Baby New Year

Well it has been a great year, if more exhausting on so many levels than any other year I can remember. Not only have G and I been working harder than we ever have before in our lives by a long shot, but little Jack, well, as I was saying to Teige and Becca the other day, people can tell you all about it until you want to punch them, but there is nothing better to convince you that you don't have a shred of energy or sanity left in your body than your third or fourth night at home with a newborn. After a couple of weeks you start to get a grip, but it is so unbelievable, an utter sea change in every single way you have ever measured your existence. And though you do stabilize, it's still plenty exhuasting. I mean, there is no doubt who's the boss of the house.

And you know what the amazing thing is? As a reward, you get to look into that smiling little face that lights up like a million-watt lamp when you come in the door. Who's never been as excited or happy as when he sees you. Who delights you every day with something new, some amusing antic, some silly sound, some funny face. And no matter how tired you are, you go all to pieces. I mean, you would have to be a real hard case to look at that smiling face and feel even a little but bad about most anything, now, wouldn't you?
Welcome to 2006, little buddy. Hopefully Mommy and Daddy can make their little piece of the world a little safer, a little more fun, a little more comfortable, a little better for you in the next year. And hopefully, for you and all your little pals, the rest of the grownups in the world can get their act together, at least here in this country, which frankly I would rather see you and your daycare class governing than the chimp we have in there now.
As usual, I can't decide which of these cute photos of Jack in the outfit his Grampy bought for Christmas is the one to go with. I adore them all. And Jack, too, and Genevieve. This is going to be a very big year for all of us. 2005 will be hard to top. I mean, how do you improve on this little guy?