Like most patriotic Americans, I always spent the Fourth of July holiday watching fireworks, enjoying barbecues with my family and playing songs like “Born In The USA” and “Proud To Be An American.” This past weekend was unlike any other before, as it was spent at Hackensack Medical Center. Two days before the birth of America, my son, Christian Dean was born.

I am absolutely blessed to announce that C.D. arrived happy and healthy this past Friday, July 2nd at 2:17 p.m. Baby Meatballs weighed in at a very healthy 8 lbs, 4 ounces and 20 ½ inches long.

Megin and I chose the first name Christian for the significance of the meaning. Christian is derived from the Latin name CHRISTIANUS, meaning “a Christian,” or “of the Christian faith,” as we both are. The reason for the choice of the middle name Dean, is after the famous Dino Paul Crocetti (Dean Martin), my favorite entertainer. Derived from the English surname, Dean, meaning “valley,” which originally derived from the Latin DECANUS—defined as “chief” or “leader.” Name Days: June 12 (Saint Christian - Croistan O’Morgair, Bishop of Ireland), August 28 (Saint Dean - William Dean, Martyr of England). This kid is gonna be special (but I’m sure all dads say that.)

There were no parades this year, and my “grand finale” was not an extravaganza of crackling lights in the night sky, but the dimpled-smile of my first-born looking back at me. Words cannot begin to describe the feeling of what a gift I was given by the Lord above. So, I will not attempt to do so here. As all fathers out there know, this experience cannot be described with the best of adjectives or descriptive sentences. Only the feeling can truly capture the rush of excitement, happiness and utter satisfaction of knowing that I’m a parent to this most precious little person.