember the drive home from the hospital and the window of the car was down for one minute and I freaked out because I didn't want him to breathe in any of the polluted LA air!

2. What has been easier than you thought it would be? How about harder?

I don't know if there's anything easy about this job. Sure, it's the best thing in the world, but it's hard. Lack of sleep is for real. And that's been hard. But you learn on the go, you adjust, it gets easier.

3. What kids book would you read a million times out loud in a row? What book are you actually have to read a million times out loud in a row? How about songs?

Dallas Clayton's "Awesome" book is one I would read a million times. "Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site" was one that was actually read a million times. Also, when he was a newborn I sang the "The Ants Go Marching" more times than I can remember because it was the only song that put him to sleep.

4. What traditions are you excited to carry on with your son?

Growing up, my mom would make a special Japanese meal every New Year's day. Actually, she still does it to this day. I'd love to continue that with Dash. Another tradition I'd like to carry on is a goodnight "prayer" my dad used to say to me every night before bed: "Have a wonderful sleep in your bed, a wonderful dream in your head, I love you very much and I'll see you tomorrow."

5. Being a dad makes me feel _____________________.

a happiness I've never felt before. I know it's cliche, but it's 100% true

Thank you for being our very first Pop Profile, Max! Please check out his inspiring work on http://maxwanger.com/ and his amazing Instagram account.

June 04, 2015

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Stuff you actually want for Father's Day

Let's face it, being a dad is awesome. But that doesn't mean you can't take a little credit for your good work. Check out our American-made guide of Father's day goods.

1. Tosan POP & TOT tees $55 for the set {Matching is the new black.}
2. Nathaniel Russel Skateboard People print $30 {Good art never goes out of style.}
3. Made On The Moon camper hat $52 {It's literally impossible to have two many hats.}
4. Kiriko Katazome Bandana $35 {To mop up all the folks sweating you.}
5. Hello Lucky Father's Day card $5 {Yeah you are.}
6. Workhorse Aromatic Coffee Bitters $26 {To go with all the whiskey you already have.}
7. Barnaby Black Sea Soap $18 {Smelling good is better than smelling bad.}
8. Steel Bison (Sam Larsen) patches $12 {There is always something with a hole in it.}
9. Saturdays NYC Safari Trunks $75 {Animal is the new tropical.}
10. Sunski Madronas $55 {Effortlessly, classically cool.}
11. Norquay Artisan Painted Canoe Paddle $275 {You don't have this. And you need it.}

December 11, 2014

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Tosan USA Made Gift Guide 2014

Sometimes when you launch your company less than a month before Christmas, your gift guide is late. Super late. Maybe prohibitively late. But there is always rush shipping or and Easter delivery. Or next year. Everything is linked so click away!