My Happy Place

I've been away from my wife and Calder for a little bit. Away from them in terms of time at work

and coming home late, as well as taking courses through the weekend. The latter took up precious family time and even soaked up vacation days from work as I took Friday off. I keep getting the realization, re-affirmation if you will, that Calder and my wife are absolutely the most important things to me. That doesn't even describe it all. I still can't explain it, and I could try for the rest of my life perhaps without success. This weekend, with the help of the course and the people I am taking it with, I absolutely confirmed what my happy place in life is. It's all about these two. Everything I go through at work is for them. Every time I am rushing out to catch the train or putting up with people who I feel I shouldn't have to put up with, it's all for them. I'm OK with that. It's not a sacrifce, it's a privilege. They let me into their lives. Calder smiles glorious smiles for me and washes away any of the anger, frustration or sadness that I may have had. My wife steps in and brings me up higher. This is my happy place.




While I have been learning and working, Calder's been growing and learning too. He's been active in his chair and with his activity mat.



Here he is being hypnotized by one of his cows. This one that hangs from his chair has been one of his better plush animal toys. He's got a whole lot of stuffed animals that were purchased for him, but he enjoys the one that came with his chair.



Calder seems so smart for his age. Then again, almost every parent thinks their kid is a genius.



Maybe this fascination with the cow is a precursor for him being a vet? Here he is inspecting the cow's anatomy. Perhaps Finn should behave better and keep his distance from Calder for a bit. Calder might jump from cows to dogs soon!



I can hear my wife going downstairs after putting Calder to bed. He's giggling and talking babytalk right now. I am so anxious to hear his voice speak words that I can understand. In the meantime, his babytalk and giggles will do just fine.



Whether he realizes it or not, this little guy is making me learn a lot. What have you got for me next professor?




Goodnight Calder, Daddy loves you!