Child of the Moisturized

If you’re new to Raising Myles, Welcome!

I write letters to my newborn son, Myles, sharing my journey as a first-time dad and spreading the love I didn't experience myself. If you’ve been here before — thank you for coming back. If you’re new here, below are some good places to start:

• Balm for Wounds: Apologizing in Advance

• How I Met Your Mother

• Tell them Where You’re From

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I started writing Myles short poems that I read out loud. They’ve been fun and healing. You can now find them all here.

This is for when you are getting ready to go outside

34 Weeks Old

Dear Myles, 

if we can help it,
your skin will never be flaky,
only golden

twice baked 
under the oven of the sun
Rubbed down in
coconut oil,
grapeseed,
and rosehip too

After a bath, and still damp,
move quickly,
your skin, thirst for moisture
get busy,
but be gentle,
apply generously and liberally

shine those arms,
legs and neck,
get between
those elbows and juicy thighs
those fingers and toes too

it’s okay,
furrow those brows,
as we wipe hands full of Vaseline 
across your face

Your skin will never be flaky,
only beautiful

rubbed down in all things
sometimes saliva too
lest we forget,
you are a child of the moisturized

Love, 
Daddy  

This poem was inspired by

Jasper Joyner

’s A poem about apple cider vinegar and other magical things.

A special shoutout to our newest paid subscriber: Lauren! Thank you!

While I don't rely on people paying, all funds collected from writing these letters go towards Myles' college savings. Consider upgrading your subscription to help ensure Myles avoids student debt like his dad.

If you can’t commit to a monthly subscription, but still want to support, here is my Buy Me a Coffee page.

Let me know your thoughts:

1. How do you keep your skin hydrated and beautiful?

2. What role does self-care play in your daily routine?

3. What will you do for yourself this week?

4. It’s already February, how are you doing?

5. If you’re new here, introduce yourself by letting me know where you’re from and go to snack.

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Celebrating Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, I built a virtual and interactive library to celebrate writers who have inspired me in writing to Myles every week. This is me giving them their flowers.

This week, I added

Rachel Leeke

,

Ashleigh Vaughn

,

Darnell Mayberry

Alex Lewis

and

Sharifa

, and

Danyel Smith

to to the library. Give them a read.

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Want more of Myles’ Letters?

• A Shirtless Night

• Last week you met your Grandfather

• Read about My Wife’s Love Affair - It’s exactly what you don’t think

• Have you ever been Cooking in the Bathroom kind of tired?

• Check out Carrying the Gift, Holding the Love

• Read about Our first Father’s Day.