Zechariah's First Birthday

Zechariah turned 1 year old, today--January 14, 2008!!! We've had a wonderful time celebrating with family and friends and playing with some of his new toys and in the freshly fallen snow. We can hardly believe it's been a year already since Zeke was born, and we are constantly amazed by how much joy God has brought into our life through our son. He's almost walking and is curious about absolutely everything.

Here are some picture that I know will brighten your day. Enjoy!



"This is my first time playing in the snow."


"Me and daddy!"


"Literally, just chillin'."


"Help, I can't get out!"


"That's a beautiful tree...too bad I can't touch it."


"A family portrait. I make them look good."


"Once again, I got in here myself, but I can't get out!"


"Walking...it's not as easy as it looks."


"Mommy's helping open my birthday presents."



"This is so much fun. I like birthdays."


"If i smile, do I get some cake?"


"Hmmm...chocolate."


"I've got to pace myself."


"Who needs a fork when you've got fingers?!"


"Indeed this was finger-licking good."


"Driver, bring me around the house one more time. It's my birthday!"

Fall Photos

Back by popular demand...more pictures of Zechariah!

He loves shoulder rides, especially patting my head!


Zeke's first guitar lesson.


He's one fast crawler!


The two most beautiful people on earth!


Out for a stroll in Naples.


"Listen to this song I just made up!"

More Zeke!

Yeah we can't get enough of him either! Here's a bunch of pics of Zechariah. Everything from just relaxing in the lazyboy, to hanging with Grandpa O., to his first feeding of rice cereal...and prunes!

Acadia National Park Trip

Back in early June, my sister, Phyllis, and her hubby, Ben, finally made it up to Acadia National Park. We joined them for the weekend and drove all over the island, walked around Bar Harbor, heard the crashing of Thunder Hole, ate at the Jordon Pond Carriage House, saw the sunset at Cadillac Mtn. Had a FANTASTIC time. Zeke was the most patient, chill, happy baby even after 5+ hours on the road. Here are some highlights from the trip.

Just the three of us...on Sand Beach (photo by my sister, Phyllis).

The family at Thunder Hole.

My sister, Phyllis, and her husband, Ben.

A view driving up Cadillac Mtn.

Sunset driving up Cadillac Mtn.


Dead tree watching the sunset with us.

Beaver dam near Jordan Pond.

Back at Thunder Hole looking towards Sand Beach.

Yep. Thunder Hole again, looking not towards Sand Beach.

Heidi and Zechariah just chillin'.


Bass Harbor.

Me and my favorite sister.

6 months ago...

I slept for 8 hours in a row.
I was timing contractions, hoping we'd get to the Birthplace in time.
I fell in love with Heidi all over again as she gave birth to my son.
I saw my son for the first time.
I knew nothing about fatherhood (update: I still know practically nothing).
I never knew the joy of seeing my son smile or laugh for the first time...the gazillionth time.
I couldn't have understood the magnitude of the love that a father has for his child.

That's right, but I would never want to back to 6 months ago. I absolutely love being a dad. Heidi and I have only begun to know the joys and sorrows of parenthood. Yet our love for Zechariah is greater than the fear and frustrations that we've already encountered and will sooner or later. We constantly thank God for supplying us wisdom to know how to love this little guy.

Happy 6 Month Birthday Zechariah!

Zechariah is a wee little man, and wee little man is he!