A FATHER'S NOTE TO HIS KIDS:

This post is for my two beautiful bundles of joy, Mia (4) and Jacob (6 months). First, I can not thank you both enough for allowing me to be your dad (a title I fully expect to live up to) - it is both a blessing and a challenge that I whole-heartedly accept. Note: I'm writing this long before your "teen" years where I'm sure I'll be banging my head against something hard (maybe the sidewalk or something) wondering what am I going to do with the two of you?!?!? ;) And even though the two of you didn't come with any instruction booklets, your mom and I are pretty confident in our own experiences to raise your properly - showing love and respect for others and (especially) to each other. Remember that no matter what happens in life, you will always have each other. We want you to work hard for the things you want in life, and never take for granted those things that your already have.

These days when I have moments to think about things, my thoughts tend to gravitate towards the two of you and what sort of future you'll carve out for yourselves. If mommy and I do our jobs and prepare you for what's to come, then your futures will indeed be bright - filled with challenges, maybe (some) set backs, and successes. We will give you both every opportunity to succeed in life, passing down the lessons we've learned ourselves that you will be better equiped than we were in our youth. The standards and expectations will be high, but never unattainable... and you can always ask for help. It may not always come - sometimes it's better to figure out how to help yourself before asking us for help... but you can still always ask.

Don't think that your mom and I are going to be kicking back watching all of this take place - we fully intend on taking an active role in your lives... for as long as you can stand us (and then, just a few more years after that). ;) It's difficult for us NOT to interfere, but we'll get better at letting go as you both get older, we promise. Just be patient with us and know that our contiuous involvement in your lives is because we love you dearly.

There is so much that awaits us all, and while I'm in no hurry to get there, I can't wait to see how proud the two of you will make us. Make good decisions with your life, and never be afraid to ask what we would do in your situation. You are loved so much by so many... but no one more than mommy and me.