BABY FRANK IS HERE - WELCOME TO THE FAST LANE, ANGIE.

Byline: -- Carol Rock

You saw it on valleynews.com first -- the arrival of valleynews.com community reporter Angie Valencia's baby boy, Frank Adam Martinez, on Feb. 7.

For those of you into stats, mama was in labor for 18 hours and the little slugger came into the world weighing 8 pounds, 6 onces and measuring 20.5 inches.

He's now holding court in Northridge, receiving family, friends and well-wishers.

I remember when my kids were little -- was it that long ago? Now 26, 24 and 19, the years in between then and now seem to have flown by, which I why I want to pass on a few words of advice to Angie.

Savor every moment.

I don't mean write every little movement down in the baby book. Just pay attention. Let Frank lead you straight to adventure. Be his guide, but also give him a long leash.

And don't forget to laugh. A lot.

You have just embarked on the most exciting journey of your lives. Keep in mind that chores will wait, kids can survive on macaroni and cheese when money is tight and no matter how busy you are, the time you spend listening, watching and encouraging your little ones will come back to you hundredfold -- and it's all good.

Love him the most when he deserves it the least. And remember he's never too old to plant a raspberry straight on his tummy.

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Frank Adam Martinez