Simon, 5

Where do I start? My little boy is 5-years-old. I can say without question that nothing in my life has ever been more insane than having a child. It's not that I was unprepared or anything like that. In fact, it's every bit as awesome and hard as I expected.

That day that he was born seems like yesterday. I remember every sleep-deprived moment of it in every detail.

The kid lived in five different places before he even turned 4, which I don't feel good about. I want him to remember though that he was born in Seattle. Being a white kid without any serious ethnic or national identity without going three generations back is a drag, but he at least was born in one of the most beautiful places in the country.

Simon has been overflowing with personality since day one, even if it was just in the funny way he started to verbalize. He has made us laugh so much over the last five years. It's not always puppies and rainbows of course, but the love he has brought into our lives is immeasurable.

When Simon was diagnosed with ASD last year, and SPD before that, there was never any particular sadness or despair on our part. In fact, it was very much a welcomed message for us because it meant we could take action on how to help our boy. These certainly add some challenges to raising him, especially in his early years, but we've committed a lot of money and energy to making sure he has the help he needs. His prospects are pretty good overall, and the experts see no issue with him going on to college and being successful, if he chooses that route.

Can he be difficult? Absolutely. He shares some of my less desirable traits. It's funny how someone who did not exist 37 years ago, when I was his age, can teach me so much about myself and why I am the way I am. And of course it scares the shit out of me that I'm responsible for not screwing him up too much. At the same time, his potential for greatness is a rush.

Despite the difficult parts, it's hard to top those moments where he bounces off of the school bus or comes running to me screaming "Daddy!" when I get home. It's not easy, but it's worth it. I love seeing this beautiful little human being evolve into something more. I can't wait to see how the next five years go! 

After Dinner from Jeff Putz on Vimeo.