‘Dawson’s Creek’ alum James Van Der Beek shares colorectal cancer diagnosis

In fact, the family of eight has celebrated many milestones together in recent weeks, including Beek’s birthday.

“Three years old today,” he wrote on Instagram October 10 alongside photos of his youngest child. “We had no idea how much we needed you. But YOU did.”

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“You are once again,” the “Varsity Blues” actor continued, “proof to us that kids come into this world with their own thing; their own essence, appetites, and personality, and you have never been shy about letting us know exactly who you are, and what you want. The ferocity of your desires is something new for us – even in a family of big personalities.”

He also noted that his son Jeremiah has an inherent sweetness to him.

“You always want to help,” he wrote, “and I’m constantly amazed by your emotional intelligence, and what you are able to comprehend and anticipate.”

“Thank you for barging your way into our lives,” the actor concluded. “Thank you for all the unique ways in which you challenge me (quite the feat after five kids), and thank you for being the best snuggler on the planet. We love you bubs. Beyond grateful to have those ringlets in my life and to get to be your dad.”