Merry Christmas 2010

The events of 2010 culminated in the birth of our beautiful baby boy William. I feel so blessed that he and Elizabeth made it through the whole ordeal safely and in good health. Each time for me the birthing process is no less amazing and no less miraculous (but definitely less traumatic since Elizabeth started using epidurals - highly recommended by the way!). My love for my Heavenly Father and my awe at His greatness and mercy are renewed. Newness of life helps me see the beauty and hope in our world.

William is precious. He has a charming personality and a very sensitive bottom. After an instant of proper handling, his end-of-the-world crying will cease just as abruptly as it began. He is a sweet boy that loves to take in the warmth and assurance from the arms of his parents or siblings. And he really loves to nurse. My favorite outfit for him so far is one I bought - it is a light colored onesie with "Tax Deduction" written on it.

Hannah is the perfect older sister. She is so careful and gentle around William. She is the first to inform us when he is crying or needs to be changed or when he awakes. She fosters a special glow on her face when she holds him. At only 3 years old, Hannah is a peacemaker in our family, something I wouldn't have guessed for someone with such a strong personality. Her favorite movie is a draw between "Barbie and the Nutcracker" and "Barbie and the 12 Dancing Princesses." Needless to say, she finds any opportunity to strike up dancing with music. She loves to talk and I love when she whispers to me sweet confidences.

Isaac is the inventor of the family. His mind thrills at exploring the world around him, and figuring out how to make things. (not bad for a dude that slept the whole first 18 months of his life). Rarely does a day pass that Isaac doesn't put together foam, paper, straws, blocks, tape, paper, egg cartons, abandoned toys or whatever else he can find into some form of invention. He then explains what the invention does and how it works. He just showed me a backpack-attachable hand sanitizer he was carrying around explaining it was a snake with a hole in one end to spray. Isaac still finds comfort rolling up into a ball within his silkie blanket. Whenever we can't find Isaac, we know all we need to do is find his newest sleeping place.

If Norman Rockwell were to paint a picture representing the joyful innocence of childhood, Johnathan would be the perfect subject. He is the epitome of the faith of a child. The all-American boy, made up only of benevolent parts. Johnny has a zest for life, an ability to discover excitement in everyday things and the purest, biggest heart. He can barely stand the anticipation of new things; rarely does a day pass that he doesn't ask me "how many more days until Christmas, my birthday, Halloween, etc.?" The complexity of his soul is only matched by the daily wonder and depth in his eyes. He loves trying new things. I hope I never forget his daily requests to play video game soccer with me.

To be continued...