I need to share with my readers that my darling wife Melissa has started her own blog . There are writers who aspire to inspire others online like myself and many others then there are those like my wife who have a natural, God-given talent to craft words in such a way that you can’t help but feel every emotion, sense every detail, and literally feel like you’ve been drawn into each paragraph. Folks with the pure talent that she possesses are few are far between and I am proud to announce the start of her own blog at www.aheavenlyjourney.net.  So, to all my readers, check out Melissa’s blog!

We went to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo with Caleb this week for Caleb’s first trip to see the Am-in-als (yes, Aminals is the correct spelling and pronunciation of “animals”!) Here are a few pics to commemorate the event!

Our Moose Baby!

Moose Baby Loves Mommy and Daddy Time!

Moose Baby Tongue!

This is my first trip to the zoo! I'm so excited!.... Ok maybe not, but I should be!

That giraffe looks a little suspicious

Tasty Railing! Nom Nom Nom!

Who You Lookin' At?

I CEE YOUS!

Daddy! I don't like the Lions!

(In the monkey house) Those Monkeys are making quite the ruckus!

Mr. Moose, Meet the Moose Baby!

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!