Dad Of The Month!

AJ Foreman

Where do you live?
I’ve lived in Vancouver, WA for 6 years now. Before that, I’ve lived in a number of places from Portland, OR, Detroit, MI, St. Louis, MO, Monterey, CA, and Delavan, WI.

What is your profession?
Lucky for me, my current main profession is a Stay-at-home-Dad. I also work part-time at ProDrive as a Skidcar/Racecar Driving Instructor. Also, this year I have started working as a Marshal for the Motocorsa Motorcycle Track Days.

What do you drive?
Depending on my mood, if I am transporting the girls, or just out running errands - I have my choice of three modes of transportation. If I’m just out for a drive/ride, I have my 1996 900SS Ducati. Running errands and transporting my motorcycle to the racetrack, I have my 2002 Dodge Dakota. Most days, I’m in the family car, which is a 2008 Toyota Prius.

What are you reading?
Currently the favorites of the week are The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson and Imogene’s Antlers by David Small. They are both great stories that my three year old received for her 3rd birthday a few weeks ago that we read multiple times a day. My personal current reading is a collection of short stories by Patrick F. McManus. He is an incredibly funny outdoorsman writer who keeps me laughing, which is much needed after a full day with my girls.

What music are you listening to?
During the day, I'm listening to a compilation of kid’s music. Captain Bogg and Salty is a favorite, along with For the Kids, They Might Be Giants, Disney Silly Songs, Mozart, and music from the movie Curious George by Jack Johnson. Lately, at night, I go to sleep to North by Northwest by the National Park Series. It is beautiful, relaxing music mixed with the sounds of nature.

What's the last movie you saw?
The last movie that I actually saw in the theatre was Pan’s Labyrinth, in January 2007. My wife and I went to a place called Cinatopia, where they have “living room theatres”, where you sit in big comfy leather chairs and can put your feet up. They also serve great food and wine that you can eat right there while watching the movie. The movie was fantastic, and I would highly recommend it to anyone.

How long have you been married?
I’ve been married to my lovely wife, Sandra, for almost 8 years and we’ ve been together for over 11 years.

Kids names and ages?
Anwyn Brae is my oldest daughter, who just turned 3 years old at the end of June. My second daughter, Catriona Jade was just born the middle of May.

Describe your favorite family vacation?
My favorite family vacation was down to Monterey, California when Anwyn was just over 1 year old. My wife had to go down for work, so Anwyn and I tagged along (as who can resist a trip to Monterey?). Anwyn and I had a few days to ourselves while my wife worked, but then my wife took off a few days and we were able to wander all over the Monterey-Carmel, CA area. The Monterey Bay Aquarium was spectacular. Playing in the ocean with Anwyn in Carmel, watching the surfers, visiting wineries, swimming, and sharing a piece of my past by showing my daughter where I lived in Monterey years before and worked at Laguna Seca Raceway were incredible. My dream vacation is being able to take the girls to Scotland and show them some of my favorite places there.

Your thoughts on being a Dad?
I had always heard that once you have kids, your life changes. I had no idea that my capacity to love would also change, by increasing so unbelievably much. I thought I loved my wife, Sandra, with all of my heart, but as Anwyn was being born, my heart grew exponentially. It totally took me off guard with just how much love a person is capable of. Then it all happened again with the birth of Catriona. Being a Dad has been more rewarding in so many ways than I ever imagined.

How do you juggle family and work?
Luckily I don’t have to juggle too much. My main job is being a Stay-at-home-Dad, and I just moonlight as a Skidcar/Racecar Driving Instructor. Although even that has its challenges at times. I just think it is important to spend as much time as possible with your kids, and if you can afford to only have one parent work for awhile, you should do it.

What's your favorite thing to do with your kids?
I love to hear them laugh and watch them smile. Swimming is probably the most fun. Anwyn loves the water and so far, Catriona hasn’t complained. We try to get to pools and lakes as often as possible.

What advice would you give to new or soon-to-be dads?
Stay calm! It will get better. Be good to your family and they will be good to you.


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