Back when Beautiful Wife and I first co-habitated, it became apparent that we were on the opposite spectrum of the cleanliness scale. I was a tried and true bachelor who had his own apartment and could leave anything wherever I damn well pleased. I could leave my socks on the living room floor for weeks at a time (you never knew when your feet might get cold while watching Sportscenter) and no one could tell me where those socks should go.

In Beautiful Wife’s mind, everything had a place. Silverware, for example, should actually go into a drawer rather than sit in the dish drainer until ready for use. Clothes actually had to be folded and put into a receptacle called a Dresser rather than a wrinkled heap in the corner of my bedroom. There were rules. Lots of ‘em.

But gradually, Beautiful Wife trained me, much like one would train a puppy to poop on a newspaper, to clean the house. Rubbing my nose in filth really did make a difference in my behavior. In fact, I got so good at cleaning that Beautiful Wife actually began giving me unsupervised cleaning assignments that I was expected to fulfill. For some reason, cleaning toilets kept appearing on the list but I trudged on in my attempt to make the Husband Hall of Fame.

Then, one day soon after the twins were born I was given even more responsibility. I was assigned the entire downstairs to clean while my wife took the upstairs. I think she proposed this to me right in the middle of Sportscenter because I don’t remember putting up a fight. In fact, upstairs had two toilets and downstairs had only one, so perhaps I figured I was coming out ahead.

I figured wrong.

The downstairs has a kitchen. That gets used, like, ALL THE TIME! And then, to make it worse, every toy ever given to Swee’Pea and TheMonk have been placed downstairs. I know, because I spend a great deal of time putting Lightning McQueen and his buddies back to their proper receptacle.

So why tell you all of this? Well, today was the fourth day in a row one or both of the kids have been sick. Since I took the day off on day #1 and Beautiful Wife took the day off on day #2, we have split days 3 and 4 in half so we can each go into work. When I left the house this morning, the downstairs was, admittedly, kind of a mess. What can I say? Some days I’ve got the Mr. Clean touch and others I don’t. I figured I’d have to spend a good part of the evening (Friday evening, no less) cleaning the kitchen and putting things back in order.

But I figured wrong.

Today, when I arrived at 1:00 p.m. and Beautiful Wife and I tag teamed each other at the door, I walked into a very clean, very beautiful kitchen. I swear, if I showed up and Beautiful Wife was wearing nothing but an apron and a smile, I could not have been happier than I was when I saw clean counter tops this afternoon.

Even the silverware was in the correct drawer.

Hello my Love,

I haven’t told you about this, but since I have started my new job I have a whole new group of people who don’t know what you look like. Over the past month several people have visited my office for the first time. And once in my office they cannot help but notice our wedding photos that sit on my desk. Every person always says a variation of the same thing… “Wow. She’s beautiful. How’d you get so lucky?”

And my reply? “I haven’t a clue. Just don’t tell her she married down.”

I am as thrilled as ever to call you my Valentine, Sweetie. And I am even more thrilled that I get to help two little ones also become your Valentine.

Thank you for choosing me. Not a day goes by that I don’t realize how lucky I am that you decided, in a moment of insanity, to choose to spend every day of the rest of your life with me. And because of that crazy thought, we made a couple of amazing kids.

We love you with all of our chocolate-covered hearts. Of course, we’ll share all that chocolate with you (Well, I will. You know how TheMonk is with sharing his food.).

Happy Valentines Day!

There are a couple of things you need to know before I get to the point of this post. First, I love music. But I’m not a music snob. I don’t care if it’s manufactured by the music industry to sell a million albums, if I like it I’ll listen to it. Second, I love songs that give me a visceral response - taking me to a time or place or emotion. This power to make us feel really speaks to the power of music. The songs that I tend to gravitate to are songs that make me feel good.

Another thing I want you to know is that I often neglect to tell you how wonderful your mother is. Too often we get caught up in the day and the day turns into a few days and suddenly those few days have turned into weeks and in that time I haven’t truly expressed how much your mother loves you and how much I love your mother. You see, this blog that you someday will read as an adult is meant to chronicle your lives. I want you to know how much I love being your father but I also want you to know how much I love your mother.

And this is the reason for this post. You see, your mother and I have known each other for ten years. Before we had you we had plenty of time to get to know each other and know what kind of parents we wanted to be. Now that you’re along, I know that waiting to have you so that we could work on loving each other first was an important part of the process. Because we know how to love each other unconditionally, we can now share that love with you.

The great thing about being married to your mother is that I still love looking at her. I’ll watch her when she doesn’t know I’m watching and I am still awed by her beauty. And the great thing about your mother is that her beauty is more than skin deep. She is such a good person - always wanting what is right, always worried about the stray cat or the injustices of the world. She has a good heart and it makes me happy that you will someday embody that kindness in your own heart.

What does this all have to do about music? Well, recently a new artist named Colbie Caillat released a song called Bubbly. It’s a soft, easygoing song that instantly relaxes me. But it’s the lyrics that draw me to this song. You see, it’s all about the feelings one gets when you’re in love with someone - the way I’m in love with your mother.

And since music is timeless, I want to give you this song so that you can listen to it when your mother and I are long gone and know that your father felt this way about your mother. And I pray that you too, someday, will feel this way about someone you can call a soul mate.

Love Daddy.

To listen to a great unplugged version, go to VH1’s website here and scroll down to play the unplugged Bubbly video.

Today is my wife’s birthday. It’s a special day because this is the only day of the year that she is allowed to love me more than I love her. Yep. I’m a giver that way.

We are celebrating this day like we celebrate every day… A mad dash of feedings, showers and running out the door.

Hopefully we’ll have time to give her what she’s always wanted. And what she always wants. The first gift is from me. The second one is from Swee’Pea and TheMonk - because they’re much sweeter than I.

Happy Birthday my love! You look more and more beautiful with each passing year.

Seven years ago, I stood at the altar looking up the aisle towards the back of the church, feeling nervous and excited all at once. Suddenly, a vision of beauty appeared and took my breath away. Little did I know that this was, truly, just the beginning. At that moment I had no idea how much our relationship would grow and mature. I didn’t know how much better our relationship could be. I didn’t know that we would someday look at each other in wonder while watching our beautiful children play before us.

Seven years. Seven wonderful years. I love you honey. Thank you for marrying a guy like me.

And I can’t believe it’s been a week since the birthday party and I have yet to mention it. The party was a nice size. A few neighborhood friends joined Grandmother, Grandma, Grandpa and our niece Adelia.

We grilled some burgers and dogs, we downed a few sodas, we played in some bubbles and we sang happy birthday. Well, we kinda sang Happy Birthday. It seems Swee’Pea does not enjoy people singing that song to her. It’s a funny scene to be singing Happy Birthday and having the birthday girl screaming “No Happy Birthday!”

The day was exhausting but worth the effort. I’m not sure if we could have survived without the family members who all chipped in. Those of you reading this, you’re invited every year!

The stars of the show, besides Swee’Pea and TheMonk, were their individual birthday cakes. Mommy conceived the idea of doing personalized birthday cakes for Swee’Pea and TheMonk. Right now, Swee’Pea loves kitties. So, Mommy decided to do a Hello Kitty cake for her. TheMonk loves cars and trucks right now. So, Mommy decided to make TheMonk a car cake. I got to help by shaping both cakes to make them look like a kitty and a car. Mommy did the rest. The results were fantastic and Swee’Pea and TheMonk are still talking about their “kitty cake” and “car cake”.

So far, two years old has been really fun. A lot more time outs but a lot more talking and laughing too. Here’s to a great third year!

Mommy,

On this day, Mother’s Day, we promise…

To put on our own shoes.

To be really good sharers!

To show concern for each other.

To show our love for each other.

And not get too rough!

We’ll even attempt to change our own diapers!

We’ll help wherever we can.

We’ll wear sunscreen and sunglasses when we go outside.

We’ll try not to tattle on each other.

We won’t talk back.

And no tantrums!

But best of all we’ll give you lots of kisses and thank you for being such a great Mommy!

We love you!

Happy Valentine’s Day, Sweetheart!

First, let me tell you that last year was hard to beat. I really wanted to duplicate our photo session from last year. However, instead of getting photos like this, I ended up with a lot of photos like this. So much for the new camera!

Anyway, I promised not to embarrass you too much this year so your co-workers won’t be involved. There’s no giant billboard waiting for you on your way to work and you won’t be getting any singing telegrams.

You will be getting chocolate, however. Swee’Pea and TheMonk insisted on that. You will also be getting your very own iPod - after you pick out exactly which one you want. It’s about time we introduced you to the 21st Century.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know how very much I love being your husband. I love watching you being a Mom and I love the fact that our love created the two most beautiful children on the planet. And as a reminder of our beautiful children, I made you this…

Happy Valentine’s Day Sweetie! We all love you!

To my little ones,

Today is your mother’s birthday. And while as you get older (notice I said, older not old) birthdays aren’t the spectacles they once were, it’s still a time to look back on our lives and reflect. And I’m sure I can speak for your mother when I say that in that reflection she only sees you.

Your mother loves you so much, little ones. There is nothing in this world that she would not do for you. In fact, when I asked her what she wanted for her birthday, she could only think of something for you… A bike trailer so we can go bike riding together as a family. (She’s also getting a long overdue spa treatment too, but that’s from you guys). She spent the past year nursing you two and the bond she has created is wonderful to see. You light up when you see your mother and she lights up when she sees you.

This morning, as your mother came down the stairs to see you, you waited at the bottom of the stairs with birthday cards that you had “signed”. I know your mother loved sharing her special day with her special little ones tday. You make every day special - especially birthdays.

So, as you get older, remember how much your mommy loves you. On her birthday you don’t need to get her fancy things or expensive gifts, just give her lots of love (although if you become rich, you better pony up - I mean this woman nursed you both for a year for Pete’s sake!). It’s what she wants most.

Love,
Daddy.

I stood nervously at the altar chatting with my brother Ben as we waited for the wedding to begin. I had not seen Andrea yet and I was anxious to see “the dress.” For weeks I had been begging to see the dress. I pleaded, I cajoled, I cried (okay, I didn’t cry but I really wanted to see the dress). The most I got out of Andrea was a crude drawing on a coctail napkin which left much to my imagination.

As I looked around the church I began to make out faces of friends and family. I smiled as I made eye contact thanking them for coming with a small nod of my head. I continued to chat with Ben as the time grew near. It was nervous chat - not much substance going on there. I mean I don’t even think we were discussing the Giant’s win the night before as they were on their way to capture first place in the NL West. No, today wasn’t about baseball. Today, my life was going to change forever.

Suddenly music began and the processional of our bridesmaids and groomsmen appeared at the top of the aisle. They slowly walked toward me and I smiled to them as they finally neared the altar. They took their places and we all turned towards the back of the church. The music suddenly changed at Andrea appeared at the top of the aisle. She looked stunning. Her tan skin contrasted with the vibrant white of her dress. “I turned to my brother and without taking my eyes off of my bride-to-be, I said, “Hey, check out the babe in the white dress. I get to marry her.”

“Yeah,” my brother replied. “Like right now.”

Andrea glided down the aisle holding the arm of my future father-in-law. Her smile lit up the room - a perfect compliment to the gown she had kept from my view for so long. And now I understood why it was important not to see that dress earlier. For moments like this. Seeing that dress on a hanger would not have been a fraction of the sight it was to see it on my bride.

As she approached the aisle she took my hand. It was cool but slightly damp - as I’m sure mine was. My fingers entwined around hers and we locked eyes for moment. A moment in time where I knew this was the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. The woman who I wanted to raise a family with. On this day I chose her. And, thank God, she chose me.

Six years ago today Andrea agreed to be my wife. We started a journey and each year that journey has become better and better. And now we have started a family. A family that even in my wildest dreams couldn’t have been scripted any better. I am a better man for having known Andrea and I am so very lucky to have her in my life. I’m so very fortunate to look into those gorgeous eyes each morning and see love and kindess forever and ever.

Happy Anniversary Sweetheart, I love you.

Dear TheMonk and Bri,

Today marks a large milestone in your evolution from helpless little beings to growing little boy and girl. Today, little ones, you had your last nursing session. Now, truth be told, Swee’Pea you pretty much gave up nursing a couple of weeks ago, just as Mommy was beginning to wean. But we’ve been lying you down next to Mommy while TheMonk fed so Mommy could savor the bonding moments you have shared since the beginning.

Ah, the beginning. You probably don’t remember this but you didn’t feed very well when you were first born. We had to feed you with a syringe and a small tube we stuck into your mouth. This, to put it mildly, sucked (no pun intended). After consulting with a Lactation Consultant, we began to make some headway and your mother lead the charge in getting you to breast feed.

In fact, I’m not exagerating one bit when I tell you that you have the best Mommy in the world. If you only knew what that woman has gone through while nursing two babies at once. For the first several months of your life, just about every feeding you had was through your Mommy. Six to eight times a day you would be placed on the ever-present twin nursing pillow and Mommy would get you to eat. Sometimes, sessions would last over one hour - just to make sure you got enough. As you can imagine, having ravenous little ones sucking constantly, is bound to cause some problems. Your mother has endured pain so bad that I’m pretty sure tears were involved. Yet she continued. Even when she went back to work, she would feed you before work, pump twice while at work and then feed you two more times before you went to bed for the evening. Your mother rocks.

Not that this whole thing has been an awful experience. On the contrary, your mother has come to love the time she gets to spend with you - just the two of you (We learned early on that I was too much of a distraction so I couldn’t be in the room when you fed). Over the past year I’ve often peeked into the room where you feed with Mommy to see you playing “Patty Cake” or “Where’s Mommy’s nose?” Your mother’s smile as she interacted with you is something I’ve never seen anywhere else. This was her moment to be with you and she cherished it - even while enduring so much.

So, the year has come and gone. While your mother will certainly miss some of that quiet two-on-one time, we are also looking forward to having more flexibility to do more with you guys outside of the house. We’re no longer bound to a nursing schedule and we’ll take advantage of that. Your mother will also be able to do some things for her now - going for a run, going out with friends after work, or just going shopping at night while Daddy feeds you. Whatever she decides to do, after all she’s done this past year, she deserves it.

So don’t forget how much your mother loves you and how much she has done for you. Because if she can nurse twins for over a year, just for the benefit of you two, she’d do anything for you.