NFL's Devon Still shows the true face of fatherhood

by

Carolyn Robertson

posted in Celebrities

Devon Still is a defensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals, but these days the 25-year-old is focusing on something much more important than football: His 4-year-old daughter Leah.

On June 2, 2014, Leah was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma stage 4 cancer. He shared the devastating news on Instagram, writing, "If y'all know me y'all know this girl is my world I know that she is strong and she won't let anything hold her down without a fight."

The NFL pro's Instagram feed is a testament of his devotion to his adorable little girl, full of sentimental tributes and cute photos of the two of them together. Captioning a sweet pic of a daddy-daughter dinner date just weeks before Leah's diagnosis, he wrote: "I've been on a lot of dates but this is by far the most beautiful girl I've ever had the honor to sit across from."

Since that day in June changed everything, Still has been updating fans and followers on Leah's treatment and progress. When she started chemotherapy, he shaved his head in solidarity. When she had to spend days and nights at the hospital, he took up permanent residence on a metal cot beside her bed. When she went in for a 6-hour surgery to remove the tumor last week, he gave her an awesome pre-op prep talk that quickly went viral.

In the meantime, as Still and Leah battle this disease, football has had to take a backseat. In August he was cut from the Bengals, but the team showed its support by immediately signing him to the practice squad so that he could continue to bring in a salary and stay close to home to be there for his daughter.

“I completely understand where the Bengals were coming from when they cut me because I couldn’t give football 100 percent right now,” Still said at the time. “They could have washed their hands with me and said they didn’t care about what I was going through off the field. It’s like a blessing in disguise for me.”

Though Leah still has a long road of more chemotherapy and radiation ahead, they got some good news last week: The surgery successfully removed all of the tumor. "Best news I've received in a long time," said the relieved dad.

With the NFL making headlines for all kinds of horrible reasons in recent months, the story of Devon Still and his devotion to his beautiful little girl stands as a touching example of what fatherhood really looks like. And fans have responded: The Bengals reported today that they've sold 10,000 Devon Still jerseys, and will be donating the $1 million proceeds toward paediatric cancer research.

Best wishes to Leah and to Devon as they continue their fight together.

These dads have made headlines, too - find out why!

Photo: Flickr/Parker Anderson

Kendra Wilkinson sent son away during cheating scandal

by

Sara McGinnis

posted in Celebrities

When hit with rumors her husband, Hank Baskett, may have cheated on her with a transsexual model, Kendra Wilkinson thought it best to keep her newborn daughter at her side but send their 4-year-old son Hank IV away for a while.

Opening up about the tough decision, the reality star told People , "When the news broke, I flipped on Hank and told him to get out of the house. But then I allowed him to come back and get Little Hank, because we knew there was going to be this s--- storm. I had to calm down and really just think logically and figure out what the right thing to do was."

A look back at the family's day out together in April, while Kendra was still pregnant with daughter Alijah:

"I was like, you need to take him and just hide out for a while," she continued, explaining she asked her husband to take their son to New Mexico, where Hank's parents live. "But what was so hard about it was that I felt I just gave my son away to the man who'd cheated on his family."

"It was so gross to me, but I knew in the back of my mind that he's a great father, and is the only one who could protect his son. If he'd stayed here, he'd have been hounded. If I took him to preschool, to the movies, I would not feel safe. But giving Little Hank to Hank to go to New Mexico was probably the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life."

That does sound tremendously hard, but to be honest this whole Hank Baskett cheating scandal thing just isn't passing the sniff test for me.

I've seen clips of Kendra crying, and she does seem genuinely upset, but the whole premise is just so tabloid-sounding. Yes, real life is sometimes really crazy, but the way they're filming so much of the drama for their show -- and especially how they are still not saying if the rumors were true or not (even People reports he "may" have cheated -- just isn't sitting right with me.

My money (that is, if I had any I was willing to gamble on reality television with) is that the season finale of Kendra On Top is going to include a climactic lie detector test, which Hank will pass. A penny for your thoughts?

Weigh in

Do you think sending a child away to their grandparents in the midst of family drama is the best thing to do?

Photo: PR Photos

More stars who've been tangled up in cheating scandals

Why Kristen Bell keeps letting Dax Shepard knock her up

by

Sara McGinnis

posted in Celebrities

Kristen Bell isn't saying much about her 2014 pregnancy, but she's happy to gush about her husband, Dax Shepard.

Sharing only that baby two is due "hopefully sometime soon," the actress told People they had been "completely stumped" on a baby name, but have recently made progress.

"We had a little bit of a breakthrough. We’ve settled on one, thankfully," the 34-year-old Frozen star, who gave birth to daughter Lincoln 18 months ago, explained. "It’s a lot of pressure, especially because we felt ‘Lincoln’ was so perfect."

Regarding that sweet tattoo of a bell Dax recently got on his ring finger, Kristen Bell admitted, "It was surprising. He just came home with a Band-Aid on his finger one day." She went on to joke, "Those are the kinds of surprises I get at home. And people wonder why I keep letting him knock me up."

Take a look at the ink here, which the proud dad showed off during a recent appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show:

I typically cringe when couples get tattoos, because it just seems like some sort of a curse, but Dax's ink is pretty darn sweet! Lucky him his lady love has such an image-based last name.

My husband and I each have a couple of tattoos and have talked for years about going sometime to get something together (not names or each other's faces, mind you) but can never quite come up with what it should be. At this point, it's probably never going to actually happen.

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Who has tattoos in your family? What are they of?

Photo: PR Photos

More stars who sport ink:

Photos: Check out North West's chic, edgy toddler style!

by

Carolyn Robertson

posted in Celebrities

They grow up so fast!

Paris Fashion Week has been a family affair for Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. The style-obsessed couple brought their 1-year-old daughter North along to Balenciaga’s runway show on Wednesday night, where they took in the season's hottest trends from the front row.

All eyes are usually on Kimye, but that night it was little North who stole the show. Dressed all in black - she was sporting a Yeezus T-shirt from her dad's recent tour and a pleated leather skirt from her mom's Kardashian Kids clothing line - the absolutely adorable toddler marched her little lace-up biker boots right into the VIP entrance.

I must admit, I've never seen toddler style quite like that before. Kim has previously revealed that she refuses to dress her daughter in pink, and it looks like she meant it! The reality star describes North's style as “simple, classic and really chic.”

Though she was holding mom's hand as she toddled around, it looks like it won't be long before North, who turned 1 in June, will be walking - make that strutting - all on her own.

Comment

What do you think of Kim and Kanye's chic style for North?

Love North West's edgy look? Check out the rest of the Kardashian Kids collection...

Photos: REX USA

Jessica Simpson's family pool pic is freaking me out

by

Carolyn Robertson

posted in Celebrities

If you don't happen to follow Jessica Simpson on Instagram, you are missing out on a whole lot of cuteness. The reality star posts a ton of absolutely adorable photos of her kids Maxwell, 2, and Ace, 1. Like this one. And this one. Oh! And this one .

This week, though, a photo popped up on her page that made my stomach turn just a bit.

"I was on a plane to NYC today and I missed out on this!!! I'm in LOVE with the 2 of them. #boyswillbeboys" Jessica captioned this must-see shot, which shows her husband Eric Johnson and baby Ace having some pool time. Well, to be specific, Ace is flying feet above the pool, having been tossed way, way, way up in the air by his daddy.

The huge smile on that baby's sweet face shows that he is having the time of his little life. But if I walked outside to see my infant soaring into the stratosphere like that I probably would have a small heart attack.

Yes, I guess I am that mom.

The thing is, I don't want to be! I want my two daughters to be brave and strong and adventurous, and I know I won't help them get there if I'm holding my breath and cringing every time they do something a little bit daring.

My husband thankfully balances my nervous-nelly tendencies. He's always flipping the girls upside down, balancing them on his feet, tossing them into pools and piles of leaves, making them jump off of ledges and tree branches. I'm the one hovering on the outskirts, one eye closed, unable to quell that maternal instinct that makes me constantly blurt, "Be careful!"

It seems I'm not the only one. Here's a sample of the comments that Jessica's photo received from the readers of US Magazine:

• i'll be mad to my husband if he does that to our kids


• putting their kids in danger. accident could happen anytime. maybe it's just me but it's really looking scary.


• No, I'm totally in agreeance with you. Especially the distance he's throwing them. Too much.


• I agree. I'm the type of person who always pictures the worst possible outcome though. If I was Jessica, I'd tell him to knock it off.

Jessica Simpson, clearly, is not that mom. This isn't the first time she's posted pics of her handsome hubby throwing the kids around - turns out he's a repeat offender when it comes to tossing babies sky-high. It may make me a little queasy, but Jessica seems to love it.

Click to comment

What do you think of the photo: Way too cute or way too high?

Daddy duty! Check out some of our favorite famous fathers with their kids...

Photo: INFPhoto.com

'Sporty Spice' Mel C has issues with where girl power has gone

by

Sara McGinnis

posted in Celebrities

It's been quite a few years since Melanie Chisholm and her Spice Girls counterparts were convincing us all to "slam your body down and wind it all around...zigazig-ha," and this former pop music queen is unnerved at how sexual things have gotten since.

The 40-year-old singer, who is mom to 5-year-old Scarlet, recently opened up about how she shields her daughter from the imagery that goes along with current songs by telling the Daily Mirror, "My girl Scarlet is a big fan of Rihanna, but I won't let her watch the videos - they're too sexual. I protect my daughter from it while I can, but she's growing up fast."

Part of Mel C's worry is that current pop stars, such as Rihanna, are encouraging women to be objectified.

"For me it's almost like what we did with girl power has gone too far the other way, which defeats the object," she explained. "I appreciate that it's a different generation now, but I don't consider that empowering."

In 2001 "girl power" was added to the Oxford English Dictionary, complete with a nod to the Spice Girls:

Power exercised girls; spec. a self-reliant attitude among girls and young women manifested in ambition, assertiveness, and individualism. Although also used more widely (esp. as a slogan), the term has been particularly and repeatedly associated with popular music; most notably in the early 1990s with the briefly prominent ‘riot girl’ movement in the United States; then, in the late 1990s, with the British all-female group the Spice Girls.

The sticking point, I suppose, is whether or not one sees a young woman embracing and displaying her sexuality as powerful or problematic.

As a parent, I'm inclined to agree with Melanie and as of right now do not allow my two sons to watch music videos. They're dripping with sex, and are not something I think kids need to see or admire.

As a woman, however, my thoughts on the topic aren't as clearly defined. In general I don't think there's anything wrong with a female embracing her sexuality and showing it off if that's how she feels inclined to present herself. It's hard for me to decide if my views are conflicting, or if I just have a firm line drawn between what's acceptable for adults and kids.

Join the conversation

Do feel 'girl power' has gone astray? Why or why not?

Photo: PR Photos

Just for kicks -- a look back at 'Posh Spice' Victoria Beckham in our gallery of maternity photos from the '90s:

Naomi Watts shares her big parenting regret: What's yours?

by

Carolyn Robertson

posted in Celebrities

Actress Naomi Watts seems to live a pretty charmed life: She has a wildly successful career, a handsome and talented partner in Liev Schreiber, two beautiful sons and enough money to cover the bills and then some.

Still, like most of us, the 45-year-old 21 Grams star says that she has some regrets about the choices she's made. Looking effortlessly gorgeous in the pages of the October issue of More Magazine, Naomi opens up about motherhood, and about the things she wishes she'd done differently.

Asked what she'd change if she could start over again, Naomi - who once admitted she'd have another baby if she knew it would be a girl - gave an honest answer that struck a chord with me: "Have a bigger family," she says. "I should have had more kids, started younger."

Though many stars have had babies well into their forties, it sounds like Naomi has closed that chapter on her life. Now that her boys Sasha and Kai are 7 and 5 years old, she says she can barely remember giving birth to them.

"I feel like the births of my children were so huge, but I don't remember either of them well," she admits. "I wish I could have it all back but without the pain."

As a rule, I try to steer clear of regret. It's a time suck, and it's pointless to boot. If I have a chance to make something right, I should do it. If there's no going back, then all I can do is learn the lesson and move on. So I don't really regret the times I've yelled without wanting to, or the times I've been late or frazzled or frustrated.

I must admit, though: I sometimes wonder if I'll share Naomi's family size regret down the road. Having babies was not easy for me. Physically, thankfully, there were no problems. Mentally, however, it's a very different story, and part of me feels as though I actually would not survive a third round of postpartum depression. Even though I know my baby days are behind me, even though I have two kids who I love like crazy, and I feel blessed and comfortable in our little life, every once in a while I hear that voice in the back of my head whispering that the only child I'll ever regret is the one I don't have.

Comment

Do you have a parenting regret?

See which famous moms had babies after forty...

Photos: ©Mark Abrahams/More Magazine, REX USA, PR Photos

Tyler Perry reportedly drops baby bombshell at birthday bash

by

Sara McGinnis

posted in Celebrities

Rumor has it congratulatory wishes are in order for Tyler Perry, who is said to be on his way to becoming a first-time father!

Bossip reports the 45-year-old actor, director, screenwriter, playwright, producer, author and songwriter -- man of many talents -- announced his first child is on the way during his recent birthday celebration. Although he didn't reveal who the child's mother is, many are guessing it might be model/philanthropist Gelila Bekele, whom he has hand an on and off relationship with for the last five years.

Taking to his official Facebook page Monday, Tyler Perry shared this message about his first-ever birthday bash with fans:

I had never thrown myself a birthday party, so for my 45th I wanted to do something special. This is inside the tent where we had a two hour concert. Jennifer Holliday, Desiree Coleman Jackson, Tevin Campbell, Ledisi, Monica, Jazmine Sullivan, Tamia, Mary Mary, LeAnn Rimes, Yolanda Adams, Rachelle Ferrell and Stevie Wonder brought the house down. It was a night I'll never forget. Thanks to all of them for making this night special for me. My next party will be at 50. Gonna mark it every 5 years. A celebration in thanks to God for my life.

In 2013 Perry opened up about settling down, but called his time on set with child actors "pure birth control."

"I don't know so much about marriage as much as I do know that I’d be a great father," he explained before sharing, "[The kids] were wonderful, joyous, beautiful little bundles of joy and I was so glad when they went home."

At first glance that might be the kind of quote you would take a sign someone wasn't ready to start a family, but it's pretty much exactly how I felt about kids before I had my own. Luckily for most people it seems this magical thing happens where your own kids are thought of as separate from 'kids' en masse (not that we parents aren't also glad when they're quiet and tucked into their beds at home).

Join the conversation

How did you feel about being with kids before parenthood?

Photos: PR Photos

Video: Zoe Saldana's pregnant (with twins?) pole dancing

by

Carolyn Robertson

posted in Celebrities

Who says pregnancy and pole dancing don't mix?

Expectant actress Zoe Saldana shared a funny video on Instagram this weekend, showing off her somewhat limited pregnant pole dancing skills.

"Let's do that again!!! Absolute boredom at #Dulles airport. #poledancing is difficult under these conditions Hahahaha," the Guardians of the Galaxy star captions the clip, which also features her husband Marco Perego. Click here to see it!

Zoe looks great, doesn't she? Particularly seeing as she's carrying twins! It was none other than Britney Spears who leaked the news that her former co-star (anyone remember Crossroads?) has two babies on the way.

Asked earlier this month whether she and Zoe may work together again some day soon, Britney responded, "Who knows? That’s a very good idea. But she’s pregnant with twins right now. So I'm sure she's got a huge future ahead of her."

Oops! As for Zoe, the 36-year-old star is remaining mum, as she has throughout most of her pregnancy.

Twins are in! Check out these other celebrity parents of multiples...

Photos: PR Photos, Beverly News/Rex/REX USA

Tim McGraw freaks out daughter's date with a knife

by

Sara McGinnis

posted in Celebrities

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill seem to have found the secret to long-lasting love, but that doesn't quite mean either of the singers is ready for their three daughters to rush into dating.

Gushing about his wife, the 47-year-old father of Gracie, 17, Maggie, 15, and Audrey, 12, recently explained to E! News, "I think, for us, being as normal as possible and raising our family and being in a family situation as much as possible...Certainly it's different because of what we both do, but we try to keep it as much of a family environment that we can...For us, we leave the front doors when we go to work, but when we're home, we don't talk about none of the music that much…It's a whole different world."

Taking the sweetness up one notch further, Tim McGraw added while choking up just a bit, "It amazes me every night, every chance that I get to sing with her. I think about the fact that we're married and the fact that we raised these three beautiful daughters. And then I think about having three daughters and having her for their mom. It's a pretty cool thing for those girls to have her."

Speaking of those girls, the country crooner also revealed to Extra TV he accidentally gave one of his daughter's young suitors quite the scare recently.

"I had a white apron on, and I was trimming fat off of this meat. I got this knife with me and this apron with blood all over, and the doorbell rang, and I go to the door and open it with a knife and a bloody apron," he explained. "It's the kid who shows up, so it worked out pretty good even though I didn't mean for it to."

It can't be easy to walk up to a megastar's home and knock on the door to pick up a date!

Thankfully, my parents never tried any of the 'polishing my shotgun' schtick. Although they weren't entirely thrilled about me going on dates, they had the tact to at least pretend to be OK with it.

My husband, however, tells a tale about the time his father asked him and his date if they needed "protection" and then proceeded to offer over a pocket knife. Groan, right? Ha.

Share with us

How did your parents act when you started dating? Do you think you'll try and have any laughs about your own kids going out?

Photo: REX USA/Amy Harris/Rex

Tim McGraw also got emotional while sharing about one of the daughter's time in the NICU. Take a look, on our gallery of celebrity parents who've welcomed preemies:

Prince Harry helps little girl at a concert

by

Nicole Mabry

posted in Celebrities

Sometimes a knight in shining armor is actually a prince!

Five year-old, Isabelle Nixon just wanted to see her favorite band, the Foo Fighters, perform. She was close to tears because the crowds at the closing ceremonies at the Invictus Games blocked her view of the stage. Fortunately, a true gentleman swept in to help. He picked Isabelle up and began dancing. He then hoisted her up on his shoulders for a clear view of the performance. Little Isabelle had no idea whose shoulders she was sitting upon until her mother told her she was dancing with His Royal Highness Prince Harry!

Isabelle was attending the Invictus Games as the guest of her father. The Invictus Games is a series of sporting events for servicemen and women from 11 different countries who have been injured. Isabelle's father, Adam, is a hero in his own right. He lost his leg in a 2004 IED explosion in Basra, Iraq. He was the captain of the British wheelchair basketball team. The British team defeated the US team to win the gold metal at the games.

Their dance at the concert was not Isabelle and Prince Harry's first meeting. Earlier, the prince congratulated Adam and his team and posed for photos with the Nixon family. At the concert, he recognized Isabelle and lifted her up when she was unable to see above the crowd.

Since her fairy tale meeting, Isabelle is claiming princess by proxy status. She tells her friends that she danced with "Uncle Harry." And Princess Isabelle lived happily ever after.

Check out these royally inspired stories!

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Photo: PR Photos