Parenting is something you can never mentally prepare for, never physically prepare for (phew) and never truly appreciate until you’re in deep. It starts off a little hard (rough nights, never-ending diaper changes and manuals), gets a little easier with toddlerhood and when they finally become little people it gets interesting. They converse, they comprehend, they play, they pretend, they test boundaries, they whine and they love . Ah yes, the love. While it’s hard some days and there will always be questions, I can say without a doubt I’m so glad to be ‘dadding’ two boys.
We had our pics taken professionally this past summer by Tracey Buyce in Saratoga. The amazing quality of her work is more than evident! If you’re a local and looking for an incredible photographer, hunt her down! She’s amazing!
Thought this video was too cute/funny. Evan’s own arrangement of ‘Jesus Loves Me’ in an Ironman suit. The little guy loves to sing and play. I mentioned on Facebook that it would be cool if wearing superhero costumes was commonplace for adults at some point in the future. Going into the office in an Ironman suit and nobody thought anything of it…
Today I reflect on everything I am thankful for in 2008.
God :: He’s blessed my life with so much. He truly is the giver of all good things!
Family :: My wife Brin my two little guys Evan and Tanner and yea I’ll throw our dog Uno in there too.
Extended Family :: I have awesome parents, three great brothers and their families who live nearby. Two of my grandparents passed away this year who lived amazing lives. I’m thankful for the example they’ve given me, they won’t be forgotten.
Friends :: Surrounded by so many wonderful people here in upstate NY.
Home :: Blessed with a nice home in a great location.
Future :: Life is good when you live for God. Knowing that he has it all in control is a comforting thought.
Job :: I work for an amazing company with an amazing group of people.
For Brin and I, two was easy compared to three when toddler-hood ended and “I’m a little person who wants to become a part of society” began. Having a little boy is such an awesome yet challenging experience. Granted he’s always been a good boy, but it seems that all of a sudden things just started changing and the boundaries were being tested daily.
So it was really cool when in Maine last week when Brin and I had a chance to reflect and re-focus. One evening when the sun and beach finally got the best of BOTH of our little guys, they fell asleep in the double stroller we decided to keep walking. For the next hour or so we strolled the streets of Ogunquit and had a great talk about life, the kids and our direction as parents. Sure we’ve taken the classes and we’ve read the books, but it’s so hard to be completely prepared for all of the first-child-firsts They’re the parenting “guinea pig” so-to-speak. We found ourselves asking each other and friends, “what do we do here?” Or, “I know we read or heard about this situation somewhere, but still… what should we do?”
After the kids woke up from their stroller nap and the walk was done we both felt re-focused and back on track. Since that day a week ago we’ve seen very noticeable results in the little one’s behavior and it’s an awesome feeling to know that they are headed in the right direction as a result of one’s re-focused actions. I’m sure over the next 18+ years, Brin and I will take many more “focus walks” and that’s a good thing.
All I ask is: “God give us the grace and wisdom to raise Evan and Tanner right.” After all, there are no do-overs…
On Memorial Day I decided to take Evan and climb up West Mtn. to see if there was any snow left. I had always wanted to climb up there myself late in the season so we BOTH had a blast! I love my little guy, here’s to many more hikes!
It’s hard to believe that snow can last that long up there, especially when it was almost 90 degrees the entire preceding week. It took so long for me to get this posted because I decided I would use it as a reason to learn Final Cut. Not that most of what you see couldn’t have been done in iMovie but I wanted to learn some of the ropes of the software.
I can honestly say now that having a child really puts God’s love for us in perspective. I’ve heard this most of my life but you can never relate until it actually happens to you. I’ve read the creation story countless times of how he created man to have a free will and of his desire for us to worship Him. I’ve read the stories of His time here on earth and how he died for us. And these are amazing accounts of His love for man. But there’s something about being able to relate to God’s relationship to mankind.
Seeing our little guy get hurt or well up with tears wanting our forgiveness will melt a father’s heart. Being a father gives you special insight into just why God created man. There’s NOTHING like your child showing you love out of free-will. There’s also NOTHING like the paing in having to discipline your child because because you love him/her. And there’s NOTHING like your child running into your arms after that discipline with tear filled eyes telling you he loves you so much.
“Evan, these first three years have flown by! Now that Tanner’s on his way I’m looking back on our first three years together and how wonderful they’ve been. Watching you grow from baby to little boy has been an amazing experience for a father. One that I could never have prepared for, but I wouldn’t change for the world. Each day holds something special and new as you learn the ropes of life. I’m so proud of you! You’re such a polite little guy saying “please”, “thank you” and “no thank you”. You will remind us to pray when we happen to forget (usually at restaurants). You love to dance, sing, play your drums and occasional air guitar. You love being with friends young and old. Just know that your mom and dad love you so very much and we’ll be by your side as you grow, enjoying every minute! – Daddy“
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Terrible twos?
