Well, it happened! Tonight as I was tickling Caleb he laughed giggled for the first time! It wasn’t long, it was just a short one but without a doubt, a new sound that he’s not made before! He delighted our hearts! We tried to capture it again on video but he would not cooperate and soon tired of the constant tickling so we’re going to try again tomorrow to bring you Mr. Giggles! I’ve been shocking myself at how easily I get excited about the simple things these days. I suppose that these milestones for Caleb aren’t little things at all, but are markers in his development and growth. It’s almost scary how fast he is growing. I’m beginning to understand what countless other parents have told me in the past – that the time flies by so fast you barely have a chance to breathe!

Melissa was gazing longingly into Caleb’s eyes the other day – I asked her what was wrong and she replied, “Was he ever an infant? He’s so big now!” And that’s how it feels – like we’ve always had this baby, and  yet we can hardly remember what it was like to hold him in our arms as a newborn. He’s changed so much already that I barely recognize him in the early pictures.

Life comes at you fast, treasure every moment of every day. I remember thinking to myself in the first couple weeks, “I’m so looking forward to going fishing for the first time – I wish he could talk back to me and tell me how he feels… and many other thoughts.” But now all I want is for him to slow down so I can savor every moment with him. I know Melissa feels the same way. Slow down Caleb!

I’m beginning to understand the universal paradox of being a parent. You wish with everything in you to see your child grow and learn and succeed in this life – but you also want him to stay little forever so you can just cuddle him and take care of him and care for him. It’s an amazing feeling… I love being a daddy!