Rock Father's Day: A Time to Say "Thanks, Baby"

Wednesday, June 15 2016 01:03

Rock Father's Day: A Time to Say "Thanks, Baby"

Written by James Zahn

This #RockFathersDay feature is brought to you in partnership with Life of Dad and Pampers. #ThanksBaby!

Seven years ago this August... and again four years ago this week, babies were born, and so was "The Rock Father." - My wife and I were driving south on I-94 outside of Chicago in November of 2008. We were on our way to a Thanksgiving gathering that was happening pre-Thanksgiving, and she turned to me very quickly and said "I think you knocked me up." That was the moment that I first realized that I'd soon become a Father for the very first time. The weight of things didn't really hit me, but I remember smiling ear-to-ear and just thinking, "OK - let's do this!" She was afraid that I'd be unhappy about the news - especially because just the night before... I'd been on the phone with my Mom, who was shopping at Target with a couple of my step-brother's kids - and as they were acting out and being naughty - I made some quip about "this is why we don't have kids!" Funny thing is, I've always been good with kids - but there's also definitely an "old me" versus the man who I've become. On August 7, 2009 - our 10th Wedding Anniversary - our first daughter, Adalyn, was born. We liked the experience so much that we prepped a sequel, and were back at the hospital four years ago today - June 15, 2012, for the release of our second "Rock Daughter," baby Finley! The personal change that I've experienced as a father is undeniable, and both I and my wife have our girls to thank for it.

James Zahn - THE ROCK FATHER: Transformation

When Addie was born in 2009, I was living harder - didn't take care of myself at all, and when she was just nine months old, I cut my hair and shaved. It would be another 10 months or so before I kicked my smoking habit, but again - an improvement in me, was brought on by her. By the time Finn arrived in 2012, my focus was on my weight, which is something that's an ongoing battle, and one I continue to fight.

Addie 2009

Everything that I do is directly related to the fact that I became a father. This website was born as a "blog" before becoming it's own thing on Father's Day 2011 (the site is entering year six!), and it's spawned so many opportunities for myself, and our family - opportunities for the kids that the site has brought on, but without the girls, there would've been no site.

Finn - 2012

i don't think my girls will ever truly grasp how powerful an impact they had on me, but no matter how old they are, they will always be "babies" to my wife and I. I have them to thank for the man I've become.

On Father’s Day and every day, Pampers is giving thanks to babies for making dad feel exceptionally special and empowering him to discover new roles in life through fatherhood, and this year they've put together a special video to say #ThanksBaby for creating new fathers and giving so much to the world.

For over 50 years, parents have trusted Pampers to care for their babies’ happy, healthy development. Pampers offers a complete range of diapers, wipes and training pants designed to provide protection and comfort for every stage. Check out Pampers' official site to learn more about what they offer, along with helpful tips and valuable coupons.

Published in James' Journal

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James Zahn

James Zahn is not a journalist, nor a blogger, though he may be credited as such by others, or even accept the title... depending on the circumstance. Instead, he considers himself largely to be an "entertainment and lifestyle writer," bringing 25+ years of experience in the entertainment and publishing industries into the family realm as THE ROCK FATHER™.

As a media personality, commentator, adventurer and raconteur, James now finds himself raising a pair young girls - The Rock Daughters™ - along with his wife from their Illinois home.

He is a member of The Toy Insider Parent Advisory Board, has contributed to The Toy Book and writes a regular Star Wars column - Transmissions from a Galaxy Far, Far Away for The Pop Insider. He also regularly serves as a Brand Ambassador and spokesperson for several Globally-recognized pop culture and lifestyle brands in addition to consulting for a number of toy manufacturers.

Creatively, James has directed/edited music videos, lyric videos, and album trailers for bands such as FEAR FACTORY, has appeared as an actor in feature films and commercials, written comic books, and performed in bands. He currently serves as an artist manager and video director for PRODUCT OF HATE, whose debut album was released by Napalm Records in 2016, distributed by ADA/Warner Music in the U.S. with Universal Music handling global.

James and/or his work have been featured in/on CNN, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, WGN, G4, The Chicago Tribune, BusinessWire, Babble, Fangoria, Starlog and more. He's appeared as a music expert on CNN's AC360 alongside Anderson Cooper, and has been interviewed by Larry King. In the past he served as a writer for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family and PBS KIDS, penned articles for Sprout and PopSugar, and was a contributor to Chicago Parent.

Learn more here.

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