“Daddy daughter date…”

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Shared by Breanne Smedley

Even before Charlee was born, Brett was talking about the “coffee” dates he was going to take her on.

Thinking this sounded like a fun idea, I’d ask if I would be allowed to come.

“Nope! Just daddy-daughter time.”

Now, I realize how great of a relief it is to have the house to myself for an hour, but at the time, rubbing my basketball-sized belly and feeling those kicks, I was a little sad to not be invited.

True to his word, Brett started taking Charlee out to weekly “coffee” dates when she was only about 8 weeks old.

“What’d you guys do?” I’d ask, knowing that a coffee date with an 8 week old was probably a little uneventful.

It would be something along the lines of “Charlee slept,” I had coffee. It was great!

As Charlee got a little older and was able to enjoy more solid foods, I would get pictures of their Saturday coffee dates with Charlee eating a chopped up banana.

“Having a great time!” He would say.

Week after week (for the most part), Brett and Charlee have stuck to his daddy-daughter coffee dates.

And week after week, I get a picture of a smiling Charlee, sitting on Brett’s lap, eating a banana with bed head and (sometimes) still in her pajamas.

I can only imagine what those pictures are going to look like as Charlee gets into elementary school, a little bright-eyed girl excited to be going on a date with her daddy.

Then, middle school. Maybe excited to get out with dad and share how her week has gone. Or maybe, reluctant to go. (Who knows, middle school is an odd time!)

And high school, still fitting in coffee dates despite all the activities and crazy schedules that come along with being a high schooler.

And maybe Charlee will move away for college or a career, but still make time to go on a coffee date with her daddy when she comes home.

Because it’s their thing.

And it’s what, over time, will be one way their relationship is strengthened.

One way that Brett has chosen, deliberately, to grow his bond with his daughter.

Week after week.

Not just here and there, or when it’s convenient.

That’s how true growth happens, in any aspect of our lives.

Consistency, over time.

Deliberately choosing to become the present, engaged, and interested father that Brett desires to be in Charlee’s life.

One daddy-daughter date at a time.

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