Smarty Dad: Bill Baker

I bet you thought that a girly-girl designed this hip blog, considering it screams all things girly with the patented pink & green bubbles.  Think again, Smarties!  This fab gem was the brains behind this week’s Smarty Dad, Bill Baker.  I’m sure this guy has seen enough pink & green to fill his lifetime, but no, someone had different plans for him when baby girl Sofi was brought into his world last year!

I met Bill in February of 2008, when my world was rocked and we lost Jen Bunich, who worked at his super cool ad agency.  Bill took me under his wing and helped me relaunch this crazy little thing called Smarty Pants in June of 2008.  And then again earlier this month.  Let me tell ya, Smarties, this is no small feat!  The second relaunch was similar to giving birth to another child! Bill is incredibly talented, patient, giving, funny – I could go on forever! All of us at CSP are completely honored to bring you the uber-talented Smarty Dad, Bill Baker!

Let’s get cozy with Bill!

Bill Baker’s Smarty Dad Quick Facts
Married to: Melissa for 4 Years
Dad of: Sofia / almost 14 months
Occupation: Director of Digital Services for Wray Ward
Hood: South Charlotte
Years in Charlotte: 12 years
Hometown: Leavenworth, KS (yes, the one with the prison)
College Alma Mater: Savannah College of Art and Design

Bill Baker is the man behind the makeover of the pink & green website currently the rave of Charlotte moms. What’s it like trying to get inside the heads of a bunch of crazy chicks for this Smarty Site Makeover?
It is never easy getting into the heads of a bunch of crazy chicks. But I was lucky enough to be involved with this site early on. I used to work with Jennifer Bunich when she first approached me about some tips and pointers for the site. Next thing I know, I am working with the CSP team and became part of the behind the scenes smarty family. So you can say I have been enveloped with all things pink and green ever since.

How did you come up with this fab design, you being a dude and all?
The design is really just another iteration of the site that Jennifer Bunich and Jen Plym started. It seemed to fit then, and I think it still fits today. I liked the playfulness of the colors and the circles that they started with. I wanted to continue that look, but also open up the layout more so it became easier to read. Jen also had a “few things” she wanted to do with the site as well. So it was definitely a collaborative effort.

Now that you’re a dad, what do you find most useful on the site that you created?
Since I am facebook friends with the some of the smarty gals, the social integration of the site allows me to keep up with what is happening on the site and the CSP community easier. So if you haven’t “liked” any of the stories, make sure you do to help spread the word.

What is Melissa’s (the beautiful Mrs. Bill Baker!) favorite CSP article?
Melissa’s favorite article was Memory Makers by Krista Wilson. In planning for holidays and celebrations, Melissa works hard to make sure everyone is happy. She hopes that when Sofi is older she looks back and thinks of her as a “Memory Maker.”

What was the biggest thing you feared when becoming a new dad?
Being a father of a little girl, I am already “fearing” the dating years.

What is your favorite piece of baby gear?
Honestly, I would have to say it is the rockin’ City Select stroller that Melissa picked. Easy to collapse and quick to assemble. I always insist on driving when we take a walk in the neighborhood.

What surprised you most about becoming a dad?
What surprised me the most is how much Sofi continues to surprise me everyday. It is amazing to watch the little one discover new things and new ways to solve problems. One week she is crawling, the next week she is climbing up and going down the slide. Can’t wait to be “surprised” by what she says when she starts talking.

Is Sofi more like her mama or her daddy?
Oh she is definitely like her mom. She has her smile and personality. Very happy go lucky, but very determined.

Favorite activity to do with your fam?
Friday night dinner night. We try to make it a habit to go out as a family on Fridays. It is a nice way to wrap up the work week.

Favorite restaurant?
As a family, we love Zapata’s in Ballantyne. But we recently were able to get a sitter and went to Cowfish. We had a great experience there and the food was excellent. I highly recommend the blackened tuna roll.

Did you read any good baby books or websites?
I really didn’t read a lot of baby books or websites. I mostly rolled with it. Melissa did a ton of reading and she kept me up to speed. My mother-in-law did give me one book that wasn’t too bad The New Father, A Dad’s Guide to the First Year.

Smarty sled – minivan or SUV?
Definitely an SUV family. I grew up in a Dodge Caravan and understand the perks of a minivan, but neither Melissa or I have an interest in owning one. No swagger wagon in this family.

Favorite phone app and iPad app?
iPad: Feedly, Flipboard (really big into curation apps at the moment)
iPhone: hooked on games : NBA Jam, Plants vs. Zombies, and Monopoly with Melissa

I could not live without my…
…gadgets. I have been plugged in since I was a kid back in the 80’s. Hasn’t changed since then.

Charlotte Smarty Pants {hearts} Bill Baker!