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The Dad Diaries

my surrogacy journey to becoming a single dad of twins

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My name is Joseph Tito, I’m a film and television producer that has traveled the world. Last year I decided to become a single father, it hasn’t been easy but the journey has well been worth it. From Jet-Setter to Fatherhood and everything in between, this is my journey. A journey of a single gay man becoming a father of twins!

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thedaddiaries.ca

From Jet-Setter to Fatherhood. My surrogacy journey to becoming a single dad of twins. #singledad | #speaker | #contentcreator info@thedaddiaries.com

I won't always cry, Daddy, when you leave the room

I won't always cry, Daddy, when you leave the room, and my supermarket tantrums will end soon.
I won't always wake, Daddy, for cuddles through the night, and one day you will miss, having a chocolate face to wipe.
You won't always wake to find my foot is kicking you out of bed, or find me sideways on your pillow where you want to lay your head.
You won't always have to carry me in asleep from the car. Or piggyback me down the road when my little legs can't walk that far.
So cherish every cuddle, remember them all. One day Daddy, I won't be this small.
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#growingup #happy #babygirls #dadlife #childhood #smile #growing #fatherhood #growinguptoofast #daughters #children #parenting #toddlerlife #toddler #titotwins #thedaddiaries

This is the first Canada Day that Stella and Mia a

This is the first Canada Day that Stella and Mia are celebrating officially as Canadian citizens—and I am so grateful and proud. For those of you who remember (or who maybe don’t know), when my girls were born in Kenya, they were not granted Canadian citizenship. I was so angry with Canada for not allowing my daughters to enter the country. How could my country, the country to which I contribute and pay taxes, reject my newborn, days old, vulnerable babies? In the end, it all worked out; and this past February, my girls were granted their citizenship. Truth be told, I am very happy and honoured to live in such a great country. It is a country that helps its people and allows them to truly be free. Equality, opportunity, freedom of speech and religion are some of the things that come to mind when I think of Canada. I have travelled to over forty countries, and no place has ever held my heart like Canada does. Happy Canada Day!!
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#canada #canadaday #explorecanada #imagesofcanada #enjoycanada #canadagram #canadalife #canadatravel #canadalove #titotwins #lgbtfamily #lovealwayswins #fetenationale #happycanadaday #happycanadadayeh🍁 #canadaday #canadaday2020 #celebratecanadaday #thedaddiaries

Today I tried to explain what pride day is to my g

Today I tried to explain what pride day is to my girls. It’s kind of weird to celebrate just one day or one month of pride. I then explained to them that they should be proud everyday. Life has become easier for us since the 1969 stonewall riots. The lgbtq2 community has come a long way but still we are far off from equality. My one wish is that Mia and Stella will grow up in a world filled with love. One in which being proud of who you are is celebrated everyday. Happy pride to everyone, especially to those that fought so hard for me to be able to have my family.

T-shirts: @roots .
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#thedaddiaries #gaydads #gayfathers #loveislove #lovemakesafamily #lgbtrights #lgbtfamily #lgbtq #gayfamily #gaypride #gayswithkids #gayparents #samesexparents #outandproud #prouddad #gaydadsofinstagram #lgbtqdad #gayparent #dadsrock #queerdad #WeAreQueer #torontopride #proudfamily #prouddad #gaytoronto #HappyPrideMonth #equalrights #happypride #loveistheanswer #supportlgbt

As the girls keep growing, it’s important for me

As the girls keep growing, it’s important for me to introduce them to different foods. #sponsored

After trying and liking @mapleleaffoods 50/50 burgers, I thought I’d give their 50/50 Breakfast sausages a try. I decided to give Nonna Stella a break and make brunch. I wanted all of us to eat at the same time. The girls love their eggs and pancakes, but I’ve never given them sausage. I was excited to see their reaction.

The girls will eat a few bites, but they’re really not big meat-eaters. They much prefer their veggies, yogurt, bread, and fruit. I’ve wanted to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diet for variation and balance. And equally as important, is giving them products made with natural ingredients. The breakfast sausages are made with 50% less pork + plant-based and ingredients, checking all the boxes. Well, they were a hit! Stella ate one all herself, while Mia, a little unsure at first, asked for more.
I’m enjoying Maple Leaf’s 50/50 line. I know I should be eating more plant-based, but I still do enjoy the taste of premium meat. I’m grateful to have been introduced to this tasty and healthy product line—and so happy to add a new item to the girls’ list of healthy foods they enjoy!
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#MapleLeaf5050 #plantbased #wellness #plantpower #instafood #plantpowered #plantbasedfood #healthyeating #healthyliving #eatclean #yummy #familytime #familybrunch

Now more than ever, we know how important it is fo

Now more than ever, we know how important it is for parents to feel supported during these uncertain times. In the NICU, parent visitations are limited, with often only one parent granted access, meaning a reduction in face time between families and their littlest fighters. Pampers is donating $200,000 in technology grants to 8 Canadian hospital NICUs to help keep babies and families feel connected when they need it most. Giving them the resources they need to help keep parents and babies connected and virtually in touch with their loved ones. Congratulations to the eight hospitals. I am proud to be supporting @PampersCanada and @cdnprematurebabiesfoundation. #ad #PampersForPreemies #PampersBrightBeginnings

They’re in Good Hands. And so am I. One of my mo

They’re in Good Hands. And so am I. One of my most important lessons as a parent I learned long ago from the security messages on airlines: put your own oxygen mask on first before you can help others. With @allstatecanada , it’s almost the same thing. By ensuring that my home and car are protected from life’s uncertainty, I have peace of mind and can give my time and energy to my children. Whether it be dancing, wagon rides, pool time, reading time, playtime or meals, Allstate makes sure I’m in Good Hands, so that I can give my best to them. #AllStateAllRight
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#Ad #homeinsurance #carinsurance #safetyfirst #peaceofmind #titotwins #thedaddiaries #dadlife #lifewithchildren #gaydads #singledad #thingsthatmatter

Eighteen months ago, I remember it as if it were y

Eighteen months ago, I remember it as if it were yesterday, Stella and Mia took their first breath in this world. I spent a year preparing for that moment, but when it came, no words can describe how I felt. They were born five weeks early, so they were put into the NICU, and on the first day, I couldn't even touch them. I remember counting their little fingers and toes, and all I wanted to do was hold them. But at least I was present, and I'm sure they could feel the immense love I already felt for them. I wanted all my family to see them, but I was halfway across the world from my loved ones. That is why I am so proud to be partnering with @pamperscanada to share with you their NICU Grant Program. Given these unprecedented times, in the NICU, parent visitations are limited, with often only one parent granted access. This is tough on parents who want to bond with their baby and also on babies who developmentally benefit from hearing the voices of their family. This is why Pampers in partnership with @cdnprematurebabiesfoundation will be providing $200,000 in technology grants to 8 hospital NICUs in Canada to help keep babies & families connected. In-person parent presence in the unit is the most important. However, given what's happening, this technology is a great support to families who are not able to be with their babies as frequently or at all. .
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#ad #PampersForPreemies #PampersBrightBeginnings #dadlife #surrogacy #bonding #skintoskin #nicu #nicubaby

Music ignites all areas of child development and s

Music ignites all areas of child development and skills for school readiness, including intellectual, social-emotional, motor, language, and overall literacy. It helps the body and mind work together. Exposing children to music during early development helps them learn the sounds and meanings of words. Dancing to music helps children build motor skills while allowing them to practice self-expression. For children and adults, music helps strengthen memory skills. In addition to the developmental benefits, simply put: music brings us joy. What are some of your favourite songs or groups you sing along to with your kids?

T-shirts by: @born_fly_eli
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#musicforkids #musictherapy #music #musicislife #musicheals #meditation #musica #musiclovers #soundtherapy #soundhealing #thesoundofmysoul #musiclover #musicismylife #soulsoundz #soulsounds #thebeatinmystep #toddlers #titotwins #thedaddiaries #raisingwarriors

Pride has no single face, no single definition, no

Pride has no single face, no single definition, no single experience, and knows no boundaries. Pride belongs to everyone and doesn't discriminate against race, nationality, religion, or sexual orientation. Pride isn't just a month to me; it's a state of mind. Pride is about living every day with integrity and honesty. Pride is about being able to stand with honor in your community and know that freedom, support, resources, and education are available equally to all. To me, PRIDE is saying to the world, this is who I am, and I'm proud to be me. Are you proud to be you?
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#HappyPrideMonth #equalrights #happypride #loveistheanswer #supportlgbt #juneispridemonth #prideflag #equalrightsnow #LoveisLove #GotYourBack #GayPride #ShowYourPride #WeareFamily #LoudandProud #ShareTheLove #LoveWins #ProudtoLove #lovemakesafamily #gaydad #gaydads #lgbtq2

🎂🎂FATHER'S DAY GIVEAWAY🎂🎂 ⁣⁣⁣ Fa

🎂🎂FATHER'S DAY GIVEAWAY🎂🎂 ⁣⁣⁣
Father's Day is just around the corner! To support local business, I've teamed up with @velvetcrumbscake. We are giving away a 4" Father's Day cake with your choice of vanilla or chocolate cake and your choice of vanilla, chocolate, Nutella or coffee buttercream frosting. The cake will be delivered to the winner on Father's Day. Of course, I chose Nutella!! Swipe 👉🏽 to look at that beauty. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
To enter:
-Follow @thedaddiaries.ca and @velvetcrumbscake
-Like the image. -Tag 3 dad friends in the comments. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The winner will be announced on my story Sunday, June 14th! Good luck! This giveaway is no way sponsored, administered or endorsed by Instagram.Inc. By entertaining, you are confirming you are at least 18 years of age, live in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area), release Instagram of responsibility, and agree to Instagram terms of use! .
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#cutecake #ilovecake #spongecake #cakestagram #cakeideas #chocolatecake #cakery #buttercream #cakes #cakedecorating #Dad #FathersDayWeekend #ILoveMyDad #Family #Parents #fathersday #fatherhood #love #familytime #fatherdaughtertime #DaddysLittleGirl #fatheranddaughter #superdaddy #bestdaddy #myfather #bestdad #mydad #thedaddiaries #titotwins

I can't believe how fast time has gone by! Eightee

I can't believe how fast time has gone by! Eighteen months ago, they were the size of my hand, and now they are the most amazing little people. When I first found out I was having twins, I shit my pants. I was terrified. How was I, a single man with no baby experience, going to take care of two?
I get asked all the time, "How do you do it with twins?" Well, you just do. As they get older, it's starting to get easier. I remember when they began walking, people would say, "Now you're in trouble!" Instead, in my experience, it became easier. I found the first six months extremely difficult, especially at night. Being alone at 3 am trying to hold and comfort two babies was probably the hardest thing I've ever done. I guess what I'm trying to say, especially to new parents, is that if I can do it, trust me you can, too. Everything is a phase, and it will pass. I know when you are in the trenches (and sleep-deprived!), seeing the light may be difficult, but it's there. Before you know it, you're standing in its brightness, a much stronger person and ready for the next challenge. Being a new parent is hard, but so worth it. What was or is the hardest part for you? .
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#dailyparenting #motherhood #fatherhood #dadlife #letthembelittle #parenting #fatherhoodunplugged #parenthood #candidchildhood #parentlife #childhoodunplugged #motherhoodrising #dadblogger #fatherhoodthroughinstagram #mytinymoments #honestfatherhood #dadsofinstagram #uniteinparenthood #daddyblogger #littleandbrave #dadswithcameras #titotwins #thedaddiaries

With all the hate that is going on in the world, I

With all the hate that is going on in the world, I want to share some love. I want to put a smile on your face even if it is just for a second. Stay strong. .
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#seeingthelight #thelightattheendofthetunnel #lifeisbeautiful #gratefuleveryday #parentingmoments #parenting #parentingreality #parentingbelike #parentingbloggers #parentingstyle #parentingistough #parentingisafulltimejob #parentingexperiences #twinsofinstagram #parentingrealities #SingleFather #singlefathers #singlefatherlife #SingleFatherHustle #gaydads #gaydad #gayswithkids #thedaddiaries #gaydadsofinstagram #lgbtqfamily #proudfamily #fatherhoodinspired #fatherhood #iamdad #lovemakesafamily

The wagon is here!!! #sponsored As you guys know,

The wagon is here!!! #sponsored

As you guys know, last week, I ordered a wagon for the girls from @indigo through airmilesshops.ca and was able to get Miles. It was super simple: I just signed into my @airmiles_canada account and searched for the retailer I was interested in. I had no idea how many retailers they have on the site! I was set on the wagon, but there's so much to choose from like clothing, toys, appliances, electronics, etc. I have some home Renos coming up in the fall, so I'm definitely going to use airmilesshops.ca to buy my materials and appliances from retailers like Rona and Lowes. Check the link in bio to discover the retailers available on airmilesshops.ca Do you guys collect AIR MILES Reward Miles? What are some purchases you've made using your Reward Miles?
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#MilesBringYouCloser #thedaddiaries #titotwins #gaydads #gaydads #singlefather #iamdad #dadsrock #prouddad

When it is time to wean your baby off the bottle?

When it is time to wean your baby off the bottle? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies give up the bottle entirely by about age 1, and no later than 18 months. But an analysis of 6,750 children born in 2001, who participated in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort, found that 22% of babies were still using bottles regularly at 24 months, and of those, nearly a quarter were obese by age five-and-a-half.
Although I am hesitant to take the bottle away because it means that they are no longer babies, I want what's best for them. I know that we should be happy with our bodies no matter what, but I also know how difficult it is to deal with being overweight, not just for esthetics or the way society judges, but for your health. So I ask you, when did you take your baby off the bottle? Did you do it cold turkey? And how did your babies respond? .
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#bottlefeeding #breastfeeding #baby #babyfeeding #babycare #babyfood #babyfeeder #titotwins #daddiaries #concerneddad #prouddad #iamdad #singledad #gaydads #fathersmatter #torontoblogger #dadblogger

If you're an @airmiles_canada Collector, you don't

Baby smell. That’s all I have to say. You know i

Baby smell. That’s all I have to say. You know it—that smell that makes you want to hold your baby close up so you can take a huge inhale of that wonderful, calming, innocent, universal, nostalgic scent. #sponsored
Most of that yumminess is thanks to @johnsonsbabyca. Hold on while I give Stella and Mia a sniff. Ahhhh, love it. I know I’m going to miss it one day—but not anytime soon, if I can help it!

It is now more important than ever for babies to have routines, and JOHNSON’S BEDTIME® products fit right into ours. Every night at the same time we have bath time, massage, and a book reading. I found that this routine has helped the girls with sleep, and I am blessed to now have babies that sleep through the night. Their products are free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, or dyes, and are made with 96% naturally-derived ingredients. How great is that?

So tell me, how much do you love/miss that baby smell? #ChooseGentle

I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself to t

I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself to those who have recently started following me. My name is Joseph; I was born in Rome to a very traditional Italian family. I started working at a very young age and got to travel the world at the age of 15. I went to Ryerson and studied communications. Ten years ago, I moved to the Middle East, where I produced and directed films and TV shows. I always wanted to be a father. I knew as a gay man it would be difficult, but I also knew that if it was something I wanted, nothing would stop me! So at 37, I travelled to Kenya to deposit my semen—and that is when I embarked on an adventure that would change my life forever. After four failed embryo transfers and changing the egg donor, my surrogate finally got pregnant. Now, at 40, I am a single (not by choice) father of 2 beautiful, happy, and healthy girls who mean the world to me. To my right, meet Mia, and her older twin sister, Stella. I use this platform to share my experiences, the products I love, and to ask you for advice and wisdom. I want to thank all of you for continuing to support us and for helping me through this crazy thing called parenthood.
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#grateful #thedaddiaries #titotwins #activefather #singlefather #fathersday #canadiandads #parenting #dadblogger #dadsofinsta #singledad #singledadlife #journeytofatherhood #twindad #torontoblogger #surrogacy #fatherhoodunplugged #prouddad #dadlife #fatherhoodthroughinstagram #gayswithkids #twinsofinstagram #gaydads #ivfjourney #lgbtq #parenthood #ivfjourney

I've had a beard for as long as I can remember. Th

I've had a beard for as long as I can remember. The eight years I spent in the Middle East really made having a beard easy. You see, much like Starbucks in New York City, in the Middle East, every second shop is a barbershop. The Arabs know how to take care of their beards. It would cost me only a couple of dollars to get my beard groomed, so every 2-3 days, I was getting a fresh face. In Toronto, I found it challenging to find a good barber without spending 30-40 dollars each visit, so I have been left to my own lowly skills for grooming my beard.
When @swaggermag reached out about trying @conaircanada 's 'The Barber Shop Series,' I jumped on it. I must say I love it. It's super easy to use, and it has 50 different cutting lengths, which is perfect if you want the sides shorter than the goatee, and...well, it's a science! Ladies, if your hubby hasn't groomed because of what's going on out there, remember Father's Day is right around the corner—and it’s never too early for the gift of grooming. You, I mean HE, deserves it. 😉
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#QuarantineCuts #SwaggerSquad #beardman #beard #beardstyle #bearded #beards #beardlife #beardgang #beardlove #beardsofinstagram #beardedmen #instabeard #barba #beardedman #instagood #picoftheday #beardoil #beardporn #beardlover #beardmodel #beardnation #barbershop #man #bear #barber #barbudo #instagay #gaydads #dadblogger

I want to wish all moms a happy Mother’s Day. An

I want to wish all moms a happy Mother’s Day. And a special shout out to this women for being such an amazing role model that my girls will forever see. I love you ma. Thank you for everything, I couldn’t do this without you. . . . . . . . #mothersday #bestmomever #lovemakesafamily #memoir #thanksmom #mymomisthebest #ilovemymom #momandson #mothersdaygift #happymothersday #MothersDayTreat #MothersDayGiftIdeas #motherhood #thanksmom #momsofinstagram #bestmomever #loveyou

Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is

Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.
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#thedaddiaries #prouddad #titotwins #dadlife #gaydads #gaydad #singledad #dad #familyfirst #fatherhood #daddysgirl #daddy #father #proudfather #prouddaddymoment #prouddadmoment #singlefather #singledadlife #loveislove #lovemakesafamily #fatherhoodislit #fatherhoodlooksgoodonyou #fathersmatter

Hide and go seek. How would you caption this post?

Hide and go seek. How would you caption this post? .
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#thedaddiaries #prouddad #titotwins #dadlife #gaydads #gaydad #singledad #dad #familyfirst #fatherhood #daddysgirl #daddy #father #proudfather #prouddaddymoment #prouddadmoment #singlefather #singledadlife #loveislove #lovemakesafamily #fatherhoodislit #fatherhoodlooksgoodonyou #fathersmatter

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