I still remember the moment the nurse first put her in my arms.
I’d heard that talking to a baby while still in the womb can work, so I talked to Campbell while Megan was pregnant—just in case.
Turns out it does work.
She had just been cleaned up, swaddled, and was crying. With the other nurses attending to Megan, one handed Campbell to me with a casual, “Here you go, Dad,” as if I knew what to do. I didn’t feel qualified to handle something so delicate. Unsure, I simply said, “Hi Campbell, shhh shhh, it’s Daddy, shh shhh, Daddy is right here…”
She stopped crying. The moment she was in my arms and heard my voice, she calmed immediately. It was one of the wildest feelings I’ve ever had as a human being, and I don’t think I’ll ever match it.
That was ten years ago today. I can’t believe it’s been a decade since that little swaddled-up nugget was nestled in my chest and is now growing into one of the coolest people I know.
Cultured, Creative and Smart
Campbell has typically leaned more towards humanities-adjacent interests. She always carries a notebook to jot down ideas, sketch new graphic novel characters, and make a few small books of her own. In fact, her Halloween costume this year is one she assembled from random items she found on Amazon, going as a character that she created in one of her own books. It’s quite a creative flex.
She’s well-cultured too - on her own volition. Campbell became more interested in Japanese culture and started doing her own research on the country and its customs, and she even found an app on her tablet that started teaching her how to speak Japanese. All just for fun.
While we’ve introduced her to books and movies, she's also taught us about her culture. Campbell introduced me to Avatar: The Last Airbender, and now we’re both hooked. We’ve since finished the original series and are now working through the movies and other shows in that same universe. She’s taught me some Japanese, used to ask us to name an animal - any animal - and she’d rattle off random facts about them.
Sure, she’s creative and smart (straight As in all her classes and all that), but what really stands out is her emotional intelligence. Not just for her age; I mean she’s one of the most emotionally intelligent people I know, period. Cam has a remarkable capacity for empathy. She picks up on how people feel, what drives them, and how to help. That, combined with a strong sense of justice, has made her a steadfast friend, her little brother’s bodyguard, and someone who confidently advocates for herself without worrying about what others think.
She’s wise beyond her years. She’s read the Bible cover to cover, asks thoughtful questions during our one-on-one time, and is a true deep thinker. Yes, she’s still a kid and does kid things, but it often feels like there’s a little adult hanging out with us.
Well-Rounded and Tries New Things
Campbell does a great job of trying new things and not getting discouraged out of the gate. Two seasons ago, she tried out basketball for the first time. As I noted before, Campbell is more comfortable in a cozy spot drawing or reading than pursuing athletic endeavors. However, after I let her stay up late and watch some NBA playoff games one season, she decided to give it a go.
After her first practice, we weren’t sure there’d be a second. She had only practiced with me in the driveway for a few minutes once. She was crying in the gym because she didn’t know what to do or understand the drills. She didn’t naturally fall into it on day one.
But there was a second practice. Then a third.
By the end of the year, her team had won their league championship, and she became one of the team’s most valuable defenders. She was the consensus most improved player among the team, coaches, and parents. It gave her confidence - and that confidence carried over into the next season as she became a more vocal leader with her next team.
She’s really shone at Cuong Nhu. I used to take Shotokan for years before I went all-in on track and knew it could be a good experience for her. Last summer she stepped into her first class and fell in love with the style immediately. She found a very welcoming dojo that has pushed her, provided discipline, and given her a place to grow both physically and mentally. It’s a physical endeavor that allows her to focus on her own path and growth. Her 2-3 trips to the dojo each week serve as a safe space from the stress of school and life. It’s an hour when she can disconnect and learn.
This past summer, her dojo offered a ranking class: a week-long intensive to move up faster. I asked if she wanted to do it, and she looked at me like I was nuts. “Why would I do that?” Even though she loves Cuong Nhu, her mindset is one I genuinely admire: “Why would I need to rush ranking up? I don’t want to rush it—I want to enjoy learning at my own pace.”
If only the influencers on LinkedIn had that much maturity and self-awareness.
Introvert Time
Campbell is a fun hang. We’ve taken trips to Kentucky, Six Flags, and numerous Atlanta Hawks games, just the two of us. She is low-maintenance on a car ride and handles curveballs to plans like a pro.
But my favorite tradition is one we’ve been doing the past couple of years: introvert time.
We’re both reserved and draw energy from not being around people. A few nights a week, she’ll invite me up to her room for introvert time. And it’s exactly what it sounds like. We just sit together in her room reading our own books, not saying a word to each other, but just enjoying the silence and each other’s company. Sometimes we’ll work on a book or a new build on Toca Life together, but it’s always chill. Several nights a week, even with our nutty schedules these days, we always make a point to have introvert time. It’s one of my best mid-week mental and emotional resets.
Big But Little
Campbell’s a lot bigger now. She’s borrowing her mom’s clothes, can ride in the front seat, and even stay home alone sometimes.
But she’ll always be little to me. Whenever I get my “Campbell hugs,” I have a nearly five-foot-tall child in my arms, but I still feel that tiny nugget from ten years ago.
I love that little girl so much. It’s been an absolute blessing having the honor of being her dad.
Happy 10th birthday, Campbell. You’re so loved. And maybe one of the coolest humans I know.
