Read more about the article Why I gave up trick or treating with my kids this year for the first time ever
My thoughts / New Beginnings

Why I gave up trick or treating with my kids this year for the first time ever

I realized something today but before I get into it, there's some background that you need to understand first. Ever since the day my kids were born, I've been a very, very hands on Dad. I'm with them every single day. I'm there when they go to bed and when they wake up (barring overnight trips to Grandparents). I take them to every single appointment they have and those appointments are many. I take them to and pick them up from school every day. While it's a great deal of work, I wouldn't have it any other way. One of the other things I've done every single year was take my kids trick or treating. There were years where the weather interfered or we were sick but outside of those…

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October 26, 2019
Read more about the article It was fun but I feel like I barely survived
My thoughts

It was fun but I feel like I barely survived

It's been a really, really long day and I'm so ready to do to sleep. I wanted to share some of today's events first. I've got a few pictures to help illustrate today's journey. Let's start off with the car. I spent about 3 hours today, washing, waxing and detailing the entire car. It was a lot of work and my whole body hurts. I tried to get the kids to help but they weren't having it today. I'm pushing myself and trying to keep up with it because it's got to last for at least the next 5 years. It also adds a bit of normalcy to my life. She definitely cleans up nice, doesn't she.. ☺ My other claim to fame today was finishing up Emmett's Halloween costume…

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October 26, 2019
Read more about the article Totally Didn’t See That Coming
My thoughts

Totally Didn’t See That Coming

It's been a few days since I've written anything of substance about my life. There are reasons for that many of those reasons are simply life related. Life is not easy for families like mine and I am not an exception to that rule. I've been working as much as possible because we need the income and much of that is digital marketing and behind the scenes stuff. Nothing you would probably notice, like a new post. The kids have been struggling but at the same time, they're back to school regularly and I'm not getting ransom calls during the day anymore, telling me I have to come pick them up. That's hugely positive and I'm grateful for that because it's forward progress. Elliott has been emotionally distant. His body…

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October 25, 2019
Read more about the article Lindsay Fogarty: The Rare Disease Mom (New Pod S2E3)
My thoughts / Podcast / Season 2

Lindsay Fogarty: The Rare Disease Mom (New Pod S2E3)

In this week's episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, I speak with my good friend and fellow Autism parent, Lindsay Fogarty. She's an Autism, rare disease and patient advocate, as well as, a blogger and volunteer lobbyist. We talk about why she's called "The Rare Disease Mom", what her daily life is like, what she's doing to raise awareness and help others. This is a very powerful, uplifting and inspirational conversation. Go grab a snack and enjoy the great conversation. ☺Lindsay can be found at therarediseasemom.com and on twitter @rarediseasemom Subscribe via your favorite app by clicking a button. :-) The presenting sponsor for this episode of The Autism Dad Podcast is Lakikid. Visit lakikid.com/theautismdad for more information. 

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October 25, 2019
Read more about the article What it means to be a father and why I adopted my son
Gavin / My thoughts

What it means to be a father and why I adopted my son

A good portion of you probably don't know this because I don't advertise it, but exactly 11 years ago today, my life changed forever. Shortly before lunch on October 22, 2008, I stood before Judge Dixie Park, sobbing like a baby, barely able to mutter a word, as I officially adopted Gavin. He didn't understand what was going on, but Lizze and I certainly did. For those who don't know, Gavin is Lizze's son from her first marriage. I've been raising him as my own since he was just over a year old. Every year I share the letter I wrote the judge, explaining who I was, who Gavin was, and why I wanted to adopt him. I'll let the letter speak for itself. Have a great night.. ☺ October…

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October 23, 2019
Read more about the article Ultimate Guide To Changing Your Child’s Surname
Link / Sponsored Post

Ultimate Guide To Changing Your Child’s Surname

When a child is born to married parents, things are somewhat simple. Either one or both of them usually register the child’s name on the birth certificate. The surname is the name by which the actual family unit is recognized, and it is common for children to take their father’s surname. That is, except the mother suggests a different surname, and the father agrees to this. However, with unmarried fathers, things are a bit different. They don’t have to register the birth of their children and don’t have an independent right to have their names on the child’s birth certificate. If an unmarried mother wishes to enter the father’s name, that’s only possible if they both agree, and sign the register, each gives a sworn statement, or they have an…

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October 22, 2019
Read more about the article This needs to be super quick
My thoughts

This needs to be super quick

I'm exhausted and going to sleep soon, so this needs to be quick. We had a pretty awesome day here in The Autism Dad house. We had some challenges but we all rose to the occasion and made it through. I had two podcast interviews today and while one was met with some tech issues, it's rescheduled for next week. I'm looking forward to that. The second one was with my friend Lindsay from therarediseasemom.com. It was a fantastic conversation and it should air on Friday. For the most part, the kids did well today and I'm always grateful for days like this. I'm feeling optimistic about the week and ready to take on whatever it through my direction. ☺

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October 21, 2019
Read more about the article I took the kids on an adventure…sort of
Family Time / My thoughts

I took the kids on an adventure…sort of

The kids and I had a pretty good afternoon. I wanted to take the them hiking and ultimately decided on the John T Huston - Dr John D Brumbaugh Nature Center. It was about a 30 minute drive but it was pretty amazing. We'd never been there before and didn't know what to expect. My main goal was to get them some exercise and keep them distracted for a little while. Our hike only lasted about 2 miles cause we were concerned about running out of daylight. The kids did great and there was a lot of elevation change throughout the hike, so it was a bit more difficult than they're used to. We had a lot of fun and everyone is exhausted. Sleep should be good tonight. On the…

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October 21, 2019