I don’t write much… but as I was sitting her with Mallory, I figured I’d capture a few thoughts. Maybe it’s the way she’s so innocently laying in her swing next to me sleeping, or maybe it was when she laughed out loud, and I looked over to see her still sleeping. I guess she’s dreaming, and it gives me such a warm feeling to think that those dreams are happy… maybe even funny. She’s probably laughing at us… always running around trying everything we can to take care of her, keep her happy, get her to bed on time, spend as much time as possible with her.

I had a meeting the other night and afterwards I was talking to Angie on the way home and she told me about how Mallory started reaching for things and playing with the rollers on her “exer-saucer”. I couldn’t help but think, I sure hope I’m not in a meeting when she takes her first steps… or says Daddy (since we all know she’ll say Daddy first. :) Luckily though my wonderful wife captured the moment for me in video. I think we are really going to cherish the pictures and video we have. Heck, I think we already do. As much as this blog is for our family and friends to keep up with us, I find myself sometimes browsing the pictures or watching the videos. It’s all the small things that make the experience simply amazing. When she’s crying and stops because you pick her up, or she’s tired so she buries her face in your neck, or you’re feeding her and she reaches up and grabs your fingers, or you’re changing her diaper and she’s just smiling away at you. I still haven’t figured out what she likes so much about the changing table.

I truly cherish the way she is right now, and sometimes I get a little down thinking about how fast she’s changing and growing up. But I had a very good friend tell me about how much better it gets, even when you think it couldn’t be better, and I see that. It’s amazing to have her recognize me and smile. Before long it will be the way that she says Daddy that will make me melt. I’m just hopeful that she doesn’t ask for a car before I have an opportunity to build up some sort of defense to her sweet ways.

I am truly blessed… not just with Mallory. Kylie is such a blessing to our lives and is going to be an amazing God-filled woman. I’m very proud of who she is and the way she loves people. I consider myself so fortunate to call her my daughter. And Angie is an amazing woman and wife and mother, whom I love more every day that we share together and who inspires me. I look forward to looking back years from now and seeing the same videos and pictures and seeing how our family has grown.