I recently had the opportunity to be a guest speaker at El Morro Elementary School in Laguna. The week’s theme was “Character Counts,” and the particular focus of that day was… caring.

Certain kids were rewarded for having demonstrated caring toward other students throughout the week. It was fun to hear the children cheering when someone in their own room was nominated.
I was able to share with the kids that it was caring for my sons that inspired me to create my book project, American Daddy, A Father’s Heart Revealed.
I want to thank my friend John Isaza for giving me the opportunity to speak at El Morro. John is a single father of a lovely daughter, and I plan to have him as one of our Dads of the Month in the near future–so keep your eyes out for him.

I can’t believe that my baby boy just turned two years old. It’s amazing to me how time has flown. My little Ezrah is growing up so fast! It seems as though he was just born… and so tiny. Now he is a little daredevil: jumping off of couches– which must be mountainous to him–and climbing up to the tops of the railings every chance he gets. He has no fear, and I love that about him. I love when I come home and he runs to me yelling, “Daddy!” That sweet burbled word that he works so hard to blurt out. He is my boy, and I love him!

Several months ago I read a story in Time Magazine about Ritt Bjerregaard, who is the Lord Mayor of Copenhagen. The story intrigued me because she is a staunch supporter of men being father’s and investing into the lives of their children. She started a campaign in Copenhagen called “The Daddy Forever” campaign. Lord May0r Ritt Bjerregaard also encourages all “new” fathers to take their six week paid vacation when they have a new child. She provides each new father with a “Daddy Pack” which consists of certain items for new dads. How cool is that??? I love that she is doing this! Why can’t we see that type of support here in the U.S.? It’s pretty amazing isn’t it?

So, being that I was so intrigued and encouraged by what she is doing I thought that I would send her a couple of books and tell her how thankful I was for all that she was doing to encourage men to be dads! Last month I received a response from Lord Mayor and I was completely blown away. The fact that she would respond to me encouraged me to continue on my task to be a small voice in a noisy world saying that dads matter.

I have put up the letter so that you can all check it out!

Peace,

Gabriel

Hello Friends…I wanted to let everyone know that I have been brought on as the “daddy expert” for a blog community, called The Spotter, based out of New York City. It’s a cool site where they are reaching out to form community in the City. It will be launching in the next couple of weeks. The blogs address is www.thespotter.net. I am very excited to be a part of this community as one of the experts!

Thanks for joining me on the American Daddy website!

What started out in my heart as a book project has now evolved into a movement where men are being engaged and encouraged by others.

The American Daddy movement is bigger than my story, the guys in the books stories. It’s about your story as you engage and encourage, enable, and become the American Daddy!

Let’s take a walk on this path of life and fathering together!

Gabriel

P.S.

“Way to go dad!”

– Julian (9 yrs old)

Hey Friends,

American Daddy, A Father’s Heart Revealed continues to get strong media attention. Gilbert Bernal, one of the dads featured in American Daddy, was chosen to be on the cover of the June issue of LA Parent Magazine featured below:

A story on American Daddy, A Father’s Heart Revealed can also be found within the LA Parent pages. You can pick up a copy of LA Parent Magazine all throughout the L.A. area.

Jennie McCarthy was on last month’s cover so this is quite the accomplishment to be chosen and this is the 1st time, in many, many years that LA Parent is having a black & white cover.

Father’s are getting recognized for the amazing job they are doing. Keep up the great work dads!

I had the wonderful opportunity to share my story and provide helpful touchpoints geared toward single dads in the latest issue of Advance Magazine.

Being a single dad was one of the most amazing experiences that I have ever had. It was easy for me to share from my heart because that was so much of who I was. I have provided the link below so that you can check it out:

REFLECTIONS OF A SINGLE FATHER:

http://www.foursquarechurch.org

If you are out there and a single father I commend you! I know that the task at hand is not an easy one. But I encourage you to keep doing all that you can to get as much time with your kids and to be in their lives. Check out the article and let me know what you think. And, please add any tips that you may have for all of the single dads out there.

Thanks again!

Gabriel

Hello friends! I wanted to share with you some exciting news. Mothering Magazine, a national magazine for moms and dads, has placed a four-page spread with images from my book American Daddy, A Father’s Heart Revealed in its May/June issue.

The word is getting out men! You Rock and you are all to be celebrated for being men who are committed to their children! Keep up the good work for you all are an inspiration to me and many others!!!

Hi-lights below:

Check this out! This was a huge surprise to me hearing that EncourageAmerica.org nominated my book project, American Daddy, A Father’s Heart Revealed, bringing awareness of its positive message about fathers.

I want to encourage all men to continue to be the best dads that they know how to be. You are being noticed!!!

EncourageAmerica.org, “America’s Positive News Network” is providing Counties, Communities and Schools web pages to post local positive news. The acknowledgement of individuals, schools, community groups, and businesses for making our communities a better place will inspire more people to get involved.

Recipient Information

to: Gabriel Pelino - American Daddy - Author from: The Morning Blend WTMJ-TV This is the cover of a new book release called American Daddy authored by Gabriel Pelino. Gabriel wrote this book with many pictures about Dads and how they related to their children. Gabriel discovered that he wanted to offer a way to encourage Dads who to be closer to their children. By acknowledging these great relationships he hopes this will inspire other men.

I recently was a guest on the show, The Morning Blend, out of Milwaukee, promoting my book project American Daddy, A Father’s Heart Revealed.

I have provided the link for anyone that may want to check it out!

to:	Gabriel Pelino
from:	The Morning Blend WTMJ-TV4
Allison and Molly of The Morning Blend discuss Gabriel Pelino’s new book titled American Dadd
http://www.themorningblend.com/NewsArticle
Enjoy!