reagan's first solo...

four years old...

it's really hard to believe that the little baby we brought home from the hospital turned four today. when i see the picture above i see a boy... no longer a baby or even toddler.

on daddy baby day (monday) we bought a rocket with the intention of launching it on his birthday (today). i worked on it all night and i think it looked pretty good... it just didn't work properly. sure it launched... but the shoot never popped out. it was more like a javelin. the great thing about being four years old is that small details don't matter. he never knew there was supposed to be a colorful parachute.

in total we launched it four times... it stuck in the ground like an arrow every time. BUT, it didn't break and still looks great.

we have our last two "daddy baby days" this month... then i have to share him with preschool in the fall. my heart hurts just thinking about it. we have maximized mondays... so my heart is full and i can go to the next stage knowing that i gave him my best. all my creativity and energy went into giving him experiences on those days together.

here's the deal. i work with middle school kids, so i know what's coming. one day he will be unimpressed with my "rocket" craftsmanship and efforts to spend time with him. in the not to distant future he will think everything i do is stupid and embarrassing. so, i savor today.

reagan, your daddy loves you. being a father to you and harrison is the most fulfilling responsibility i've ever had. happy birthday gunner.

daddy

flying pig...

well, it was a little less flying and a little more pig.

my time was 2:54 and i ran the whole way. my legs are too stubby to keep up with the others so i did 12/13 of it on my own. by far, this was way more mentally challenging than physical.

at mile 7 some lady was giving out little cups of jelly beans. i can say with complete honesty that it saved the race for me. that energy boost those magic beans gave me was priceless. besides water and gatorade, she was the only person giving out stuff... and it was EXACTLY what i needed.

i think i may do it again next year... but, the jury is still out. i don't doubt that i can cut 20 minutes off my time if i pack a fanny pack of jelly beans.

milthaler