Highlights of 2004, Number 1

1. Travis James Turner arrives. Big surprise, huh. The newest member of our family was born October 25th and has been bringing us joy ever since.

Kelly’s pregnancy was as routine as they come. We actually had a name picked out ahead of time. And I thought it a bit funny to have a birthday picked, too. Travis had a different birthday in mind, however. Kelly actually went into labor and Travis showed up two days early.

My friends gave me blogging props for posting from right outside the delivery room an hour before his birth. I was amused at being the only one around aware of all the HIPAA rules I was breaking. It was fun, though.

Travis is over two months old now. He’s looking nicely chubby and is getting better at sleeping. Every day before breakfast, the big guy gives me the most dynamite smiles. I tell you, he’s got charm like I’ve never seen. But boy, when he wants attention (in other words, when he doesn’t want to sleep in his bed), buddy, he can holler like there’s no tomorrow!

We’ve also noticed a social streak in him. Put him around new people and he’ll entertain himself by watching faces and offering those million-watt smiles. You can tell he truly likes that interaction, just like his sister.

Speaking of which, Hallie is such a wonderful big sister. She plays with Travis whenever he’s awake. Her favorite things are to show him her toys, and to “read” him her books. We’ve also recruited her to help with his baths, a role she loves to take on. I’m certain that they’ll have a great time growing up together.

We knew it would be a handful raising an infant and a toddler at the same time, and it has been. But its also been hugely rewarding. I feel like I’m becoming a father all over again, learning to parent in ways I never had to consider before.

It’s a shame time can’t slow down at this stage. I’m having too much fun!