First Chair Series

A 52-week KJV devotional & keepsake journal

For the man in the 3 a.m. chair.

Ten minutes a week through his baby's first year. Scripture, an honest reflection, one small action, and room to write, so the book becomes a keepsake his child reads someday.

Put their names inside Read 4 weeks free

“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” Psalm 127:3

Cover of First Year, Grandfather's Chair, green leather-look with a pressed rocking chair Cover of First Year, First Chair, cognac leather-look with a pressed rocking chair
Week 1 spread: the devotional on the left, a journal page on the right

One spread a week

Timed to where his baby actually is

Week 6 is the first real smile. Week 25 is first foods. Week 45 is first steps. Each spread meets him there.

  • With your sonWhat the baby is doing this week, based on CDC and AAP milestone ranges.
  • The verseOne King James passage, with a pointer to read the whole chapter.
  • ReflectionA short, plain-spoken page for a tired man.
  • Dad MoveOne concrete action this week, with a box to check.
  • Your pageOne honest question and lines to answer it. A photo spot every fourth week.

The keepsake part

By the first birthday, it's a record of the year in his own handwriting

The Firsts

A milestone log: first smile, first tooth, first steps, and where he was standing.

12 monthly letters

A short letter to his child at the end of every month.

A letter for age 18

Written on the first birthday, sealed, and handed over at eighteen.

For the hard nights

A help page with postpartum support for dads, 988, safe sleep, and Poison Control.

The books

One for Dad. One for Grandpa.

Each comes in two editions, so every page says he or she.

First Year, First Chair cover

First Year, First Chair

For new dads. The gift from his wife, his parents, or his church.

Son editionDaughter edition

$16.99

Paperback on Amazon, coming November 2026.

First Year, Grandfather's Chair cover

First Year, Grandfather's Chair

For new grandfathers: help without taking over, bless without lecturing, love two generations at once.

Grandson editionGranddaughter edition

$16.99

Paperback on Amazon, coming November 2026.

Personalized edition

Their names, inside the book

We print a copy just for your family: the baby's name through the weekly pages, the letters addressed to them, the gift page filled in, and their names on the cover band. You approve a proof before it prints.

Personalized orders open November 20, 2026. Names shown are examples.

For Caleb

Whoever handed you this saw the father you are becoming before you could. Prove them right, one page a week.

Given toCaleb
SonEli James Carter
FromMom and Dad
Week 1 · With EliEli mostly sleeps, eats, and startles at loud noises, and is already learning the sound of your voice.

Free sample

Read the first month free

Weeks 1 to 4, the Month One letter page, and the milestone log, as a printable PDF. Pick your edition, leave your email, and download it now — we'll also email you at launch.

Gifts that match the book

Baby's First Christmas, and every 3 a.m. after

Ornaments for Dad, Grandpa, Papaw, Pop, and Papa, with Son, Daughter, Grandson, or Granddaughter. Coming to our Etsy shop this November.

Round ornament reading Baby's First Christmas, Papaw and Grandson, 2026, with a rocking chair
Ceramic ornament · Papaw & Grandson shown
Mug design reading The 3 A.M. Chair with Psalm 127:3
11 oz mug · The 3 A.M. Chair, with Psalm 127:3 on the back
“Every father ends up in a chair at 3 a.m., wondering if he's doing any of this right.”

From the author

I wrote First Year, First Chair for that chair: the rocker, the recliner, the corner of the couch. A man is made there, one tired night at a time. The grandfather edition came next, because I'm about to become a Papaw myself.

Chris Davis, Easley, South Carolina

Questions

Before you buy

Which Bible translation does it use?

The King James Version, throughout. Each week also points to the full chapter so he can read further.

Can I give it before the baby arrives?

Yes. Week 1 starts on the day the baby is born, so it makes a good shower or pregnancy-announcement gift.

What's the difference between the son and daughter editions?

The pronouns and a few examples. Every page reads naturally for a boy or a girl, with no "(or daughter)" anywhere.

How does the personalized edition work?

You enter the names when you order. We email a PDF proof of the gift page and a sample week. Once you approve it, your copy is printed and shipped to you. Nothing prints until you approve.

Is the baby development information medical advice?

No. The weekly notes follow general CDC and AAP milestone ranges, and every baby keeps a different timeline. Questions about a child's health go to the pediatrician.