There was a time when Xavier Baltasar didn't know if he would be a husband, let alone a father.
"I did pray on it and asked God to bring someone in my life in the perfect timing," Xavier said. "And He did."
What Xavier didn't know at the time was not only would he meet someone who he considered to be "the one", but with that person he would also automatically become dad.
When he met Alejandra Hernandez, she had a one year old daughter and a son who was just a toddler.
So how did they meet? That is a "long story" according to Xavier, and culminated in more than one "chance meeting".
"I literally met (Alejandra) at her cousin's house - he was my best friend," Xavier said. "We exchanged a 'hi' and that was pretty much it then."
Time passed, but their paths would cross again.
"I hadn't seen her in awhile," Xavier said. "She used to live near where I lived. I went to start my truck and was waiting on it to warm up when I saw her walk by."
Xavier thought to himself that Alejandra looked very familiar - he wondered where he had seen her before.
And then, their paths crossed again.
"I saw her walking barefoot trying to get her dog," Xavier said. "I told her I would go get it, so she wouldn't have to walk so far barefoot. She said, 'oh thank you' and told me it wouldn't bite. I told her 'that was good to know'."
More time passed, and yet, they would meet again.
"After awhile, they moved out and I didn't see her for awhile," Xavier said. "About a year later one of us added the other on Facebook and we started talking."
The two got to know one another and one day Xavier had another chance meet when he gave Alejandra and her children a ride home. It ended up being an enlightening opportunity.
"I picked her up from one of her friend's house and took her home - she had her kids with her," he said. "I made sure they got home safely. When I passed my apartment she said 'I used to live there.' I said, 'oh, that was you then'. It dawned on me that I knew her."
When they got to Alejandra's home, they continued their conversation.
"We were talking and she asked me questions," Xavier said. "She asked what I was looking for in a relationship. I told her my goal when I get in to a relationship is to build trust, loyalty and eventually get to marriage."
Xavier is a strong believer in the example set by his grandfather.
"My grandpa set an example," he said. "He never remarried after his wife died. He stayed single and stayed with her until he got to see her again - may he rest in peace. That made an impact on me that marriage is forever."
Alejandra told Xavier that is what she wanted as well. She continued to ask questions.
"She also asked me if I drink or not and some other questions," Xavier said. "We started dating after that."
Alejandra moved to California and lived there with her family for awhile. Their relationship continued.
"I was working at NAPA at the time and I told her I would come to visit her," Xavier said. "She asked me if I would bring her dad and brother with me. I said yes, so I spent the whole time driving to Bernardino, Calif., with them."
When Xavier arrived it was a heart warming welcome.
"When I got there the kids recognized me just like that," Xavier said with obvious pride. "My son used to lay on his stomach and he would just look up at me and smile and laugh. I always do everything I can to make them smile and laugh and just have fun."
Although not his by birth, they are his by heart.
"My daughter Kalinaw is turning six in November," Xavier said. "I call her Kaly. My son, Orlando, is turning four in three weeks. I call him Teto."
Becoming an instant dad was not something Xavier considered to be a negative for a relationship. Especially since they had experienced so many chance meetings before they became a couple.
"When I found out she was a single parent, honestly, to me, when we were talking I felt a connection," Xavier said. "Through it all I said to myself 'I think she's the one', because there is nothing to say you will get to see someone again, but I did. It was a sign - she was the one. I enjoy her company. I enjoy everything we have done up until now. We have our ups and downs. I am in love with her and her kids. I enjoy spending time with them."
Kaly, who was calling Xavier "Javi" has already let Xavier know how she feels about the arrangement.
"I don't tell them what to call me," Xavier said. "One day Kaly and I were talking and she said 'I want to call you dad'. That shattered me but in a good way - it made me happy. I told her she can call me whatever she wants."
Alejandra and Xavier have combined their homes now and are engaged to be married. How has life been since becoming "dad"?
"It's amazing," Xavier said. "Once they moved in, all my attention went to them - straight to the kids. It's life changing. I used to think I wouldn't have a family of my own and that I would live alone. I would go to my mom's to eat and when I got home nobody was there. Now, when I put the key in to unlock the door, I hear my little girl say 'Javi is here. Javi is here.' I tell her when she yells it out I know where she is."
When speaking of his children Xavier beams with a big smile and obvious pride.
"Kaly is my little girl - my little princess," Xavier said. "She's my world. Teto keeps me going and always checks on me when I hurt myself. He always says 'Javi is my best friend.' He lays on my stomach when we are watching a movie. He tells me he loves me and gives me a kiss on my cheek."
What is the best part about being a dad to Xavier?
"Making a lot of memories with them," he said. "We go to Wichita to the zoo and to the arcade - they like that," he said. "We have our own thing now where we go to the zoo and then before we leave we take a family picture in the photo booth before we go. My son has the same expression over and over every time."
Xavier plays Barbies with Kaly and mass destruction dinosaurs with Teto. And they dance.
"When I put on 'let's dance' from You Tube we all start dancing - Alejandra joins in too."
He says he is happy with his family today.
"I wouldn't trade them for anything," Xavier said. "I love being in their lives. I tell them I am not going anywhere. They are always number one in my book. I love them. I tell them they will always be my kids, even when they are older - they will still be my little babies."
Xavier has signed up for the long haul.
"Some people say not to tattoo names - I broke that and I have both their names on me to show them they will always be in my life," Xavier said. "I will always love them and I never want to be away from them."
The tattoo isn't quite finished in case there needs to be something added in the future.
"We have talked about having more kids," Xavier said. "If we have more kids I will finish it."
Xavier offered advice for those dating someone who already has children.
"When you start dating someone with kids, their kids are now your kids," he said. "They will love you unconditionally. They will open up a whole new world for you that you have never seen before.
What is the hardest part of being a dad?
"Trying to get them to go to bed," Xavier says with a chuckle. "Especially Teto - he likes to wander around."
Xavier and Alejandra support and encourage one another in what they want to do. He is proud that she is pursuing her GED and she is encouraging him to get his CDL and start a side business working on shirt designs.
When do they get to have mom and dad time?
"Sometimes when the kids are asleep," Xavier said with a laugh.
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