Something to think about for 2007:

Unless I'm missing something it looks as if there has been precisely 1 post since the new year began.

Today is January 11th, 10 days after the new year began. Where is everyone?

I'll start with a little intoduction.


My name is Jim. I am the father of 3 daughters and am divorced now about 2 1/2 years. I live in metro Atlanta, USA. I am not partnered with anyone but some day I hope I can say that I am.

Welcome to 2007, eh? Anyone else out there?

Jim

Thank you, Jim. I needed that wake up call. Yup, I'm still here. Was just telling Smokey the other day that I need to post. I know we were all busy over the holidays, but you are right, we don't want to let such a marvelous resource as this family of men we have here on GF go untapped. And silent message boards are no way to start the new year.

Especially since this January 30th will mark our 5 year anniversary! Yup, only about a year and a half here on Groupee, about two years with our own Domain name (thanks to Vince) but it was five years ago that the original MSN group GayFatherhood started.

So, yes, as Jim said, let's not let this wonderful place go to waste. When I originally thought this place up, it was just an idea for a way for gay men who have at least one thing in common to fellowship and know that there are others like them out there in the world. That one thing in common, of course is a deep love for our children, and a desire to raise them the best that any child can be.

Since then, literally my best friends in the world are from this site. A few of us have gathered in different parts of the US, and even traveled across the "big pond" to meet. Even a few of you met on Rosie's cruise!

It's hard to imagine that a decade ago I thought I was virtually alone in this world, and that the chances of finding other gay dads like me were going to be as high as finding a Coupe D'Ville hiding at the bottom of a Cracker Jack Box!

Now here we are, so many of us, but caught up in our busy lives as ever. Let's not let this relationship we have with each other go cold from silence. We've posted about some of those meetings, but I've only heard brief mentions from other members about them. So, maybe you could tell us about that.

Or tell us about your Christmas. As a matter of fact on our Blog Gay Fathers, I've posted this week finally, a Chirstmas update from my house.
I think I may start another thread about that.

Or maybe you've made New Year's resolutions, tell us about that! Anything on your mind. I recall one time telling Keith (smokey) about a problem/concern I had, but that I didn't feel comfortable telling the guys on the message boards about it. He said, "Great, so you've created a group that helps everyone out but you."

He was right, and so is Jim. There are concerns and thoughts about having two teenagers, and a job I don't like... yeah, things like that that I could use a brother's shoulder about. You'll be hearing more about that from me.

I'm off to work. Who's up next?

OK, I will give 2007 a shot since we are half way through January!

My name is David, divorced father of four, girls ages 7 and 12 1/2 and boys ages 9 and 11. Single Dad-hood is going well, I am two days a month short of 50/50 placement, and live walking distance from the kids' mom. Christmas with my kids this year was great... first year without their Mom included in our celebrations (her choice, not ours) and it felt natural, relaxed and was a lot of fun!

Alas... 2007 will definitely have its challenges... family therapy recently revealed my household runs very well... but their Mother's household is chaotic and bordering on dysfunction. Hopefully, she will turn it around. I think the biggest shock to her (and me) was that my household works so well and hers does not.

However, last week my ex announced she is getting remarried. She has known the guy only 9 months. Dare I pass judgment... but he is a wealthy doctor and she is digging for gold. And now.... just this past weekend, I realize she is an evil genious... intent I believe on wrestling the kids from me so she can have full placement and live a new fantasy with her new hubby as a full-time stay-at-home mom. (long story, and not beyond her evil heart to try and pull off) Wedding is apparently planned for June, assuming she has her Catholic annulment in hand. Ah well.... it never does end for us divorced guys does it?

But, the bottom line is I know my kids know I love them and they love me. The strength of our relationship will percivere... what else can I believe in?

Peace,

David (Alphapax)

"You must the the change you wish to see in the world" - Mahatma Gandhi

Doug here. 2007 is a big year for my partner Aaron, and I. We are very close to making a decision on our surrogacy process. We have been interviewing a couple agencies, parents who have adopted as well as those who have done surrogacy. It has been an incredible process. We are making significant headway and although the budget is astronomical for surrogacy, we are following our hearts on this one and trust that what is best will ultimately come forward here. It truly is about trust, as this is a huge move for us. We have been in the process of preparing ourselves for having children and my sister, amazing, for the past year or so has been giving us loads of clothing and toys, etc. from her 2 and 4 year old children. (I am still a bit triggered by hand-me-downs from my older brothers myself, but I am at least considering that it may be helpful to have these clothes handy for when we need them, especially in the first few years of our childrens' lives. The possibiity of us having twins is about 50% so we may need some of you to come help us out here in California for awhile! Anyway, it's been quite the adventure. Send good thoughts our way... we need them. It is a scary process at times, but on the other hand it's already becoming so rewarding. More later... Doug