Each month, iParenting.com spotlights a father who inspires and moves us, who embodies the qualities that we all admire in a person, a man and a father. Above all, the Dad of the Month is dedicated to his children. Rich or poor, famous or not, he shines as an example of what fathering is all about.

Our choice for February is Joe Ardovino, father of two.

Joe Ardovino is a man who knows how to live life to the fullest. He is a general manager of a $50 million dollar software distribution facility and is directly responsible for 200 employees. His days begin at 5 a.m. and end long after his kids go to bed. But, within each and every hectic day, he manages to make his children the biggest priority in his life.

His days are carefully orchestrated to allow ample time with his children. It is not his early morning work out or cleaning the kitchen that gears him up for the day -- it is the minutes he nestles in his children's beds and chats with them that energizes him for another grueling day at the office. "I usually crawl into bed with my kids and talk with them until they are ready to go upstairs," he says. "My son will go up by himself, but my daughter will climb on my back and I'll carry her upstairs."

After preparing breakfast for the family and ensuring that his kids are ready for school, he dashes off to work. When he packs up his briefcase and heads home from the office at the end of the day, his chores are not finished. He makes dinner, helps the kids with their homework and finds ways for them to relax together as a family. "We read, watch a movie or wrestle," he says. "The activity does not matter as long as we spend time together."

Ardovino has always been involved in the household chores. When the first child was born he threw himself into the many tasks of raising the baby. "I have always been considered a workaholic around the house," says Ardovino. "When it came to the baby chores, I naturally jumped into those as well. Except for the breastfeeding." He didn't always know he wanted to be a father, but after the first baby was born he understood the amazing transformation of parenthood. "I knew our child was a great gift that would change our lives forever."

Ardovino did not read parenting books in anticipation of the first birth, but he listened to seasoned parents and gathered helpful hints from them. Throughout the 10 years he has raised his children he has found parenting to be easier than he imagined. "The secret of parenting is to do what feels natural and in the best interest of the child," he says. "In the early years you have to be careful, but as the kids get older you can have fun and learn how to be a good parent as you raise them."

Joe organizes activities and fun time for his kids and their friends. "My kids are outgoing and very athletic. I often enjoy their company more than I enjoy some adults'." Whether it is hiking, snowboarding, bike riding or playing basketball, Joe is often in the middle of the action as he encourages his children and their friends. "I wouldn't call myself an entertainer, just someone who likes to have fun with my kids and their friends," he says. Joe claims he is somewhat famous among his children's peers for one especially vigorous activity. "I'm known for having wrestling matches, but recently my wife requested that we stop. I guess we were getting a little too rough for her furniture."

But, it is not all fun and games in the Ardovino household. His children are well behaved and accomplished, a testament of Joe's ability as a father. Anthony, 10, and Avery, 8, are all he ever hoped for. "Both of our kids are top students who rank extremely high in their class," he says. "There is discipline in our house and a lot is expected of our children."

Joe Ardovino credits his own father for part of his enthusiasm as a parent. "My father was always involved in our lives. He coached our sports teams and supported us in any activity that interested us." Joe's pure exuberance as a father will very likely rub off on his own children, and in turn his grandchildren, creating generations of Ardovinos who will wrestle and laugh together.