My boy Justin is 5 months old now and I still cannot believe that I have been granted father status. One day I am working hard at climbing the corporate ladder, the next day Justin is drooling on my shirt. There are lots of new feelings that come when you are a new father. There is the "parent pride" you have because you were able to produce such a cute little package. There is the sense of luckiness that comes from producing a 100% healthy & active child. There is happiness because he is so much fun to have around. There is stress in now knowing that this new individual will rely on your unconditional support for the next 20 years if he is to survive in this mixed up world.

Justin is quite the gift and I really enjoy watching him grow up. He is a happy kid who is laughing most of the time. He smiles at strangers. He lights up especially around the ladies and other babies his age. He talks to himself - a lot. He seems to really like watching television - particularily action flicks and cartoons. He really likes the new experience of tasting solid food. There is a lot to be said about inherited traits.

I hope to become an involved father. There are many activities that I would like to introduce to him: mountain biking, skiing, swimming, hiking, ice hockey, and automechanics. Hopefully, he will share his father's fascination with the world of computers and electronic gadgetry. These were the great activities I was involved in at a very young age.

I want Justin to have a childhood that was as happy as mine. Everyone's childhood should have strong positive memories of home, friends, mom and dad. I am certain this goal will not be easy to achieve and it will require the upmost patience, but I think it is worth it. Wish us luck.

- Roger

June 18, 2000