Our 454th Dad in the Limelight is VanDoren Tripp. I want to thank VanDoren for being a part of this series. It has been great getting connected with him and now sharing him with all of you.
1) Tell me about yourself, (as well as how you are in the limelight for my readers knowledge)
Hi, my name is VanDoren Tripp. I can speak three languages fluently English, Spanish, and don’t laugh… Pig Latin because my aunts and uncles spoke it while I was growing up so us kids couldn’t understand their “grown up” conversations.
I enjoy new cultures, playing music, and Lucha Libre wrestling.
I have experience being in the literal limelight doing dramas and being in bands growing up. I also focus on training leaders and helping men and women see their full potential. I’m a first-time father, counselor, teacher and part time blogger – http://graftedidentity.
2) Tell me about your family
I’ve been married to my wife Hannah for two years and she is an amazing artist and photographer. We got married on November 19th. We chose that specific day because I knew as I got older it would be harder to remember different dates. Both me and my wife’s birthdays fall on the 19th;
hers in October and mine in December. I have a month old daughter named Teagan. So far, her personality is very serious. I love to have conversations with her while putting her to sleep. A couple of nights ago I was talking to her about if I was Jafar from Aladdin and she was Cruella de ville from 101 dalmatians what our kingdom would look like and what kind of business we would be in.
3) What has been the largest challenge you have had in being a father?
The biggest challenge is that I don’t always know the answer. When my baby girl looks into my eyes with an expression on her face saying “somethings wrong” and I don’t know how to fix it, it’s really hard. I over analyze everything and try and do all I can to come up with plans of action. Having a tiny being that depends on me I need to learn daily that I am going to fail and that’s okay. Being a father is not about being super man everyday its about being an every day man that is super to his kids.
4) What advice would you give to other fathers?
Take time to be a dad. I have seen it time and time again that the role of father as provider and protector is passed off to mom cause daddy doesn’t have time or the willingness to be with the kids. I see, even in my one month , that she really just wants you to be there. Your unhindered involvement and surrender to each kid even be it for a couple minutes a day are what they are going to remember. Every time I am with my daughter I make it a point to tell her 3 things n 1. How much I love her. 2. Reinforce her Identity by telling her how unique and talented she is. 3. I tell her I am not perfect but I am going to do all I can to be what she needs when she needs it.
5) How have you come to balance parenthood and outside life?
With my lifestyle it really allows me to spend a lot of time at home and even when working with churches or non profit organizations I do what I can to bring my baby girl with me. If my wife and I are going to be out late or at a party then if we can we take her. Neither my wife nor I see ourselves creating a Bruce Wayne/ Batman mentality I love having my kid involved in as much of my life as I can.
Now needless to say I love my daughter and family but I also realize that Mommy needs a break sometime and having breaks on a normal basis really creates harmony at home and with with my wife.
6) What have you learned from the fathers that you have interacted with?
Having real dads that told me truthfully what life is like before and after kids and really challenging me as a husband before hand and then now as a father has had a huge impact on me. I don’t know how I would have coped with the process of becoming a dad and now being a dad if I hadn’t been for dads being brutally honest. I have really learned the value of honesty within the family and really pouring into my baby girl without expecting anything in return but dirty diapers and spit up on my suit jacket.
7) What else would you share regarding your experiences as a father thus far?
Having a baby really changes your life. I know everyone says it but it is blatantly true. I have to say I see life so much clearer now. My desires and passions have changed. I think that having a baby really turns the light on in your world. Yes maybe it is messy but you can see so much clearer.
8) What have been the most memorable experiences that you have had thus far as a parent?
Well I am a newbie to fatherhood but my favorite time thus far is putting a pacifier in Teagan’s mouth and her whining it literally sounds like a fire engine siren.
If you have any questions for VanDoren, please leave a comment here and I will make sure that he gets them so that he may be able to respond!
Also, do you know a Dad in the Limelight? If so, please email me their contact information so that they too can be a part of this series!
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