Posts tagged with "kids"
I have not written here awhile. I've done some work on the site, but it's all just been "back end" stuff to help it run smoother. As I was working on the site tonight I came across the post that I wrote about Ruby's birth story. While I enjoy that story immensely, it also made me realize that I haven't really written much about Burke. So here it goes...
I absolutely love being a father. I loved (and still love) being a father to my little girl. It's cool to be an example of godly love to her and to provide a positive masculine influence in her life. So, I do not want to diminish Ruby's importance in my life...
However, there is something really awesome about being a father to a little boy:
Every time I look into those blue eyes I think of his future. I think of him learning how to talk. how to run. how to sing. how to dance. how to play sports. how to be fix things. how to drive. how to love God. how to be a man. I think about how he will look to me as his father for guidance, teaching, discipline, love and more...and it overwhelms me. I want to be the best possible role model for him. I don't want him to have to look to the world or other families for an example.
I want him to confide in me. When he struggles with how to be a godly man, I want him to feel comfortable coming to me. And I want to be able to provide godly advice. When he is trying to decide where to go to school, what job to take, who to marry, etc. I want to provide the wisdom that helps him find the right path.
The miraculous nature of his very existence amplifies the responsibility that I feel to raise him right. There is no earthly reason that my son should be here. By all accounts he should have passed away weeks after Lindsay's water broke. Yet God chose to pull him through impossible odds and blessed us with our second child. As such, I feel that there's a HUGE purpose for Burke's life, and I don't want to do anything to screw it up!
There are times where I take Burke's life for granted. I forget that he shouldn't be here. I forget the amazing power that God demonstrated through his birth. Then, every once in awhile, the magnitude of it all hits me like a ton of bricks. I can't help but cry and say a prayer of thankfulness. I pray that God will use Burke's life as a shining example of His presence. I pray that He will help me guide Burke to whatever place He desires. I basically pray that I do not get in the way.
Burke...there is an inexplicable bond between us. My heart melts every time I hear you laugh and sing or see you take a step. I hope that our relationship continues to strengthen as you grow up. I hope that we have many fun times doing "guy" things...playing sports, fixing computers, camping, being wannabe "handymen", workdays at church, attending sporting events, fishing and more. Above all else I hope that you become a man that loves God and lives for Him.
I love you little man!
Burke finally seems to have taken to talking. He said "DaDa" no less than 100 times today. It made me really proud to be his father. Needless to say...his affection for "MaMa" is much more apparent from his actions.
Remember when I told you that we accidentally bought a house? Well, we are so excited! Because that house? It's almost ours!! :) We're set to close on October 23rd, pending the appraisal. The appraisal is due sometime later this week. We don't expect any surprises.
I also wanted to clarify: We didn't really buy the house on accident. It's hyperbole, people. :) When we walked through this house for the first time, we really liked it. A lot. We simply couldn't see how it would end up working out. We very much wanted this house from the beginning, and we're thrilled that, to this point, it has been a dream-like experience. We have sailed through every step, even the ones that we thought would be major obstacles. We are so thankful. :)
And it seems that the impending move has had quite an effect on my psyche. I have re-discovered my love and joy in cooking and baking. My very small counter and my old appliances are annoying me, as always, but I'm trudging through and enjoy these house-wifely duties. I've been really on-top of my house-keeping duties, as well. I'm taking pride in my home and finding myself able to weather the small irritations much better. I kind of forgot what it was like to feel like this. I forgot why I was so gung-ho about being a stay-at-home mom in the first place.
Now, I'm remembering, and I'm pumped!
In fact, when we move into the new house, and I've got more room to maneuver, I'm considering an experiment...a major experiment. I think the Goodwin family might try to exist on a diet of only "slow food." A fellow mommy in the blogosphere, Veronica, is currently carrying out this experiment with her family. She just started, and she's documenting the entire experience on her blog, The Slow Food Experiment. I'm incredibly intrigued to watch her take this journey, and hers is one of the few blogs I'll continue to read and follow during my "unplugged" internet vacation. :)
(If you'd like to read a condensed version of what's involved, you can read her version of the rules. I'm excited to attempt the experiment, just to take the cooking adventure!)
Obviously, there is great potential for major health benefits with this method of cooking and eating. I highly aware that my family is not eating well, and I want to change that fact. Immediately. I'm thinking that extreme measures are in order. :)
Because my kids? They are totally worth it!
They are growing so fast. I took them shopping for their new fall shoes yesterday, and I couldn't believe it when the shoe salesperson measured their feet. Ruby is in a size 8, and Burke is in a size 4. He will be out of infant shoes in no time! And an eight?? An eight? Those shoes looked like such big girl shoes. I just can't believe how quickly the time is passing.
I am really starting to enjoy being a mommy again...a whole lot. The sappy, sickeningly sweet kind of enjoyment. I love it. :)
What's going on in your lives? What are you attempting? Any experiments you're considering? Any major life changes happening?
Do you like us? Well? Do ya? Do ya?
Forever Families Rock!
Love Mercy
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