The hours at my 9-to-5 were long. The inbox never seemed to slow down. Every time I thought I was getting caught up, another task found its way onto the list.

But underneath all of that was something different.

For the first time in a while, I’m genuinely excited about a project that sits outside my normal day-to-day work. It isn’t a weekend project. It isn’t something that will be finished next week. It’s the type of project that requires patience, consistency, and a willingness to build over time.

The funny thing is, I don’t see it as something that takes away from my career. I actually think it helps me become better at it.

I’ve realized that when all of my professional energy is tied to a single job, it’s easy to lose perspective. Having something creative, challenging, and completely my own gives me a place to learn, experiment, and grow. And if I’m being honest, I think it will help me be more present both at work and at home.

Jasper helps with that.

My partner helps with that.

But I also need something that challenges me professionally and keeps me excited about what’s next.

I think this project might be the beginning of that.

What exactly is it?

You’ll have to stick around a little longer to find out.

Outside of work, Saturday ended up becoming one of those unexpectedly memorable days.

We hosted dinner for some of our closest friends. It wasn’t planned as a Pride Month gathering, but by coincidence every guest happened to be part of the LGBTQIA+ community. What could have been just another dinner turned into an evening filled with laughter, stories, great conversations, and the kind of connection that reminds you why friendships matter.

My partner absolutely crushed it in the kitchen.

The food was incredible.

The company was even better.

And Jasper? He was living his best life.

One of our friends absolutely adores kids, and before long Jasper had someone new to chase around the house. The amount of running, laughing, and playing that happened was enough to wear out almost everyone involved.

Almost.

Somehow toddlers always seem to have another gear.

By Sunday, things finally slowed down.

After our last guest headed home, my partner and I found ourselves doing something we haven’t done much of lately: relaxing.

Not because there wasn’t work to do.

Not because there weren’t projects waiting.

But because sometimes you need a moment to appreciate where you are before worrying about where you’re going.

And with a big week ahead at both work and with this new project, it felt like exactly what we needed.

The Arizona trip gave me perspective.

This weekend gave me momentum.

And if I’m right about where this project is headed, this may be the beginning of something much bigger than I originally imagined.

Stay tuned. 🚀

The best adventures don’t always start with a plane ticket. Sometimes they start with an idea you simply refuse to let go.

After an action-packed weekend, we kept things simple. Pool time, sunshine, and a relaxing evening with a friend. No big agenda—just enjoying the final moments before reality started creeping back in.

Tuesday became our transition day.

Suitcases came back out, souvenirs found their way into bags, and we started preparing for the journey home. Before saying goodbye to Arizona, we squeezed in one more trip to the neighborhood pool and then headed out for a family photoshoot in the evening.

Watching Jasper smile, run, and explore during the photos reminded me how quickly this season of life is moving. It feels like yesterday we were figuring out bottles and nap schedules. Now we’re chasing a toddler through the desert trying to get him to look at the camera for more than three seconds.

Wednesday was travel day.

Our journey home included a layover in Las Vegas, where Jasper discovered what may have been his favorite attraction of the entire airport: the moving sidewalks.

For nearly two hours, we rode them back and forth before lunch, turning a layover into an adventure. It’s funny how toddlers can find more joy in an airport walkway than most adults find in an entire vacation.

Then it was back on the plane and home to Ohio, officially wrapping up Jasper’s first return trip to a destination he’d already visited.

By Thursday, vacation mode was over.

Jasper was back at daycare. I was back at work. Emails returned. Calendars filled up. The routine came rushing back faster than expected.

But something felt different.

Sometimes getting away helps you realize how much you appreciate home. Other times it reminds you what matters most when you return. For me, it was both.

The weekend gave us one final chance to enjoy family time as Jasper’s grandma and grandpa came to visit before our return to the gurudwara on Sunday.

And honestly, it was exactly the ending we needed.

After trains, road trips, butterflies, bubbles, red rocks, pools, airports, and family adventures, ending the week surrounded by family, community, and gratitude felt right.

Arizona gave us memories.

Home reminded us why we wanted to come back.

And as amazing as the trip was, the best part wasn’t the destination.

It was experiencing it together. ❤️

We wrapped up a major period of change at work and officially started our holiday on Tuesday. Honestly, the time away was desperately needed, even if this trip wasn’t originally carrying the excitement I thought it would. Sometimes your brain gets so buried in work, stress, and routine that it takes a while for vacation mode to actually kick in.

And the trip definitely made us earn it early.

The red-eye flight to Arizona was… an adventure. Jasper didn’t sleep nearly as well as we hoped, which with a toddler on a plane overnight can feel like a very long experience for everyone involved. But honestly, the people around us were incredibly kind and patient with him, and that made a huge difference. Those little moments of grace from strangers really stick with you as a parent.

By Wednesday, we finally got our first full day in Phoenix and things started feeling lighter.

We visited Butterfly Wonderland, which honestly felt surreal at times. Watching Jasper react to butterflies flying all around him was one of those moments where you just stop and smile. Then of course came pool time, which might officially be his favorite activity on earth right now.

The biggest disappointment of the trip so far came when a friend I had really hoped to reconnect with ended up getting scheduled to work. Timing just hasn’t been on our side lately, which was tough. Life gets busy, schedules drift, and sometimes people you really want to see just can’t align in the moment. Still hoping we figure it out soon.

Thursday turned into one of Jasper’s dream days.

We took him to a place called Bubbles, and it was exactly what it sounds like — endless rooms, giant bubbles, floating balloons, colors everywhere, and nonstop toddler excitement. Pure chaos in the best possible way. His face the entire time made the trip worth it all by itself.

Then Friday arrived… and honestly might end up being one of my favorite family days in a long time.

We started with a peaceful morning walk before heading north on a road trip to Williams for Jasper’s birthday present experience. And wow… what a day.

Between the playgrounds, jungle gyms, and nonstop movement, he was already having the time of his life before we even boarded the train. But once we got rolling toward the Grand Canyon, he absolutely became the star of our train car. Smiling, waving, exploring — everyone seemed to fall in love with his energy.

Seeing the Grand Canyon together as a family felt special in a way that’s hard to fully explain. One of those moments where life slows down just enough for perspective to hit you.

After staying overnight, we headed south through Sedona and stopped at Bell Rock before finally making our way back to our Arizona home base. Red rocks, desert skies, warm air — it all just felt different from the pace we left behind.

And honestly… this trip has surprised me.

It’s become so much more than just a vacation.

Somewhere between the desert drives, toddler laughter, pool days, and slowing life down, I’ve started realizing what I actually need more of when we get home. More presence. More experiences. More intentional time with Jasper while he’s still little enough to think bubbles and trains are the greatest things in the world.

Because one day these moments won’t feel ordinary anymore.

And I don’t want to miss them while worrying about everything else.

We’ve still got friends, more adventures, and Memorial Day ahead before heading home — so the story isn’t done yet.

And don’t forget to check out the free photo drops from the trip over on Buy Me a Coffee. ☕🌵

At work, we stepped into new territory. New skills, renewed skills, and a lot of learning as things continue to evolve around us. At the same time, we also began saying long goodbyes to friends and colleagues who have been part of the journey for years. It’s strange how growth and change often arrive together — one hand opening while the other slowly lets go.

Meanwhile at home, excitement has definitely started building.

By the time this post goes live, Jasper, my partner, and I will officially be heading out on vacation. Or holiday, depending on which side of the family is speaking. 😄

This trip feels extra special because it’s actually Jasper’s first repeat destination. We’re heading back to Arizona for a week to visit friends, slow life down a bit, and just enjoy being somewhere different together as a family.

There’s something comforting about returning somewhere familiar — especially now seeing it through the eyes of a 2-year-old.

Jasper had a great week at school before the trip too. Although I’ll admit, managing his hair lately has become a full-on “terrible twos” challenge of its own. Somehow every morning turns into a negotiation between style and chaos. Still, he’s loving school, loving his friends, and growing so fast it honestly feels hard to keep up sometimes.

Being away from school for a bit will probably be an adjustment for him, but I think a week with Mom and Dad exploring Arizona will balance that out just fine.

Professionally, this week also brought a big personal milestone.

If you checked out my LinkedIn recently, you probably saw that I completed my AI training — something I’m genuinely excited about. I really enjoyed digging into the material and seeing how it connects with both old skills and new ones, especially around coding, automation, and development.

Toward the end of the week, I fully leaned into it and built a web app along with a process to help create new regions at work. Honestly, it reminded me how much I enjoy building things. Solving problems. Creating systems that actually help people.

I’m pretty excited to show more of it soon.

But while one chapter feels like it’s opening, another is quietly closing.

One of our longest-tenured teammates is preparing for his next challenge, and that reality is hitting harder than I expected. Work relationships become part of your rhythm over time. Some people are simply woven into the story of your career, and it’s emotional watching those seasons begin to shift.

Still, that’s part of growth too.

And maybe that’s what this week really was about:

Learning to hold excitement and uncertainty at the same time.

New beginnings. Long goodbyes. Family adventures. Professional growth.

A little messy. A little emotional. But meaningful all the same.

You can follow more of the professional side of the journey on my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbanigjr

And for extra photos, creative posts, and behind-the-scenes moments from The Dad Diary, check out: https://buymeacoffee.com/davidbanigjr

It honestly started before Monday.

When we missed going to the gurudwara again on Sunday because my partner wasn’t feeling well, something just felt off. I know logically life happens. People get sick. Schedules change. But emotionally, it felt like we missed more than a place. It felt like we missed a reset. A grounding point. Something my mind and spirit had quietly been relying on more than I realized.

Then Monday arrived.

And everything seemed to go wrong at once.

Work issues started immediately with data problems and system frustrations. One thing after another. The kind of problems where you spend hours trying to stabilize things while new issues continue popping up behind them. It wasn’t even dramatic — just exhausting.

Tuesday somehow found a way to be worse.

Appointments for blood work added stress to an already overloaded week, and little frustrations turned into tension neither of us really needed. The pressure at home started bleeding into the pressure at work, and suddenly it felt like there was nowhere to mentally step away and breathe.

By Wednesday, I kept hoping things would turn around.

Instead, the negative energy just kept carrying through the week. The workouts were okay. The training was okay. The actual work itself technically got done. But internally? I just couldn’t shake the feeling.

You know those weeks where nothing catastrophic happens, but somehow everything feels heavy?

That was this week.

And maybe the hardest part was realizing I couldn’t seem to break the cycle mentally. I kept trying to push through it logically — work harder, stay focused, fix the next thing — but emotionally I was just drained.

Thankfully, the weekend finally gave us something different.

Even with cold temperatures and rain in the forecast, we decided to take Jasper to the zoo for Mother’s Day weekend.

And honestly? It changed everything.

Watching Jasper walk through the zoo made the experience feel completely different than before. He’s no longer just being carried from exhibit to exhibit. He’s curious now. Pointing at animals. Running ahead. Staring in amazement. Processing the world in real time.

It slowed me down in the best way possible.

For a few hours, I stopped thinking about work issues, stress, updates, deadlines, and everything else weighing on me. I was just watching my son discover the world.

And having my aunt there with us made it even more special. With my parents away in Europe, it was nice having family close by to share in those moments. It didn’t need to be extravagant. It was simple, meaningful, and exactly what I think we all needed.

Then Sunday came.

And finally returning to the gurudwara felt like exhaling after holding my breath for weeks.

Catching up with friends. Sitting in the peace of the service. Sharing food together afterward. Even the familiar sounds and rhythms felt healing in a way I didn’t expect.

Jasper’s nap schedule was definitely thrown off, but honestly? Some things are worth the disruption.

This was one of them.

Because somewhere between the stress, exhaustion, parenting, work pressure, and nonstop mental noise… I think I forgot something important:

You cannot build a meaningful life if you never stop long enough to actually feel it.

The zoo reminded me to be present.
The gurudwara reminded me to be grounded.
And Jasper reminded me that joy is still here, even in hard weeks.

Monday doesn’t magically fix everything.

But it does offer something powerful:

Another chance to begin again.

Especially with a 2-year-old who is fully mobile and fully committed to exploring everything.

It’s amazing how quickly one extra adult goes from “helpful” to “essential.”

On top of that, I had my annual physical this week — a bit of a checkpoint. I’ll be honest, I’ve felt a little off lately, maybe a bit more lazy than I’d like to admit. Even if the results come back solid, it’s clear some changes need to happen. One of those quiet wake-up calls.

The back half of the week didn’t slow down much either.

With my partner returning from travel, I expected a bit of a reset — but work had other plans. I ended up putting in an extra 4.5 hours Friday night after Jasper went down, then nearly another 5 hours on Saturday between naps and the evening.

The reality of my role right now is that a lot of fixes can’t happen until systems update — and those updates usually hit on weekends. So if Jasper wasn’t awake, chances were I was working.

Not exactly the balance I was aiming for.

We did carve out some time that mattered though.

Dinner with my mom, dad, and aunt before they head overseas again — Arizona to Europe in no time. It was really good for Jasper to spend time with them, especially since it had been a while. It’s interesting balancing both sides of family — my partner’s parents in India stay closely connected through regular calls, while mine are more in-person when we can make it happen. Different dynamics, same intention.

By Sunday, we all needed a reset.

After a week of travel, work, and just general chaos, the goal was simple: slow down. Relax. Recover a bit. My partner’s been feeling under the weather, so it felt like the right time to just take a breath before Monday comes back around.

Well… as much of a “relaxing” day as you can have with a toddler running the show.

Because at the end of it all, the work will always be there — but these seasons with him won’t. And I’m not going to miss them while staring at a screen.

Instead, it just felt… off.

Work was a grind in the most frustrating way. IT issues all week — my computer resetting every few hours, updates failing, and no real fix in sight. One of those situations where you’re stuck, watching time slip, and there’s nothing you can do about it. The kind of thing that drains you faster than actual hard work.

Then Saturday hit.

What started as a great day with Jasper took a turn when travel plans — something I’d been really looking forward to — fell apart fast. In a matter of hours, it went from possibility to nothing. And the reality started to set in: after May, I might be stuck close to home for the rest of 2026.

That didn’t sit well.

Not just for me, but thinking about experiences — for Jasper, for us as a family. It’s frustrating when things stall, especially when the reasons feel avoidable. Still, getting stuck in that frustration doesn’t change the outcome.

Sunday usually helps reset things.

Time at the gurudwara is where I slow down, reflect, and get grounded again. But with my partner preparing to be on the road next week, even that rhythm got disrupted. It felt like the one constant I rely on wasn’t quite there this time.

And I’ll be honest — it carried over.

Even looking ahead to my upcoming trip to Arizona, I’m struggling to feel the same excitement. It’s hard when your expectations take a hit. And yeah, the thought of another Canada trip — while always good — feels more like routine than something new right now.

But here’s where it shifts.

At the end of the day, I’ve still got what matters most — my partner and Jasper.

Plans change. Trips fall through. Weeks don’t go the way you expect.

But the foundation is still there.

So maybe this isn’t about where I’m going next.

Maybe it’s about what I build right here, right now.

Because if I can’t control the map… I can still control the direction.

It showed up right after Sunday at the gurudwara and carried through most of the week. Tuesday was definitely the worst of it — the kind of day where you can tell your little one just isn’t himself. By Wednesday, after “school” (his word for daycare), he started to turn the corner a bit.

Of course, daycare comes with its own realities. Toddlers share everything — toys, laughs… and germs. So we know where it likely came from. The timing just never feels ideal, especially with everything else going on.

Because this week wasn’t just any week — it was Vaisakhi.

A meaningful time in Sikh culture, marking both the formation of the Khalsa and the harvest season — a moment of renewal, gratitude, and preparation for what’s next. It’s one of those times of year that naturally brings reflection.

And this year, that part hit a little deeper.

We also had family coming in from out of town, which made Jasper being sick even tougher. It’s one of those parenting trade-offs — protecting your child and others means sometimes missing out on moments you were really looking forward to. Hopefully we’ll get that time back soon.

There’s also a lot of discussion around this time being the Sikh New Year, depending on how you look at the calendar. Whether it’s Vaisakhi or the start of Chet, the message feels the same — a chance to reset, reflect, and move forward with intention.

For me, that reflection is landing on something simple but difficult: technology.

It’s easy for it to creep in — a quick check that turns into 20 minutes, a habit that slowly takes more time than it should. I’ve realized I want to be more present. More intentional. Less distracted.

Less screen time. More real time.

More focus on Jasper, my partner, my health — even just getting back to basics like movement and routine. Somewhere along the way, I stopped tracking those things as closely. It’s time to bring that back.

The end of the week brought some much-needed balance.

Friday was more about home updates — getting a new fan installed and continuing to improve the space around us. But Saturday was the highlight. Jasper’s grandma returned from Arizona, and we spent time at her place — playing, walking, just being together.

Jasper and I even got in a morning hike and a solid nap — a rare and perfect combo.

My partner baked special cookies while catching up with her family in India, and we wrapped the day getting new outfits ready for Vaisakhi at temple. It felt like one of those full, meaningful days you wish you could bottle up.

Sunday at the gurudwara was beautiful — a great ceremony, great energy, and a strong sense of community.

But later that day, something unexpected hit me — the Sunday scaries.

Not just the usual end-of-weekend feeling, but something heavier tied to work. A realization that the current pace, the current setup… it’s not sustainable.

And that’s probably the biggest takeaway from the week.

This next stretch isn’t just about getting through it.

It’s about taking control — before the days start running faster than the life I’m trying to build.

That said, there was one big upside to all the extra work — our home project kept moving forward. The great room finally got painted, and seeing that come together made the long hours feel a little more worth it. It’s always rewarding when the effort shows up somewhere tangible.

So going into the weekend, I made a simple decision: no work, just Jasper.

And honestly, it was exactly what I needed.

We spent the weekend doing what toddlers do best — moving nonstop. Up, down, playing, laughing, repeating. No desk, no laptop, just being present. Even my back started to feel better just from stepping away and getting moving again.

Saturday stood out. After his nap, we made it to the park and ended up walking nearly three miles through muddy trails from the recent rain. Not exactly planned, but those are usually the best moments — just me and the little man exploring, no rush, no agenda.

Sunday brought us back to the gurudwara. It was good to be there, surrounded by familiar faces, especially with Vaisakhi right around the corner. You could feel the energy building — a mix of community, reflection, and celebration.

After a week that pushed me to the edge, this weekend pulled me back.

A reminder that sometimes the reset isn’t complicated — it’s just stepping away, moving your body, and spending time with the people who matter most.

And as we step into Vaisakhi this week, it feels like the right time to reset and refocus.

To all my Punjabi readers — Happy Vaisakhi. Wishing you a joyful celebration and a strong season ahead. 🌾

Jasper had an amazing 3-day weekend. I wish I could say Mom and Dad got to fully enjoy it with him, but between split shifts of work and parenting, Friday especially felt long. A mix of playing, working, and trying to keep everything moving. I even had to put in some extra hours over the weekend to make up for it — but overall, happy with how things turned out.

Friday wrapped up with Jasper’s second Easter egg hunt at Majestic Meadows here in Ohio. Such a fun experience, especially getting to see him with the Easter Bunny. His first hunt was actually Thursday at school, which my partner got to enjoy with him — one of those moments you’re glad someone was there to experience.

The third and final egg hunt came Sunday morning before heading to the gurudwara. A full weekend of chasing eggs, smiles, and a lot of toddler energy.

Saturday brought his 2-year checkup — and all great news. Healthy, growing, and best of all… no shots. A win for everyone involved.

Sunday was one of those days that really shows how connected everything is for us. After temple, we watched my aunt sing in her church choir for Easter while calling Jasper’s grandparents in India so they could be part of it too. Different places, different traditions, all coming together in one moment.

Then it was back to reality — cleaning the house and getting ready for the next home project. Always something.

It was a full, busy, meaningful weekend. And now, as we turn the page into Q2, I’m looking forward to a slightly slower start before things ramp up again.

Meanwhile, Jasper is leveling up in real time.

This week, he really found the word “no.” And he’s using it with confidence 😅. His vocabulary — switching between Punjabi and English — is honestly impressive for his age. You can see his personality starting to come through more and more with every word.

Even better, he’s finally walking more consistently. After spending so much time getting around on his knees (which, as a parent, was tough to watch), seeing him up and moving feels like a huge win. It’s a reminder of how quickly these little transitions happen.

We’ve also officially entered the phase where staying home all day is no longer an option. Jasper needs movement, stimulation, something. So Saturday turned into a full outing — the Indian grocery store, the mall, and a walk all in one day. By the end of it, we were completely drained.

After a bit of house cleaning, we finally sat down for a movie night. This week’s pick was Joe’s College Road Trip. It gave us a few laughs, and yes — before anyone asks — Jasper was already in bed for that one.

We wrapped the weekend the way we’re trying to do more consistently now, with a trip to the gurudwara on Sunday. There’s something about being there that slows everything down, especially during this time. We’re currently in the month of Chet, now day 16, a period that naturally brings more reflection and focus.

This week wasn’t about big milestones or major events. It was about pushing through illness, watching small but meaningful growth, and finding rhythm again — one day at a time.

Like most toddlers who spend their weekdays in daycare, Jasper occasionally brings home a little “souvenir” from his friends — usually in the form of a cold. This week it felt like the germs made a full lap through the entire house.

It started with my partner losing her voice late last week at temple. Unfortunately, she had a big week at work ahead of her and didn’t really have the luxury of slowing down. She pushed through meetings, responsibilities, and everything else that comes with the workweek while trying to recover. Watching someone operate on half a voice while juggling work and family life is impressive in its own way.

Then it was my turn.

By midweek I hit a wall harder than I have in a long time. I realized pretty quickly this wasn’t just a light cold. I was as sick as I’ve been in probably three years. The kind of sickness where even the simplest tasks feel like a full workout. It made for a long week, especially when work and parenting responsibilities don’t exactly pause just because you feel terrible.

It was one of those weeks where you just focus on getting through the day — lots of rest when possible, plenty of fluids, and the slow realization that sometimes your body just forces you to reset whether you planned for it or not.

Thankfully, by the weekend things started to turn the corner.

Saturday was the first day we finally felt well enough to get out of the house. Nothing major — just a simple trip to the park and a stop at the store — but after being inside most of the week it felt like a big victory. Fresh air, a little sunshine, and watching Jasper run around again was exactly what everyone needed.

Sunday brought us back to the gurudwara, which felt like the perfect way to close out the week. After the chaos of sickness and the nonstop rhythm of life, taking time for reflection and meditation helped reset things mentally. Sometimes you need that quiet moment to step back, breathe, and appreciate the fact that even the tough weeks eventually pass.

This wasn’t the kind of challenge you plan for — no big events, no celebrations, just the reality of a household fighting through illness at the same time.

But like most things in parenting and family life, we got through it together.

And hopefully this week, the only thing Jasper brings home from daycare… is artwork.

Friday marked Sikh New Year’s Eve and the start of the month of Chet, a time of remembrance and reflection. It’s always a meaningful moment in the year. Before the balloons and race cars took over the house, there was a quiet appreciation for what the past year has meant for our family. Jasper’s first full year of life came with a lot of learning, a lot of growth, and more memories than I could ever write down in a single post.

But of course… reflection didn’t last long.

Because Saturday was the big race car birthday bash for our newly minted two-year-old.

And like any good racing event, there were a few unexpected pit stops along the way.

The house was packed with balloons, friends, and the kind of toddler excitement that only a room full of toy cars and birthday cake can generate. At one point we even had a power outage, which felt like the universe testing the durability of a toddler birthday party. Food was delayed, lights flickered, and for a moment I thought the whole party might stall out before the green flag.

But somehow it all came together.

Kids ran around, adults laughed, and Jasper soaked it all in like the little superstar he is. Watching him race toy cars across the floor, surrounded by friends and family, it was hard not to think about how quickly these two years have flown by. One minute you’re bringing a newborn home from the hospital, the next minute you’re hosting a race-car themed birthday party and wondering how your toddler learned to run so fast.

Sunday slowed things back down again.

We returned to temple for a long service to mark the beginning of the new month and a day of remembrance. Sitting there, it felt like the right way to close the weekend — reflecting on the full journey of Jasper’s first year while also stepping into the excitement of year two.

Year one was about learning the world.

Year two? I have a feeling it’s going to be about exploring it at full speed.

And if this weekend was any indication… I might want to keep my running shoes ready. 🏎️

Jasper had a great week at school. His energy and curiosity seem to grow by the day, and right now everything feels like an adventure for him. With his birthday party just days away, the excitement is building for our fast and curious little guy. This year, just like before, his birthday lines up with Sikh New Year — which makes the celebration feel even more meaningful.

This past week also marked a very special milestone for me personally: eleven years since I married my partner in India. It’s amazing how quickly time moves. Looking back at that moment and seeing where life has taken us since — a home, a son, two cultures woven together — it’s something I’m deeply grateful for.

The time change over the weekend definitely made things a little rough. Losing that hour always hits harder than expected, especially with a toddler who doesn’t believe in adjusting his internal clock. Still, we managed to keep the rhythm of the weekend moving.

Link got his haircut and is looking sharp again — always a small but satisfying reset around the house.

And as we often try to do, we made it to temple on Sunday. It’s a grounding way to close out the week and start the next one with a little perspective.

Now all eyes turn toward Jasper’s big birthday celebration. Hard to believe another year has already come around. 🎂

Jasper had a full week back at daycare. By Friday, you could see it on him — the kind of tired that only comes from nonstop excitement. New activities, friends, routines. He’s growing into his little world more every week, and it’s amazing to watch… even if it means early bedtimes and slower evenings to recharge.

Sunday was my grandmother’s birthday — 90+ years young. On Saturday, Jasper made a surprise visit to see his great grandma. His only one. Watching those two generations meet in the same room is something I don’t take lightly. There’s history there. Legacy. A quiet reminder of how quickly time moves and how special it is to have four generations able to sit together.

Saturday night, dad stepped out to celebrate one of my best friend’s wife’s birthdays. It was good to see old friends, laugh a little louder than usual, and remember versions of life before diapers and daycare schedules. Meanwhile, mom stayed home with Jasper — choosing rest (as much as a toddler allows). Balance isn’t always even, but we try to give each other space when we can.

Sunday marked our return to the gurudwara for the start of March. It felt grounding. There are some bigger discussions happening in our lives right now — decisions, direction, next steps. Sitting there, I felt guided. Not rushed. Just reminded that growth doesn’t always come from pushing harder. Sometimes it comes from listening more closely.

A week of building, celebrating, reconnecting, and reflecting. Busy — but meaningful.

By Tuesday, it was right back to reality.

Work has been on my mind a lot lately. I’ve been thinking about what the next version of my 9–5 looks like. After spending the past few years in sales operations, I feel the pull back toward marketing — the creative side, the strategy, the storytelling. Sales ops sharpened me. It made me more analytical and structured. But marketing is where I feel most energized. Now the question is whether I can evolve my role internally or if a bigger leap is needed. Growth is exciting… but it carries weight when you’re building for more than just yourself.

Saturday we bundled up and headed to the town square for the ice festival. It was the kind of cold that makes you question why you left the house in the first place. But Jasper didn’t care. He just wanted to explore. The ice sculptures, the lights, the movement — everything was magic to him. We grabbed popcorn to keep our hands warm, and for a few minutes, I forgot about career transitions and contractor calls and just watched him take it all in.

The weekend also brought another layer of adulthood: new furniture delivered to the house. It felt symbolic. We’re finally investing more intentionally into our home here in the U.S. — making it ours. At the same time, we’re coordinating paint and road work at the house in India. Managing contractors across time zones. Balancing budgets in two places. Building in two countries at once.

It’s rewarding. It’s stressful. It’s stretching us.

Some days it feels like I’m living multiple roles at once — dad, husband, professional in transition, homeowner in two hemispheres. But maybe this season isn’t about having it perfectly balanced. Maybe it’s about learning to carry more — and still stay present.

Busy week. Big thoughts. Full heart.

Saturday brunch with my aunt on the actual Valentine’s Day felt meaningful too. Since we had celebrated the day before, it was nice to spend that time with her — slowing down, talking, sharing a meal. A reminder that love shows up in different forms and different seasons.

And then there’s the baby — officially on a walking spree. Watching him walk across temple on Sunday, small steps but so determined, stopped me for a moment. These are the milestones you don’t realize are milestones until they’re happening right in front of you.

Monday brings no daycare, which means dad duty while mom works. It’s tiring, yes — but it’s also time I won’t get back. Car rides, small adventures, breaking up his day however I can. In the middle of the busy, I’m trying to be present. Because the weeks are full — but so is the heart.

Wednesday was especially wild — a long work night that also happened to be my birthday. I joked that I was trying to stay awake until the exact minute I was born… and honestly, I almost did. Not exactly how I planned to celebrate, but when work calls, it really calls.

Saturday evening slowed things down in the best way. We stopped at a cozy tea shop near the Indian grocery, sat down, and just took a breath with good chai before heading out to pick up my new suit. From there we walked into the Indian store — familiar smells, snacks, and that comforting chaos of aisles that feel like home. After such a hectic week, it was surprisingly grounding.

Sunday started at temple. Being back together there, after everything, felt peaceful — a real reset. A reminder of gratitude, patience, and perspective, which I definitely needed after the week I had. There’s something about that space that slows your mind even when life refuses to.

And now we land on Super Bowl Sunday. I’ll be supporting my extended family and cheering on the Seattle Seahawks this year, hoping the results go our way. No matter the score, it feels good to end the week at home, together, full — in every sense of the word.

What followed felt like a small endurance event rather than a business trip.

I booked the flights with plenty of cushion because, well, it’s winter. But even the best-laid plans don’t always cooperate. We left Cleveland late, which chopped my 2.5-hour layover in Chicago down to about one hour. Then we got stuck on the tarmac trying to get to our gate, and just like that, my buffer disappeared. I found myself sprinting through O’Hare like I was trying out for a reality show called “Miss Your Flight or Else.”

Somehow, I made it. They were still unloading, so I breathed for about five seconds. Then—maintenance issue. That delay pushed my arrival back so much that what should have been a normal travel day turned into over 12 hours door to door. Between that and my recent American Airlines saga in India, I think we might need a temporary separation.

Once I finally made it to Florida, the trip itself was… complicated. It was genuinely great to see our sales team and connect with people I respect, but the overall energy of the event just didn’t match last year. I wasn’t alone in feeling that way. Sometimes hype doesn’t land the way it’s supposed to, and that was definitely the case here.

The highlight of the week ended up being Charles Clark’s motivational talk, which says a lot. He was excellent—but when the motivational speaker is the best part of a product-focused event, you know something felt a little off.

Thankfully, United came through on the way home. The return trip was smoother, faster, and far less dramatic. I made it back and was in bed by 11 p.m., which felt like a small miracle given how the week started.

But honestly, none of the travel or work stress compares to the biggest thing weighing on me this week: missing my partner and Jasper. The house has been quiet in a way that feels too empty. No toddler footsteps, no shared chaos, no little moments that remind me why I work so hard in the first place. Just me, the dog, snow, and my thoughts.

And in that quiet, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for everything my partner does—especially around our home. Managing a career and keeping life running smoothly is no small thing. Holding down both roles while she’s overseas made that crystal clear.

The silver lining? They’re finally on their way back. Right now they’re in Abu Dhabi, and tomorrow I get to pick them up from the airport. I’ve spent the weekend cleaning, organizing, and getting the house ready—not because it had to be perfect, but because I want them to walk back into a space that feels warm, welcoming, and loved.

So as exhausting as this week has been, it’s ending exactly how I needed it to—with my family coming home.

The Dad Diary is about to return to its main storyline: Jasper, laughter, and a full house again.

And I can’t wait.

This one has been a mix of missing Jasper in a way that sneaks up on you, the kind where you catch yourself listening for little footsteps that aren’t there. Work has been heavy, long hours stacked on long days, and just as I start to get my footing, a work trip pops up on the calendar. Because of course it does.

Then today decided to add its own twist: 16 inches of snow… the day before my flight. Shoveling, checking flight updates, and laughing a little at the timing because what else can you do. Somewhere between the snowblower and another work email, it hit me how much easier all of this feels when Jasper is here. The chaos is louder, but the heart feels fuller.

This is one of those Dad Diary weeks. Grinding through work, staring down travel, battling winter, and counting the days until I get my boy back. One foot in front of the other. Always forward.