As parents ...

I'm coming to realize that there are several layers of awesome involved in having a child. There are those obvious, external layers - he's freakin' adorable, he smells good, and we sure have some proud grandparents. But as Lyzz and I start to come out of our newborn tunnel vision, some deeper layers are becoming clear to me. James Philip has only strengthened the bond between my wife and me. I've been lucky enough to marry a woman who doesn't hold it against me that I can't breastfeed, and who isn't afraid to ask for help when she needs it. A woman who knows that a down payment of an extra hour of sleep goes for miles and miles, and I'll do anything to repay that kindness. A woman who acknowledges that I'm working my butt off to pull my weight as we figure out this new life. A woman who has doubts, fears, and uncertainty about what this kid means for the rest of our lives, but who also trusts me enough to open up and talk about those doubts, fears and uncertainties with me instead of bottling them up inside. I have the same doubts, fears and uncertainties, and she helps me deal with those, as I hopefully help her. That open and honest communication gives me great peace of mind that our union is a strong one, and that JP just serves to highlight that strength.  I'm overjoyed to have him with us, not just because I feel more complete now than I did two weeks ago (I do), but because he's proven to Lyzz and I that our family is just that.

Forgive the ramblings ... we just had a really good evening, all three of us.