Vivienne

Vivi hasn't gotten much face time on the blog. She was born eight months ago, and Gayle has done her amazing job of nurturing her through those first tough months. Precious months though, too. Vivi is our smiling delight. Last Friday, Gayle sent me the first-ever evidence of Vivi really playing and it is so sweet to see. It's tangigle evidence of Vivi's person, her personality, her liveliness. It makes me so happy. I can't wait to start playing more with Vivi. She is my precious little girl.

Austin's First Day of Kindergarten

If ever the day warrants another post, it is today, Austin's first day of kindergarten. Last night, I prayed with Austin and Wyatt in their bedroom before bed, each resting a head on one of my outstreched arms. I began to bawl as I thanked the Lord for my boys, and prayed over Austin as he began his first day of school. I prayed that God go with him each step of the way, that God open doors for him, and that God give him courage. I thanked God in advance for answering my prayers.

I'm wrestling with my own emotion over this great right of passage. Am I scared for what the future brings for Austin? Yes. Am I sad to think about how many years with Austin are now considered our past? Yes. Am I filled with joy and hope about Austin's future? Am I scared of Austin losing his innocence? Yes. Am I scared of the world beating down on him? Yes, it's all of that, and certainly more. When it all comes down to it, I'm simply overwhelmed by what a precious gift Austin is, and I'm thankful that I get to be his Dad.

Austin displayed some anxiety a few weeks ago about going to school. It alleviated after Gayle took him to the school and met his teacher. It also helped that Lucy, who is a year ahead of Austin, told him that school is fun. I really think from that point forward, Austin's anxiety turned to excitement. Here Austin is with his little angel.

Austin, if you read this blog someday, I want you to know how proud I am of you, and how much I love you, just the way you are. And I can't wait to love you, just the way you will be. I am proud of how you are a good older brother to Wyatt and Vivi. I am proud of how you love to learn. I am proud of how you can read, and play sports. Whatever you do, you make me proud.

Here's to the start of a great new adventure. I'm looking forward to being a part of it.

You go, Austin.

Super Bowl-ing

Austin woke up Sunday morning telling me it was "Super Bowl Sunday." He was right. Austin's school-friend, Trace, celebrated his birthday yesterday at a bowling alley. Birthday party time: 4:00. Super Bowl start: 4:30. After Trace's mom introduced herself to me, she immediatey apologized for scheduling a party over the Super Bowl. No problem. I delighted in watching Austin bowl his first frame ever. On his first throw, he knocked down 8 pins, splitting the final two. He picked up one of the two to record a 9 on the first frame in the history of his life. Not a bad start.

I got to watch Austin munch on a red cake, and for some reason, he was the only one who ended up with red frosting all over his face. Either that, or I was the only parent who didn't wipe his kid's face right away (probably that).

I got to watch Austin interact with Trace and his friends, shyly at first, but more warmly with each minute. And then at the end, they gave the kids tokens to go play video games. Austin took me around from game to game, learned how to play them pretty quickly (a shooting game, skeetball, etc.), and amassed tickets as he went. With is tickets, Austin bought a few soliders, and a ring for Wyatt. It was simply precious.

We even made it home in time for the second half of the game.

What a SUPER night.

I love my buddy.