A new baby doesn’t yet have the remotest clue it needs material items. It doesn’t own anything, and it doesn’t care to. A baby doesn’t even know it is bereft of stuff. For some reason though, we can’t stand that babies have nothing. We lather on the gifts– the toys, the clothes, the books, the furniture, etc..
Infants aren’t much aware of material objects, and they certainly don’t yet know the concept of “ownership.” Give ’em a couple of years, and one of the few words they will know– and will use annoyingly often– is “mine.” But right in the beginning of their baby lives, they seek only a few basic body feelings: a full tummy, warm skin, and a dry butt. We provide the objects that aid in the creation of these feelings for them: formula/milk, blankies, and diapers and Butt Paste.
So what absolute material baby-need comes next after Butt Paste? Neckwear o’ the Day, of course. There it is, up there in Grace Anne Blackwelder’s Kardashian-esque closet. Center of closet, top shelf. The box says “Dad & Daughter” and contains a Tie o’ the Day for Dad, and a matching Bow Tie Headband o’ the Day for Grace. I guarantee this initial foray into daddy-daughter neckwear will be life-changing– in the best of ways– for both Bishop Travis and his daughter. Oh, the power o’ neckwear to bring us close!
It is so important to pass along family traditions of all kinds. I’m part of Gracie’s family, and part of my contribution to the positive traditions she’ll benefit from learning about is my bow ties and ties, and all things clash fashion. Over time, I hope Gracie and I will connect by experiencing all kinds of silly and serious family traditions together. Ultimately, connection is the bigly purpose of learning and sharing traditions. Connection is kinda the point of our entire journey. It is its own tradition.
