Next up in my #AwesomeDads series is Andy Stillwagon. I’ve worked with Andy in two different stints at Power Creative. He’s one of the most creative and hilarious people I know. I enjoyed working with him and swapping stories about our kids.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. Originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, I followed my college sweetheart to her hometown of Louisville. We’ve been here since the late 90’s, married, started careers and had babies. I’m an advertising creative, a huge Michigan Wolverine fan, a golfer (when I can) and generally love to tinker and putter around the house and yard.
2) How long have you been a father? 9 years
3) What’s your all-time favorite video game? Galaga (arcade), Super Mario Bros (Nintendo), NHL ’94 (Sega) and Call of Duty (Xbox)
4) Do you still play video games? What games are you playing right now? Yes. I’m playing the New Super Mario Bros with the kids on the Wii and Call of Duty Black Ops II on the XBox. The kids are playing a ton of Minecraft – and I don’t get it at all.
5) What video game systems do you currently own? Wii and XBox 360
6) What’s your favorite activity to do with your kids? A game I made up called “Daddy chase” – which is basically a hybrid of “tag” and “capture the flag” in the house.
7) What’s the best part about being a dad? That inexplicable bond you feel with another person you created and raised. It’s unadulterated love. Watching them grow into independent people, forming personalities, learning new skills and talents, facing and overcoming challenges, it’s all an amazing ride. And to be there to guide them along on their journey is an awesome blessing.
8) What has been the worst part about being a dad? Sacrificing personal care
9) What’s your best advice for new dads?
(for baby)
Check out the Happiest Baby on the Block. The five S’s was crazy helpful.
Learn to be a swaddle master.
Gripe water. It works, man.
(in general)
Fully engage with your kid(s) as often as you can and really soak it in. Every age is cool in its own way, and it goes by fast. Every once in awhile, put the phone away, turn off the computer or TV, stop correcting and corralling, and just be present and silly with them. Because, sooner than you think, they won’t be so interested in hanging out with Dad.