Never bored...

Noah and I hung out all morning - breakfast at Colby's, Tractor Supply, garage sales, bought some minnows then caught some fish.
Noah was sitting on the couch when he contemplated "Dad, it seems like when we hang out I never get bored."
I'll take that.

Dad please lay right here

Noah left this note for me next to his pillow one night.  He almost refuses to go to bed without me laying down beside him.  I know this will end, I just don't know when.  :-(

A little at a time...

I've watched this boy of mine grow up a little at a time from this view right here. This has always been his spot in the boat. His seat keeps getting smaller and smaller as our relationship gets bigger and bigger. I can't figure out if that warrants a sad face or a smiley face.  He HAS to grow up...which means of course our relationship will take on a new dynamic every year or so.

How can a man descrie how much he loves his son? We've spent SO much time one-on-one. Since he was a newborn we've spent countless hours together - in a rocking chair, on our pond, casting, fishing, exploring, reading, singing, traveling, and overall just being best buddies. He's a part of me and I a part of him, I suppose.

Perfect Moment

Hundreds? Thousands? That's the number of nights I've laid in bed with my son before one of us fell asleep. For the longest time, and still sometimes, Noah won't go to sleep until I've laid down with him. I've oft wondered when that last time will be that he asks...or even allows it. So special has that time been to me that I'm going to desperately miss it when I realize its happened.
Last night we did our normal routine but for some reason it felt a little different. Perhaps it even felt a little more special than others. One reason I'm sure is because I knew I was leaving town for five nights starting the next day. Another reason no doubt was because we'd been able to spend all evening together fishing, wrestling and tossing around the football. 

At bedtime he likes to lay alongside me with his head on my right shoulder...my right arm under his neck and my right hand rubbing his belly.  We've fallen asleep in this exact position more times than I can count.
As we laid there in bed talking about whatever came to his mind I was overtaken with how enormous he was and how indescribably close we have always been. That boy is a part of me and I a part of him. While I think these things freely, saying them takes more effort. But I do say them. He needs to know, after all! I'm sure he sees and feels how much I love him but I want him to hear it, too. It pushes me outside my comfort zone but I know we're both better off for it.

My running partner tonight

This was only the second time we've ever run together but he did great! We went almost three miles and had to take some breaks. Mostly it helps me see how much fun it'll be to run together some day...just that I'll be the one trying to keep up instead of the other way around.

Serving where I'm called

So my little lady, the one for whom I mostly just can't say no, comes to me with a difficult request: "Daddy, can you help me pick out my clothes for tomorrow?"

Wha!?

If it was up to me, we'd have her hair in a bun and she'd wear an oversized burlap sack until her wedding day.  Choosing clothing is a task for which I'm wholly unqualified - even for myself, truth be known.  She laid out several options from which I was to choose.  She didn't really like any of my choices and wore what she really wanted to anyway...but it was an honor being asked, nonetheless.  :-)


Update:  the next night...she asked for my advice again...acted so excited that I helped...then proceeded to take brother's advice instead of mine.  She LOVES that brother.