A Day To Celebrate the Kids

Today is National Son’s and Daughter’s Day, so be sure to celebrate yours today!!

I am lucky to be the father of three boys and one girl.  I became a father in 2002 when my oldest son, Dante’, was born.  My second son, Dimitri, was born 5 years later.

Dante’ (on the right above) had some developmental issues as a baby and was eventually diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum.  We got him into loads of therapy and he began to thrive.  He has Asperger’s Syndrome, but it hasn’t stopped him from anything!

He is a hard worker who loves his job.  He has a core group of friends who all love hanging out together.  He grew up to be much more than we expected when he was first diagnosed and I couldn’t be more proud of him.

Dimitri (on the left above) is about to enter his senior year of high school.  As a student, he’s a bit like I was in school.  I really only focused on the classes I liked.  By doing that, I barely got by some of those classes!  Senioritis is real, so I hope he is able to stay on track this year.

He loves to read and, of course, play his video games. Recently he was telling me that he discovered old radio shows.  It was an instant bonding moment.  I started to tell him about ones that I loved and he couldn’t wait to listen to them.

The divorce was hard on him.  He struggled a lot and still does.  I don’t get to see him as often as I want to, but I love when we do.  It’s a weird thing for a teenager to start asking serious questions of their parents, so I do my best to always answer and offer advice.  The last few years have been tough for him, but he continues to move forward.  I’m proud of him, too.

13 years later, I was to be a father again with the birth of my first (and only) daughter, Ella.  The chances of me having another baby was about 4% according to an urologist, so Ella is our Miracle baby.

She is an amazing gift from God.  Those things I didn’t get to do with my boys, I get to do with her – daddy daughter dances for example. 

Raising a girl is a whole new thing for me and I will forever be learning.  She keeps me on my toes, for sure.  She’s smart as a whip!  I see wonderful things ahead for her. 

Her smile makes my heart want to explode.  Her laughter has gotten more boisterous and I love to hear it.  Reading books to her, snuggling with her, or just singing songs together are just some of my favorite things to do with her.  She’s ready for preschool this year.  Where did the time go!?

Andrew made his appearance in 2021.  He’s certainly kept us on our toes. It seems like from day 1 we’ve been at doctors for one thing or another.

Much like with Dante’, early intervention was key.  His speech is about where it needs to be.  He’s sleeping better, but still not great.  OT/PT and other services have brought him to the place he is today.

He’s a happy, helpful two-year old.  He loves tools, being outside, playing in the pool, and running around in general.  He’s a bundle of energy and he thinks like an engineer!  This kid is going places!!

My four children could not be more different from each other, but in many ways share many similarities.  I love them all dearly and am so happy to be their dad.

Happy Son’s and Daughter’s Day, kids!!  I love you all forever!!