Shawn

Married

Father of 2

Clarksburg, Maryland

Where do I start? I’m a husband of 15 years and a father of two. I always knew God had a plan for me, but I never thought it would happen like this. I remember when my eldest, was born. She was so beautiful. All I wanted to do is hold her -I knew that my life would never be the same. I just kept thinking, "I have a little girl!" We named her Aunastazia – a name that I have loved since grade school. We'd prayed and wished and knew we would be blessed with a child, but she was better than we could have imagined.

From that point, my world would revolve and evolve around my family. As Auna grew, so did each day’s significance. I remember thinking that everything was finally falling in place.

Eight years later, my wife and I decided to try to have another child. I had recently been promoted at work and we agreed that we weren’t getting any younger, we figured that the time was right.

Almost immediately, my wife was pregnant and 9 months later our son Easton was born. His birth date, May 1st, was one day before his sisters. We took that for a good sign. Little did we know that that would be where their similarities would end.

Auna is 11 going on 12 and she is a blessing. She has a beauty that lights up the room and a heart that warms the soul. She loves her little brother and she is the epitome of a great big sister -I am certain Easton feels the same way. We could not ask for a better daughter.

As for Easton, he is a bull, in every meaning of the word. Very stubborn, and if you were to flash that little red cape in his face, you better watch out and you better be ready. He wants what he wants, when he wants it. Not before; not after! He knows how to play the game and he plays it well. “I’m the baby, got to love me.”  He takes a lot out of us, but he has great leadership potential. I love and believe in him

Night and Day is how I see our children. Their personalities are completely a tossup. But the greatest thing about them is that they balance each other out It works. Seeing those two together playing and running through the house is truly amazing. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Fathering tips:

I’m not a patient person, but when it comes to my kids, I work at it. I expect way more from them than anyone. I work hard to be an understating and consistent parent.  I explain to them that the world may not be kind, that they must work hard for what they want and that nothing (worth having) will come easily. I want them to understand that their actions will have consequences, and that they must think about what they do. My advice to other dads, don’t be a friend, be a father! Don’t to sugar coat life. Truly love your family, and do what’s best for them. You will be tested and at times you may feel that you have failed. But the true testament is them knowing you are there to guide them in the right direction.