Life With Three

Life with three kids is anything but easy. There isn't enough time in the day to do all the things they want to do. When it's just Adrian, it's easier. I have more time to play, time to listen, time to interact but when it's all three, it's very difficult to dedicate time to any child individually.

MEET MY KIDS:

Gian Carlo is 7. He likes to play Mario games on his Nintendo 3DS and Minecraft on his tablet. He is very curious and once he gets started telling you a story he goes on for what seems like hours. He was diagnosed with ADHD a couple years back and it's been hard for me to parent him. I expect him to act just like the other kids but he's not. He does things on his own time, in his own way and that has been hard for me as a father. Honestly, I do feel like I don't spend enough time with him. It's hard since he's the youngest of the three and the other two demand lots of attention. 

Amberly is 9. This little girl changed my life. I was young when she was born (19) and thanks to her, I am the man I am today. I made myself a promise when she was born, that I would be great for her, and I have kept and will continue to keep this promise. Amberly is my "hippie". She is an artist, has long wild-woman hair and loves wearing dresses. She wants to grow up and design buildings. Hmm...I wonder where she gets that from! She is moving closer and closer to her teens and it's starting to show. She isn't a baby anymore and it's taking some getting used to as her dad.

Adrian is 8. He is my step-son. We have been a part of each other's lives for the past three years. He is definitely the most difficult child to parent because he is a tough cookie. If he doesn't like something, he will tell you. If I do something he doesn't like, believe me, his mom will hear about it. He is fun though and up for anything. We argue constantly, usually about one sport or another. Adrian likes to play sports, especially basketball, as do I but we cannot play together. I love this boy as if he were my own. I am his "Papa"

As you can see, they are three very different children and the only thing we really do as a group is play Minecraft. We all connect to a world and build and create. I try to find different things we can do together and maybe it will get easier as they get older. The problem is I only see Amberly and Gian every other weekend. When we are together, we need to get so many things done that I do not have time to spend with one or the other individually. I need some tips from other dads out there. How do you do it? How do you handle life with three, four or more kids?

Why I Crossfit

Crossfit: You either love it or loathe it. I personally love it. Why? Because I enjoy the workouts. I enjoy the camaraderie and it's a workout I can tailor to fit me. I go to my "box" at least 4 times a week. I wake up extra early, like 4:30 a.m., just to be able to work out and be back home to take the kids to school.

I need to workout. I feel better physically and emotionally after a grueling workout. I was an active child and a teenager athlete. My activity level went down during college (studying architecture and raising two small children leaves no time for anything else) and I felt gross. I started Crossfit in September of 2011 and have never looked back or felt better.

The WOD's are difficult. FRAN and JACKIE are not my friends. HERO WOD's are grueling but worth every second of movement put into them. I have incredible overall strength and endurance that I would have never gotten with "normal" workouts. With Crossfit, every day is a different workout and every day I feel sore.  I also enjoy the competitions. I have participated in 4 or 5 and each time, they kick my ass. They make me work harder, train harder and try to be the best I can be. 

My family fully supports my Crossfit life. They love that I am strong and fit. They come to every competition and spend hours waiting around just to watch me compete for a few minutes. Ida is very understanding on my nutritional needs and makes meals and shakes in advance so I am eating the right stuff all the time. I don't do Paleo or any crazy diet. I follow basic nutrition guides and eat LOTS of food (I have an extremely fast metabolism). Crossfit is definitely a lifestyle and I'm glad I joined it. 

Do you Crossfit? What do you like or loathe about Crossfit?

Beach Fun at Matheson Hammock Park

When people talk about beaches in Miami, they always talk about South Beach or Crandon Park. Recently, we took the kids to release some energy at the atoll beach at Matheson Hammock. Miami is known for beaches but in my opinion, this is the best beach for kids. This beach is a hidden treasure for Miami locals. It's perfect for families with little children and a great beach for introducing children to saltwater swimming!

The atoll beach is perfect since it's only knee deep and there aren't any waves.

If your kids don't like saltwater, like my daughter, they can hang out under the palms reading a book, they can ride a bike or scooter around the atoll beach.

Matheson Hammock is a public park that includes a marina and the legendary Red Fish Grill. Matheson Hammock Park also has a scenic lake bordered by a large coral rock picnic pavilion and smaller pavilions with charcoal grills, picnic tables and benches. Nature trails and bike trails weave throughout the park. 

Welcome to The Miami Dad

Hello and Welcome to The Miami Dad.

My name is Juan and I am a father of three living in Miami, Fl, hence the name The Miami Dad. I have two biological children and a step-son. This blog will chronicle my life as a dad and step-dad and life in Miami. Miami is a tropical paradise full of vibrant cultures and plenty of sunshine. I arrived in Miami when I was 8 years old from Cuba. I grew up in Miami and honestly, could not picture myself living anywhere else. With my kids, I try to be a tourist in my own city. I want them to learn all about this city and realize how privileged they are to live here.

Crossfit. I grew up playing sports in the park and played on my high school basketball team. I always considered myself very athletic until I started Crossfit. It kicks my a** every single morning. I have been in Crossfit for almost 4 years, having competed in various competitions and honestly, even though it is difficult, I love every minute of it.

If you look at my picture and think you recognize me from somewhere, you do. My lovely lady has her own blog, Second Chances Girl, where she blogs about our blended family, raising tweens and shares her amazing recipes! She has been blogging for a couple years now and is the reason I am starting my own blog!

Hope you will stick around and follow my life as the Miami Dad!