Today is SENOR SMILEY'S 12th birthday and last night we presented him with his very first phone. He was elated. Thinks it will help him with the girls. Not sure how dad feels about that. He's not ready for the "shades" life brings but will support him no matter what he wants to do.

Derek is a quirky, lovable, sensitive, honest kid. He's different and knows he is and sometimes battles that. He's just like me. I am not exactly counter culture but definitely march to my own beat, call men "honey" and prefer a secluded life with a few intimate friends and those who tell it like it is and help me become a better person. My kids -- COLEY, too -- and work go one-two in my world, and it's very routined -- just how I like it.

'Smiley doesn't play hockey or footbal and we live in Eden Prairie, which is not en vogue for 12-year-old boys. Okay. He's on a hip-hop team, plays in-house basketball and always starts our chats with, "So, how is your day going, dad?" He's perfect in my view with his gorgeous blue eyes and darling dimples. He's an individual who doesn't have to roll with the masses and do things like most kids I come across. He's very much his own person and like me is more comfortable around girls than boys.

Derek is kind of like the 2012 Minnesota Vikings. We run first in a pass-happy league and play Tampa Two while other teams switch to aggressive forms of the 3-4. It's antithetical to the way people say you are supposed to win in the NFL.

Derek wins talent contests, is a gunner like daddy and pulls up from 20 and plays Skyrim whenever he gets the chance. His idol is PAUL CHARCHIAN because he hosts Video Games Weekly and always talks to Derek about ways to beat games. He's uncle Paul to my boy, and we don't run from the fact he loves video games.

And like the 2012 Vikings, Derek is winning in life and wants to grow up to be a meteorologist. Great, that means in 10 years BARREIRO may rip my kid for weather terrorism. But housing that job would be perfect for who the boy is -- unique. It's different to most to have aspirations to report weather on TV but that's what he wants to do. And he'll get there because he's smart, beautiful and unique.

I love you, buddy, and always will be your best friend, no matter where I lay my hat.