Thursday, July 15, 2010

Surprise!

To my amazing wife and her reliable team, Thank You for your tremendous efforts in throwing me a surprise soiree.

I know it wasn't easy! I think it's been about 15 years since I've had a gala thrown for me, that has consisted of more than immediate family. Complete with balloons, cake and salami, it was a symbol of your thoughtfulness.

Knowing I would not agree to it otherwise and proceeding anyway because you knew how special it could be, illustrates your dedication and foreshadows the theme of your motherhood.

Thank you to all of you who took time out of your busy Thursday evenings to make it a success.

Much Appreciation and Love....

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Chapters

I feel like I just ran five laps around a strange obstacle course that I am sure I'll run again. With each lap representing a week, our schedule between the busiest time of year for both of us at work and being in the heart of an interesting 40 week period in team GeoLeigh's life, has been eventful to say the least. I am so fortunate to experience it with my most favoritist person in the whole existence of life.

With all of that said, we finally were able to squezze in a respite and I am proud to say that I've had an insightful 96 hours. Bookended by two pleasureable conversations, one with the most beautiful pregnant mama in the world and the other with my lil sis. I feel refreshed! I am amped for the stretch run that all 7 of you are more than a little bit familiar with.

Each of us have our own challenges. Challenges that we face individually but that we can overcome with guidance and support from the people that we trust and love. I realize that not everyone has a close council of family and friends that can be relied upon, It's a luxary that can't be overlooked or abused. Between the Lidowski Clan and Team Qualnandez, our entourage is adding three new "Goodfellas". Three new additions, and an infinite number of challenges.

Several of you have asked me what I am looking forward to most about being a Daddy. It is a question that is not easy for me to answer, because how do you discount holding your baby's hand the first time they walk against nursing them through their first broken heart. One happy time versus a sad time. I'm not saying that I am eager for Pierce to have his heart broken but I am eager to see how he responds and I look forward to being by his side both times.

Maybe I am being a little too analytical but what I am trying to point out (not so well) is that what makes a relationship strong, are the bad times as well as the good. If I have to pick one thing that I am looking forward to the most, it's simply BEING THERE for HIM and for HIS MOM. Whether it is a dirty diaper, a band aid on a scuffed knee or teaching him the value of keeping a cool head, I look forward to the challenge of being there everyday.

Uttered in every valedictorian's commencement speech, "chapters" are often used in metaphors about different phases of our lives. My co-auhor and I have taken advantage of beautiful blessings that have been put in front of us. We've successfully started and finished three chapters. We look forward to the volumes ahead.

"Happy 32 Day Anni"

I had the pleasure of attending one of life's more special events 32 days ago. The ceremony by virtue has a deep symbolic meaning but it is enhanced when the two participants are kind, genuine and deserving.

I wish you both all of life's great pleasures.

Congratulations, Mrs. and Mr. Jackson.