The Daddy behind Hold The Magic

Magic in the Chaos

Fatherhood is a joy, but it takes a lot of work. In all the prepping, timekeeping and encouragement that is needed to raise a happy person, we sometimes lose sight of the importance of the less organized moments. Remember, it’s the little things! The expectant joy as you turned over that muddy rock, the delightful fear of chasing closet monsters away, or lazy, cozy holidays spent by the fireplace with the family.

These small, spontaneous moments are what parenting is all about. It might be a request for ‘one more story’, an unexpected snow day, or hosing off of your little explorer after a big adventure. It’s that quick look with your partner that says, “Hey, it’s nice to have you on my team,” before the whirlwind of the morning and the coming day continues. This is the stuff of happy childhoods and years of reminiscence.

These moments of chaos aren’t something we can always prepare for, but we can always slow down (even if it’s just for a moment) and find a bit of magic each day.

Meet Clay.

A loving husband and father of two, Clay approaches the day with gratitude and an open mind toward growth, and a special eye for the magical moments in each and every day. 

Clay, tell us how many kiddos do you have and what are their ages?

Two kiddos, Savannah Bleu (14) and Hudson Grey (10) 

What does your current morning routine look like?

6:30 a.m. Grab some tea then think, give thanks, and/or exercise

7:00 a.m. Meditate

8:00 a.m. Make daily plan + say good morning to my family

8:30 a.m. Get ready

9:00 a.m. Work

10:30 a.m. Quick breakfast and check-in with kids

12:00 p.m. Wrestle with Hudson, then help with lunches

What is one of the best tips you have for making your child a better human?

Be a better human yourself—“be the change.” Have a growth mindset.

If you could turn back time and have a newborn moment again, what would it be?

Savannah: lying exhausted on her white furry rug with my hand stretched out to meet hers coming to touch mine from her crib.

Hudson: the night we had our first moment alone together in front of his first Christmas tree.

What keeps you up at night?

Trying to be a better me for myself and family.

What makes you feel inspired or like your best self?

When I hear, see, or create a meaningful story.

What is one piece of advice you'd give a new parent/ guardian out there?

Find time for yourself each day. And practice some form of spirituality. Our lives are gifts and our children need to see us grow in gratitude.   

How do you create magical moments for your family?

I make them laugh. I give warm hugs. And I support my wife’s incredible journey for making more magical moments. 

Tell us about the first time your kiddo had a loose tooth?

For both kids, I remember all the very, very late nights. My wife and I would write poems from the Tooth Fairy, print them out in mouse-sized type, pair them with miniatures we found at flea markets, then sneak into their rooms and deliver while they were sleeping, with fairy dust included (this is how Hold The Magic was born - Read Founders Story). I recall Savannah waking up one night and moving around above me while I pressed myself against the foot of her bed and the floor in the dark so as to not get caught. Not sure how I escaped that one…magic, I guess ;) 

If you asked your kid "what is magic" what would be their answer?

I did…

Savannah: “Spectacular things you don’t get to see everyday.”

Hudson: “It's a power or an ability. It can mean a lotta different things. Magic can control the weather. Like superheroes. Like Thor or Storm. Or, magic can make a frog (just like a rabbit!) come outta of a hat.”

What is the hardest part about brushing your kid's teeth?

Keeping them still long enough! I remember that being the hardest 2 minutes of my day!

What is your favorite children’s story right now?

Liza Lou and the Yeller Belly Swamp—my longtime favorite and still reading it to my kids to this day.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Immeasurable thanks to my amazing wife for all her MAGIC (creativity + hard work + love) she’s given our kids, and me. XO  

What is your Instagram handle?

I’m not a regular social media guy. (@feats.of.clay)