Proud to be...

a Child of God
a Husband to Jessica
a Father to Olivia

a Son
a Brother
a Familiar Friend
a New Friend
a Lover
a Partner
a Teacher
a Listener
a Private Dancer
a Storyteller

Despite my shortfalls and in spite of my own poor self-image, I have so many people in my life that make me proud to be me. God made me who I am and it was not by accident. He made me exactly who He wanted me to be and I am proud of the life and lives he has honored me with.

Daddy's Yawn

There are a few things that entertain Olivia. Her mommy's goofy baby-talk voice, her daddy's guitar strumming and doing squat thrusts are a some. Seeing her daddy's gaping maw as he yawns is one of them as well.
I guess that is why she like to wake me up every so often on the weekends at unholy hours of the morning. As my eyes droop and fight to stay open, she smiles and kicks her feet in success. I do love to see her smile though...even if it is from something I do involuntarily.

Baby Dedication

On February 10, we dedicated Olivia to the Lord and our own lives to helping her grow in Him. This is our blessing to her...

Olivia, you have brought so much joy and wholeness into my life. I am so honored and moved to be your mother. Your existence has already allowed me to see God’s love in a whole new way and I know he will continue to make me a better woman and mother through the lessons that he will teach me through you.

Olivia, from the moment I saw that little blue line my heart awakened to a new world of love and joy. As you have grown, so to has my faith in God and my understanding of my soul. God has blessed me so richly with my life, with your mother’s life, and now with your life. Your arrival has helped me become a better man, a better husband and a better Christian.

You are a true gift from God and we know that your presence will continue to be such a blessing in our lives and those around you as you grow physically and spiritually. We want so much to show you the love and faith you need to not only live your life, but to flourish in it. We pray that someday you will come to know Jesus in a deep and real way as your savior, and comforter, and your best friend.

No matter what life brings, we hope that through our example you will see that God can be trusted. As we try our best to show you God’s goodness, we pray that you are able to be a reflection of the amazing and generous God. We pray that your heart will beat with His and that others may have the extraordinary opportunity to see Him through you.

My beautiful wife wrote most of this and I couldn't be prouder of her work in my life and our daughter's life. She is an amazing mother and spouse. I was faced with having to edit all her amazing words and thoughts about Olivia to get it to about 1 to 2 minutes, but her complete thoughts will be posted on her blog...I'll make sure of that.

Thank you all for your prayers and God Bless!

Olivia Beret

Someday she will get her revenge. Olivia develops her hand-eye coordination and strengthens her neck and legs in anticipation of her eventual triumph. Her mind is no doubt racing with plots of our downfall. One day, she will make us pay for what we've done!

Until that day comes, however, she will just have to endure mommy and daddy's dress-up time.