Father and son, Eric and Sonny

A VERY SPECIAL FATHER'S DAY

- Eric Binder, husband of Tastybaby co-founder Shannan Swanson

“So Eric, do you want a boy or girl?”
“All I want is a healthy child” - my standard answer during both of my wife’s pregnancies. Little did I know then just how meaningful this statement has become during the last few days.  Someone very dear to me recently became a father for the first time and one of his twin boys is facing an uphill battle.  When I left the hospital after visiting his new family, I headed home and hugged both of my children like never before.  It became very apparent to me that going forward in my life with my wife and kids I must live each day with chutzpah, be the best father possible no matter what the circumstances in my life are, and attempt never to take anything for granted.

I have learned a lot about life after becoming a father, the most important being the ability to give unconditionally.  From the moment my daughter Louisa wakes me up in the morning demanding her chocolate milk and The Backyardigans on the TV, to the time she asks me to tickle her back as she is dozing off to sleep, I give.  I give laughter, love, patience and occasionally discipline.  I often astound myself with how much I have to give to her, but that is the decision I made when I chose to become a father and so far it is the second best decision I have ever made (the first is obvious!)  Each day I rush home from work to see her and her excitement fills the house.  I am so lucky to be able to do it all over again with my son, Swanson.  May their lives be blessed and, in turn, bless my life.  HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!