On Being a "Girl Dad" with Dan

*This post is sponsored by Macy’s and ShopStyle. All opinions and ideas are my own.

I’m not quite sure what Dan actually dreamed Fatherhood would look like, but it turns out that it’s filled with pink, oversized bows and theatrical dramatics good enough to win an Oscar. He’s a girl Dad like and has really embraced his role with such grace. Today I wanted to have him join me on the blog and really talk through what it feels like to be a Daddy to little girls. I’m asking him what are the biggest challenges, biggest rewards, and what are his hopes for them for the future. The girls also hopped in and are sharing what they surprised him with for Father’s Day a few weeks early. Hint: it was a BIG hit!

Q: First, let’s start off with what you love MOST about being a “Girl Dad”?

It’s true what they say about girls having you absolutely wrapped around their little finger and I didn’t really realize that until I had my own. It’s really hard to describe because I don’t have a boy, but the girls just have to give you one look to make you absolutely melt. There’s also a feeling with me that they will always come back to me and that’s so comforting.

Q: What’s been something that’s surprisingly fun about raising girls?

It’s all fun! It’s so sweet to see them pick out their outfits and bows and get their hair just right and on the other end of the spectrum it’s also just as fun to teach them how to swim and play sports. They are such a joy and every phase brings even more fun.

Q: What’s been the most challenging thing?

Drama. Nothing out of the ordinary, but I see hints of what’s to come down the road and I’m bracing for it.

Versace Eros Cologne

Q: What do you love most about each of their (very different) personalities:

I love Landry’s sweet soul and how she purposefully says overly kind things to make you feel loved. Lawson (shaking his head) is a challenger and keeps us on our toes. She’s our humility and reality check and we love her spunky personality…you never know what she’s going to do or say next.

Q: If you had any advice to give a guy who’s going to have a baby girl soon what would it be?

Dive right in! Don’t be afraid to be a hands on dad from day one because bonding with your daughter is something special. One of my best memories is when I took Landry alone at under year old to the ACC basketball tournament 2+ hours from home. I remember every single detail and felt so happy to have that special memory of just us two, knowing it was something I could do myself with my daughter.

Also, make time. Take her to the daddy daughter dance, be at the soccer practices, show interest in ballet, and jump in the pool with her at a moments notice. Those things count more than we realize.

Q: What are your dreams for them as they grow up?

That they have a strong faith foundation—so much so that they will be able to continue teaching me what it means to be a follower of Christ.

Versace Eros Cologne

Dan loves cologne and wears it daily. He’s been in a rut of wearing the same one for 4+ years now so the girls and I wanted to surprise him with something new. We went to Macy’s and decided to do all the dirty work for you guys in finding a great gift for Dad and a few of our favorite scents.

We decided on this Versace Eros and Dan absolutely LOVES it! As I was coming to link it for you guys, I noticed that it gets all 5 star reviews on Macys.com too! It’s smells fresh but also has based notes of vanilla and vetiver to make it masculine. Dan’s been wearing it for a few days now and it’s SO yummy.

Macy’s has an incredible selection of colognes and gift sets for Dad this Father’s Day! I was shocked to see that the Versace Eros gift set is nearly the same price as the 3.5 oz bottle. It’s SUCH a good value. You can shop their entire selection HERE. I’ve also rounded up a few of our other favorites from our trip–all great gifts as well:

Acqua de Gio | I don’t think that I’ll ever tire of this scent for guys. It’s a tried and true fav.

YSL Y Eau de Parfum | A little lighter, but the same general notes that I love in mens cologne–fresh on top with a base of Vetiver.

Chanel Allure | This is Dan’s other tried and true fav and I have to admit I really like it too. It smells super fresh and it also light enough for the Summer–another one that I highly recommend!