A delightful new decoration now graces the balcony—a blue blanket boldly stating, “BABY BOY.” Owner Nick Stavros confidently mingles with diners, his iPhone brimming with photos of his month-old son, Leo. Guests eagerly admire the pictures while Nick shares tales from the nursery. “I can’t help but talk about it! I share this story at least ten times a day,” he beams, clearly well-acquainted with everyone in his neighborhood.
Leo Vasili Stavros made his grand entrance on January 22. But the journey to fatherhood started a year and a half earlier when 50-year-old Nick decided it was time to become a dad. “There wasn’t a single moment that made me say, ‘This is it,’” Nick reflects. “It’s just something that came to me as I got older.”
Determined to pursue his dream, Nick sought advice from his customers. “Everyone has a story, but I wasn’t sure where to start,” he admits. That direction came in August 2020 when friends of Dr. Max Harris, a fertility specialist, dined at Nick’s restaurant. “I started sharing my thoughts, and they all just stopped eating, saying, ‘We have the perfect person for you!’”
However, Nick quickly realized he had much to learn. “I didn’t even know what a surrogate was or an egg donor,” he chuckles. The choices seemed overwhelming, as he had to find both an egg donor and a surrogate mother.
Complications arose when, in January 2021, both his egg donor and surrogate fell through. “I had to restart everything, including financing. But I never doubted it would happen,” he insists. After losing two egg donors to failed tests, he finally found his ideal match. “The moment I met her, I just knew she was the one,” he says of his third and successful egg donor.
Searching for a surrogate led Nick to a wonderful woman named Sarah Johnson in Southern California. “We clicked immediately,” he shares. Sarah, who has a daughter of her own, was also new to surrogacy. They kept in close contact throughout her pregnancy, which began with the implantation of the donor’s egg fertilized with Nick’s sperm. “He would check in on me almost every day,” Sarah recalls. “He’d come down often to hang out and even cook for me. His support made all the difference.”
As Leo’s February 23 due date approached, Nick planned to spend time with Sarah, but Leo surprised everyone by arriving a month early. “I got the call on the 22nd at 5 a.m.,” Nick remembers. He was there when Leo made his debut that afternoon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills.
The arrival of his son transformed Nick’s life. A man who had never shared his space with anyone now had two new roommates: his baby and a live-in nanny. “She’s amazing,” Nick says of the nanny. “We’re making it work.”
Just a month ago, when Nick and the nanny brought Leo home from Los Angeles, they exchanged glances filled with uncertainty. “We just looked at each other like, ‘Now what?’ It pushed us into high gear immediately,” he laughs. Thankfully, Leo’s calm temperament helps. “He’s really chill, just a good little guy,” Nick says.
Sarah agrees, noting, “He’s got such a sweet personality. He only cries when he’s hungry.” She has visited Nick and Leo since the birth and plans to keep in touch monthly. “I see myself being like an aunt to him,” Sarah adds. “Having a few supportive people around a child is always a plus.”
While the egg donor hasn’t met Leo yet, Nick anticipates that will change. “She’s in Florida but wants to be involved as much as she can,” he explains.
In the meantime, Leo is receiving plenty of attention. “Every day, he gets two or three gifts from around the world,” Nick shares. “People come in and ask about him. It’s like I’m not just his dad; he’s my little superstar.”
Those who haven’t met Leo will have plenty of chances when they visit for pizza. “I want to bring him more and more,” Nick says, “but he needs to grow a bit first.” Until then, a message on the restaurant windows announces, “Leo has arrived!”
Nick plans to take down the signs after Leo’s 40-day blessing, a rite in his Greek Orthodox faith. He’s even dreaming about Leo’s future. “He’ll definitely be helping out at the restaurant when he’s old enough,” Nick laughs.
For now, the father-son duo shares precious moments outside of work. “I have to earn a living,” Nick admits, “but my schedule is flexible.” They’ve already created some unforgettable memories. “Last Saturday, we watched The Godfather together,” Nick says with a smile. The name Leo, which means “little lion,” resonated with Nick ever since he saw the film 35 years ago.
In summary, Nick’s journey to fatherhood has been filled with challenges and joys. From navigating the complex world of surrogacy and egg donation to embracing the new role of dad, his story is a testament to the love and support that surrounds him.
If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, consider checking out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination. For a fun read on parental gear, you might also enjoy our post about affordable car seats.