Richard Weintraub holding his newborn son, Cole, at the hospital

DADDYHOOD

- Richard Weintraub is proud to be married to half the Tastybaby duo, Liane! He is the devoted dad of Ava (2 ½) and Cole (1 ½), and spends the rest of his time working in real estate in Los Angeles.

Literally up until the moment I became a father, I was never convinced that having children would be the best thing for me. I got married at an early age and was a stereotypical “workaholic”.  I couldn’t imagine anything being more important than my fulfilling work and personal life, and I didn’t want to be the kind of father who put his family second, after his career.  Everyone I knew was aware that I was “anti-kids”.

From the time we started dating, my wife and I enjoyed traveling, going out with friends and to parties and generally having a good time.  If I wasn’t at work, I was having fun, and that’s the way I wanted it to be … forever.  Over the years we amassed 5 dogs and treated them (literally) like they were our babies.  I didn’t think I could ever love anyone more than that.  My mom started calling our pets her “grand-dogs,” and I’m sure she was convinced that 4 daschunds and a mutt were as close as she’d be coming to being a grandma.

Once we entered our 30’s that all changed. My wife definitely wanted children and, to fulfill her desires, I reluctantly agreed to go ahead.  A shocking twelve years into our marriage, our daughter Ava was born and I now tell anyone who will listen, that life changes … for the better.  Much better!  

When Ava was born, for some reason I couldn’t stop crying with joy.  As anyone who is a parent knows, it truly is a miracle to see part of you come to life.  There is an immediate grounding that happens, and many questions are answered in that moment.  Now, nearing her third birthday, she is growing into a more amazing, articulate, funny girl every day.  I am so proud of her and I love seeing the results of working together as parents.

Our son, Cole, was born 16 months ago, and when he arrived, the same intense emotion was there, but not the surprise.  When Cole was born he looked like a skinny little green bean, but soon enough he filled out and I think he will overtake his sister soon in height and will let her know who is boss. While Ava makes sure that you notice her, Cole is much more laid back.  It sounds strange to say about a baby, but I would already describe him as “a nice guy.”  He doesn’t seem to be much of a baby at all.

What was really confirmed for me when we had our second child is that babies are born as the people they will be.  You are who you are.  Both of our children exhibit the identical personality traits we saw in them on their second days in the hospital.  It is amazing and reassuring to know that, as a father I am here to guide these people, but not to shape or control them.  My only job is to give them the direction and knowledge to be the best people they can be and, of course, to keep them safe from harm.  It is also comforting to know that we go on through our children (and their children), and that, while 3 generations from now no one may remember me, they will still be a part of the amazing lives we all get a chance to experience on Earth.  Hopefully some of the work I am doing now – especially in my role as a father – will carry forward forever.

Today, our dogs still are a special part of the family, but I can tell you that I never knew a love like this until our children were born.