Brilliant dad feature week 30

September 18, 2015

Hi, I’m Frank and I’m a jack of all trades! Writer, photographer, marathon runner and coach (I’ve run 12 marathons and 2 ultra-marathons). I’m also a project manager. I am a 50-something first-time dad, who figured the subject matter is too good not to keep a blog.

The Adventures of a 50-Something first-time dad written with the right mix of sarcasm and sentiment from the father’s point of view. I live in Queens, New York with my wife Esther and our dog Chico. The name of my blog is I’m Not Grandpa – The Adventures of a 50-Year Old First-Time Dad.

1. Have you always wanted to be a dad?

When I was younger I assumed it was part of the natural progression of life. Meet a great girl, get married, start a family etc. However it took me some time to find the great girl. In my 30s I didn’t think it was meant to be. I was married at 46 and we spent a few years trying to start a family.

2. How did you feel when your children were born?

I was overjoyed. My wife Esther and I had two miscarriages and three rounds of IVF and they were all unsuccessful.

We were exploring adoption when Esther became pregnant. We really didn’t think we were meant to have our child. Seeing my son after all we went through was truly amazing, however it was also a little bittersweet. Our son was born via C-Section so Esther could hear him crying, but was unable to see him while they cleaned and weighed him. I took pictures and videos of him and would run to Esther to show her.

3. What have been your most rewarding experiences so far as a Dad?

Waking up to a smiling baby. Watching his growth and development. Looking at this adorable little baby and realizing that he’s mine. I still am amazed at that.

4. What are some of funniest moments to have happened to you as a dad?

Many occurred during the first few days as Esther and I were exhausted. We received a crash course in taking care of a newborn. I remember being exhausted at 1am and changing his diaper, altough apparently it was too soon because poop started falling out of his diaper and onto the changing table and then onto the carpet!

I also remember when Cristian was breast feeding. His eyes would light up when women would play with him. He zoned in on their breasts! From his expression when a well-endowed friend visited you would have thought it was Christmas morning!

5. Have there been any situations with your children that you have found difficult to cope with?

Initially it was leaving the baby and going out. Cristian has an amazing babysitter and has stayed with friends and family who are all parents and are great with children. I remember the first time Esther and I went out to dinner and a movie while her sister watched the baby. We saw the movie, but brought dinner home with us because we felt uneasy being away from him.

6. What are your dreams and hopes for your children?

As parents you want to child to have a better life than you had. I hope he grows up to be a polite, respectful, well adjusted adult. I hope he picks a partner and a career that makes him happy.