Your Old Man

Hey Son,
You might notice something as you get older -- that your dad might be a bit older than some of the other dads around. Well -- let me tell you something about that --

My grandfather was 54 when he had my dad (your grandfather). Your other grandfather was my age when he had your uncle Peter --. Then, on the Norwegian side there were plenty of relatives who were in their 50's when they had their children.

So, I had gone through life- done a lot of interesting things - made a career-- and then the greatest adventure of all hit -- meeting your mom. And from your mom we decided why not share the love-- so here you come.

So, son - when you see your dad - and he is the one who takes the time to spend with you, while other dad's are running off with their careers -- well, don't blame them because their dad's are younger and inexperienced.

Love you son -- can't wait to get you out on the golf course!
Love,
Dad

We are all under one roof

Hey JJ,

This is the first weekend your mom and I won't be traveling somewhere. After 8 months, hundreds of thousands of miles - we are finally -- all of us -- under one roof!

This is my favorite weekend of all time!

The three of us went to Rome for a honeymoon/babymoon and we discovered that you LOVE pasta! Everytime your mom ate pasta you moved a lot!

Plus we got you a companion-- two days after we got home- we got Dr. Lucky!

Now our life begins-- and your dad is the happiest dad in the world,

Love,

Dad

The best family

JJ,


As the gang was all leaving Arizona, two things happened. Our house- which was full of family, friends, guests-- became empty. I missed everyone so much.

I called my mom- and she said something "You married into the most wonderful family." She is so right.

Here we all are after the wedding. So I have to say a few things abut all of them- starting with the back row.

Peter- your uncle. You are going to have so much fun playing with him. He is smart, fun, a talented artist and you will just love him.

Your grandfather- wow. What can I say. I am so blessed to know him - a man who has learned about grace and mercy. When your grandfather left for China, he hugged me and said, "goodbye, son."-- touched me greatly. I know a bit of what it takes to learn how grace and mercy are not in a religion but in the heart-- those are lessons that come from a lot of thought, a lot of heart, and some hardship.

Next is your old man- the proud daddy--.

Then there is Bob-- he is the greatest friend. We are both the "outsiders" of the family who have been so welcomed in. I feel like I gained a brother - not just a brother-in-law. We both look forward to the day when you beat us in golf.

First one on the couch is your mother -- what is there I can say. She is the greatest woman you will ever know.

There is your grandmother next. What a wonderful, wonderful lady she is. She is interesting, engaging, funny, and just wonderful. You get a lot of your energy from that lady!

Your aunt Kim. I got to know her a bit before I married your mom-- and she is a sweet, caring, wonderful lady who will spoil you to death.

Son- you will grow up around these people with love, and it will take you a few years before you realize how special they are. Being wonderful and loving comes from living life with a good and pure heart. It comes from having a lot of experiences-- and not all of them good -- but surviving them and moving forward with a smile and a conviction of what you have within. You are a reflection of your friends, and your family -- I'm glad your mom let me into her life-- I clearly upgraded.

Someday son, you will wonder what you can do in life to make me, or your family proud-- and that is simple-- be like them. Love fully, judge no one, be ready to help all - and always smile. I don't know what traits you will get from me-- and I don't have a lot-- but here is one tip from your old man -- when you see a little old lady-- wink at her.

Love,

Dad

Soon we will all be together

JJ,

Today is another special day in a series of great days. Today your mom is having a party and they will be saying good bye to her at work.

You may not know, but your mom is one special lady. She is an executive producer- having taken several shows from local entertainment shows to national syndication.

That might impress a lot of people. But let me tell you the most important: she is your mom -- the greatest job, and the one she loves more than all the success she has had in television.

So, you will probably know her as mom, and later find out she was pretty impressive in what she has done - and no doubt will do. But, son - I am the luckiest of all- because she is my wife- and from her I have my son.

So, Apes - you enjoy your day today. I'm looking forward to seeing you tomorrow. And after tomorrow-- we will live under the same roof!

Thank you all

Tonight you saw the story of my bride, April, and yours truly. You saw how that a woman I met through friends, and even on twitter - came into my life.

The woman who married us-- Sher - -known as @ocdchick, did, in fact, marry me - as predicted.

This has been the most incredible journey for me - and the most incredible - we are going to have a son.

You can read on this post about a father's musings to his son- about the love I feel for this little life-- named after my deceased brother, Jimmy.

Many of you watched the hockey game - between the US and Canada - and my wife, a Canadian, was so happy when they won the gold medal. It was after we found out (we didn't have TV that night) -- that I felt- without any question -my son move.

I am blessed to have great parents. Now I am blessed to have great in- laws. I am more blessed to have great friends. And so many more of you- on twitter - who I have not met yet, but hope to.

JJ-- you are going to have some wonderful aunts, and uncles, and grandparents. I just hope I can be as good a father to you- as mine has been to me.

I love you son-- and when you are old enough-- I hope you can meet and feel the love from these wonderful people.

Your at home in St. Pete with your mom, now-- I'll be there in a few days. Until then, keep your mom smiling by playing board sports in her uterus. When I get there-- as usual, I will kiss your mom first - because she and I made this-- we will put each other first, and together - we will put you first.

Love,

Dad

Coming Home

JJ,

There is a picture of your beautiful mom on her wedding day.

Tomorrow I get to go see her again- we are going to pack up a bunch of stuff and start the process of getting her moved out here.

This morning your mom and I were talking-- we both want to be good parents, and we both are worried that we are not up to the job.

I'm not worried about your mom one bit. She is going to be the "cool" mom-- the one with all the energy- running around with you and the dog, and always willing to take you snowboarding or boarding somewhere. Me- well, I just want to show you, by example - that priorities are simple:

Your mom and I love each other- we put each other first-- together we put you first. You won't be spoiled with things-- but you will get a lot of love-- not only from your mom and I-- but all your aunts, uncles, grandparents, and so many friends and neighbors.

I love you son-- see you tomorrow night -- and as always -- don't be jealous-- but I am going to hug and kiss your mom first (damn, she is a pretty woman).

Love,
Dad

The Wedding 2-19-2010

So JJ, your mom and I did get married.

Not only did we get married- but we were surrounded by friends and family. The attire was blue jeans! Your mom looked so beautiful, and our personal vows were tweeted to the universe!

Your mom and I have a great love story, son. We met, we fell in love -- and we kept in touch through twitter. So before I "kissed the bride" your mom and I tweeted the "I do." Our good friend on twitter @AlohaArleen tweeted my vows.

Son - the day will mean little to you as a kid- but all those folks who came, and a bunch who watched on twitter-- will be your aunts and your uncles - and watch over you. Many of them will watch you grow on this blog, some will come to our home and see you in person.

Today was the toughest day of the week though because your mom went back to Tampa for a few days of work. But I know that while she is there that your auntie Sandi and many others will watch over her and you.

You are lucky, son -- you have a whole Twitter group of aunts and uncles that love you and will always look out for you.

See you in a few days son.
Love,
Dad