Heartbreakers...

December 23, 2007 was a special day for our family. On the near Eve of Christmas... our beautiful daughter, Arley Christine, was dedicated along with her new friend Eliana Homoelle. I would say that we've got a few heart-breakers on our hands. Both dads have guns loaded and chastity belts ready.

We were surrounded by members of our house church for the special night. These were the people that prayed with us while I looked for a job. These were the people that fed us when we returned from the hospital. And now they are committed to walking through life with us as we "romance Arley to the gospel" (nice phrase Chris H.). They have loved us like Christ loves the church... it is beautiful and quite humbling.

Talk about a Merry Christmas! Thanks for the special night Denny!

More Arley

(Sorry for the previously random slideshow... not sure what happened)

Here's my flickr slideshow of Arley

Oh Happy Day!!!

On Monday, November 5 at 6:30 PM... Arley Christine burst into our world. She came in at 6 lbs 15 oz and 19 1/2 inches.

I don't know how to say it... other than our entire family is head-over-heels in love with her. She has brought an entirely new level of joy and love to our family.

I have noticed that, having babies makes your babies grow up. Our boys have in one sense matured over night. They love to hold her... and help mommy with her diapers... and are fascinated with her feeding.

Christine is recovering amazingly well. She had a great delivery and is ready to hit the gym when Dr. Greco gives her the OK. She is filled with joy and happiness. This might be the happiest I have ever seen her. What a gift from God... this joy we have.

And me... well I'm sitting back and enjoying the ride. This little girl has definitely awoken the tender warrior within me. I have a renewed desire to intimately connect with and be present and accessible to my kids. I'm wrestling with Griffey one minute... building Lego's with Caden the next... and quietly holding Arley after that.

At the same time I am on my toes ready to fight for my girl, my wife and my boys. I am ready to defend them and fight for them... because my joy is wrapped up in their joy and health and well-being. Thanks for sharing in our joy.