Dear Brooks . . . from your daddy

Dear Brooks,

I just experienced my 1st Father’s Day, and wanted to write you a short letter to let you know what you mean to your daddy.

I always wondered what it would feel like when I became a dad, and I can honestly tell you that all my expectations pale in comparison for what I truly feel. When I look at your chubby cheeks, your perfect lips (thank your mother for those), and your inquisitive eyes – I can’t quite remember what my life was like before you came along. You are only 3 months old now, but you already have a tight grip on your daddy’s heart.

As you learn to crawl, walk, & talk – I will also be learning. I will be learning how to be a dad to you. And just as you will sometimes fall, I’m sure that I will make mistakes, but I promise you I will always try my best. I understand that being a dad is too big of a job to take on by myself, so I promise you that I will daily look to the Lord to give me the wisdom it will take to succeed at the greatest job ever.

Brooks, I want you to know that there is one thing that will never change about your daddy. I will always love your mom with all of my heart, and there is no person on this earth that is more important to me than her. My love for your mom will never fail because it is not based on feelings that can go up & down, but instead it is grounded on a commitment that we made to each other, before God, on June 2nd, 2001. And because of this, you can be secure in knowing that mommy & daddy will always be together.

I look forward to when we can play catch together in the backyard, but I don’t want you to grow up too fast. I will savor every stage of your life because I know we can never turn back the clock. I love you Brooks, and will always be there for you.

Love,
Dad

Visit to Grandpa & Grandma Miller's

Granny Miller & Brooks

We took Brooks to his Grandpa & Grandma Miller's house last weekend. It was his first long car ride of 4 1/2 hours and he did wonderful! He slept most of the time. We stopped on the way there and on the way back at our favorite burger joint - Arnold's Drive In in Decatur, IN. He loved it! At least we think he did since we got to eat outside on a picnic table. Brooks loves it outside. We had such a great time with the family and were so happy he was able to meet his great-grandma Miller. We took several special pictures of him and Granny that will be treasured forever.

Grandpa & Nonna

Us at the Essenhaus

Brooks & Mommy

Cousins Nick & Olivia

Cousins Eva & Jaden

4 Generations of Millers

Grocery Store Blowout

I just have to share with you my crazy trip to the grocery store today. Today was the first time I decided to take Brooks to the grocery store by myself. Yes, I know, he's almost 3 months old, but Matt would usually just stop on his way home and I haven't gotten back to cooking much since he was born (as if I ever cooked much!). Anyway, on my way there, it started to sprinkle. No big deal, but going in and out of the store with Brooks in the Bjorn probably wouldn't be fun if it was pouring. So I am praying the rain holds off until I at least get in to the store. Once I'm at the store, I hop in the back seat and start to strap him in the carrier, when I notice that my arm is completely soaked and yellow! Oh no! He had a total blowout! It is all over him and me and the car seat! I immediately think, "how am I going to change him in the back of the car and in the rain?!" (When I'm out, I usually open up the back to our Pilot and change him there versus going into some public place.) Well, I had to do it, so as I'm changing him and cleaning it off his entire body - no kidding - even his toes - I realized that mommy forgot to bring a clean outfit! Oh no! So after I finally cleaned him up, I put him back in the dirty car seat with nothing but a diaper to go home. As I was driving home, I looked down at my arm and noticed it was still a bit yellow - I didn't clean myself off very well in all the fury! No grocery store for mommy and Brooks today. Once we got home, Brooks fell asleep immediately - I guess he was wore out! Can't wait to share with him one day what his first grocery store trip with mommy was like!