This is my first born Iris. My daughters are the most wonderful thing to me. All of my honor, pride, morals, ideas, pretty much my essence resides and grows in them. Iris's mother, Kim,  and I aren't together anymore. It just didn't work out. 

When we broke up, Kim needed some time to get things together so Iris and I lived at my parent house for a while. It was really hard to get used to being a single father. But luckily, my parents, sister, friends and future wife are great people. I would never be able live the great life I live if it wasn't for them.

I eventually lived with my sister in an apartment where my dad works. I worked at a coffee shop in Lincoln and spent my off hours taking care of Iris and getting to know my new girlfriend Anne. Luckily, my parents would take care of Iris while I closed the coffee shop. They became a sort of serogate parents to her. Their help kept me from spending money on expensive daycare.

Then I was fired from the coffee shop. I think my idealism/slacking, and stressful situation was to blame for it. It was a very dark time. My girlfriend, Anne, was behind me the whole time. A month later I got a job at a gas station.

Kim, Iris's mother lived in a place unfit for her to take care of Iris. So she took care of her at my apartment. It was very odd to have her in such proximity but Iris needed her mother in her life no matter what. We did that for a year. Kim found sutiable housing. Then our apartment caught on fire and alot was lost. Fortunatly, no one was hurt.

My sister, Anne, Iris and I moved into another apartment and things started to get into a more evenflow. I took care of Iris during the day and Kim would take care of her duing the night. We would alternate when Iris would spend the night. And things have gotten better ever since.

Throughout all of the heartbreak and emotion. Our need to participate in our daughters life has been preeminate. We know that although we are not together, we are still a family, however atypical it maybe. We have broken down barriers and constructed new ways of childrearing that I have not seen anywhere eles. My Wife, Anne, has a lot to do with this since she has been the "third parent" in situations where she is needed.

Cool heads prevail.

Take Care.