Emotional Paradox

Where has 2011 gone? Emma is 3 months old, and we’re already planning for Braeden’s 6th birthday!

I’ve been home from training for almost a month now, and it’s been great being able to spend so much time with Sarah & the kids. I didn’t realize just how much I missed them until I got home. Luckily for us, Sarah won’t be separated from the kids when she’s training, which will make life easier for both everyone.

Braeden’s becoming incredibly confident on his Razor scooter, and he’s learning how to ride his bike, too. At school, he was identified as one of the brightest kids and one of the best readers. Listening to him read now, he sounds like a completely different reader than before the school year started. Pretty soon he’ll be reading Tolstoy and Dostoevsky!

Last Friday, February 4, Sarah & I added a new member to our family: Emma Grace Wright. She came out in full fury, and we’ve been in amazement ever since.

Sarah had decided to go through the birth without taking an epidural, and she followed through. I still can’t believe how tough and devoted she is, and I’m very proud of her.

Emma is full of personality – even though she sleeps through most of the day. She makes funny faces, winks, and even noticeably responds to facial expressions and voices. Braeden has been a great big brother so far, and we’re excited to watch him take Emma under his wing and teach her his ornery ways.

2010 was quite a year. The year brought me my wife, a new car, a new addition to the family (surprise!),a new car, a tumultuous football season, and lots of time with the family.

Neither of us – Sarah & I – are big about New Year’s resolutions. However, I will strive for one thing in 2011: to continue to improve the personal relationships in my life. That, and to be an even better husband & father.

Here’s to 2010; it was swell. Have a Happy New Year and a wonderful 2011!

2010 has been an eventful year: Sarah & I both graduated from the University of Oklahoma and completed the ROTC program; and we’re expecting an addition to our family, which changed our short-term relocation plans.

For Thanksgiving this year, we started by heading out to the Oklahoma/Texas panhandle border to see Sarah’s family. Braeden saw his cousins, uncles, and grandparents, Sarah, her brothers, & I stole some pies, and we spent the night in the country.

Next we traveled to see my side of the family. We had a three-way mini birthday celebration, enjoyed some good food and great desserts, and shot rifles and shotguns at defenseless coffee cans and clays.

We’re looking forward to the Christmas holiday season, and to having an even better year in 2011.