Creative Block is a weekly newsletter that gives you a glimpse into my life, creativity, design, and music. It's like a little pick-me-up that you get delivered straight to your inbox each week.
May 2024, will forever be etched in my memory as the day my life transformed. On that day, my wife and I welcomed our beautiful baby boy, Joziah Coker, into the world. He is absolutely perfect, and the journey of watching my wife carry Joziah for nine months and finally getting to see and hold him has been nothing short of miraculous.
Father’s Day has always been a tough day for me for personal reasons, but Joziah’s arrival has brought a sense of healing and joy that I didn’t know was possible. He has infused me with a newfound motivation and clarity, expanding my heart in ways I couldn’t have imagined. My love and appreciation for my wife have grown even deeper, and I am in awe of mothers everywhere. Whether you gave birth via C-section, naturally, prematurely, adopted, or became a step-mom, you are truly amazing.
Yesterday marked a whole month since Joziah has been with us, and I am so grateful that God chose me to be his dad. This past month has been a whirlwind of emotions and adjustments, but it has also been the most rewarding time of my life. I feel a significant shift in my creativity and passion. I want to show Joziah the world and immerse him in the arts, teaching him to love people, love God, and most importantly, love himself.
I am aware that this world is not always kind to people who look like me, but I pray that Joziah navigates life with grace and love despite any obstacles he faces. I am filled with excitement for all his milestones—his first laugh, first word, first step, and first art piece. I can’t wait to create clothes for him, especially as I am now exploring turning my designs into tangible items (see below)
One of the greatest blessings of being my own boss is the ability to take almost two months off work to be with my family during this precious time. I am deeply thankful for this opportunity. When I resume work, I hope to manage my time more efficiently, ensuring that I remain as present as possible for my wife and son. Every moment feels sacred now, and I want to make the most of this incredible new chapter in our lives.
We have already made some beautiful memories at home that I will cherish forever. Growing up, I didn’t have many pictures of myself, which sparked my passion for photography. Now, I have the chance to create and capture memories for my son, giving him something I never had. This journey of fatherhood is filled with challenges, but it is also rich with love, joy, and unforgettable moments. I am excited about what the future holds and grateful for the opportunity to share it with you.
As I reflect on this past month, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible support we have received from our family and friends. Their love and encouragement have made this transition into parenthood even more special. I am constantly amazed by the way Joziah’s presence has deepened the bonds within our family, bringing us closer together and reminding us of the importance of love and unity.
I find myself cherishing the small, quiet moments with Joziah—holding him as he sleeps, watching his tiny fingers grasp mine, and feeling his heartbeat against my chest. These moments are a reminder of the purest form of love, and they fill me with a sense of purpose and contentment. I am eager to share my passions with him, from photography to art, and to see the world through his innocent, curious eyes.
Joziah has given me a renewed sense of hope for the future. I am inspired to be a better person, a more loving husband, and a dedicated father and the BEST CREATIVE dad ever. I want to create a world for him that is filled with beauty, kindness, and endless possibilities. My heart swells with pride as I think about the incredible journey that lies ahead for our family.
In these early days of fatherhood, I have come to understand the true meaning of unconditional love. I now see how God loves me unconditionally. It is a love that is unexplainable, a love that is patient and forgiving, a love that is fierce and protective, a love that is attentive and present. Joziah has shown me the depth of my own capacity to love, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
Thank you for being a part of our journey and for sharing in the joy of Joziah’s arrival. Your support and love mean the world to us. We are excited to continue this adventure and to see where it leads us. Here’s to the beautiful moments ahead, the challenges we will overcome, and the countless memories we will create together.
To my wife, Afritina. I love you even more & forever. Thank you for making me a father. You are already an amazing mom. I always prayed to God that I’d marry a woman who my kids can look up to and he brought me to you.
Congratulations! Thank you for sharing such a beautiful reflection.
Appreciate you’re already thinking about how to hold space for your wife as she heals - post partum is no joke. Whenever you see ready to talk and process, link me. I don’t really have advice, but here to support you on this journey. You’re doing a great job!