A little bit of everything.......

My wife gave birth to our first child Yesterday at 6:23 pm. A beautifull, healthy baby girl. Grampa says shes has big enough hands to steer a tractor. Everyone is doing great!

Started working on the baby book with my wife, one page is for current newspaper headlines on babys birthday. Sadly enough the headlines were all about one thing, my #2 hero (my Dad being #1) Dale Earnhardt. Makes you wonder years down the road when my little girl is all grown up looking at her book what she will think - Daddys favorite driver gone. Im not going to get into what he meant to the sport and to me because words can't describe it. The good lord truly works in mysterious ways.
One life, so close to me and my family in spirit, taken too soon, and yet despite the tragedy I have been blessed with an 8lb 4oz little bundle of joy born into this crazy world we live in. GOD BLESS OUR CHILDREN!
Never take any moment for granted, hug your kids, hug your folks. Life is too short.

On another subject regarding DAVE #1's post about "feeling my age" - I had got to thinking a few days ago as I was looking around my shop - "Man, I'm getting old!". In the last few years I've gone from nudey calenders on the wall, to Shania Twain calenders, to tractor calenders on the wall! Life is good!

Thanks to everyone on this board for the help and humor!

Patrick Williams
4-13-70 --The articles is my baby book were about Apollo 13! - Hope thats not a bad sign!

Have fun discovering all the differences in baby raising. Ours is already potty trained. Well, more like house broken. But it's quite fascinating regardless.

If you think you just winessed a miracle, it only get's better everyday. I remember the day she saw the early moon one night when we were cutting the grass before the sun went down. "Moon Moon" she would say, all smiles. One time a buddy of mine told me before I had kids, that I didn't know love yet, not til I was a Dad, and I didn't know what he meant, I know now.

This morning, instead of coming to me for her nice warm milk I fix her every morning, she stayed in her room and looked at a book. She's growing up. It hurt a little.

I got a 1 and a half year old boy, who's full of P and vinegar, and is a lot of fun, but it will only be a year or two before he's not my little snugglebug any more. My point....enjoy her while she's yours, it happens fast.

I too have been heartsick about Dale, it just feels like a family member. I never had a sports hero die. Sunday I was on top of the world, thinking about the points, DEI, all that, and then tragedy. How Silly. It puts it all in perspective. I still can't believe it.

Take Care
Life is great
Steve

re: "warm milk and snuggle bunnies"

I've got an 8 yr. old boy and 7 yr. old girl.

Hang in there! Seems a real challenge w/ kids is to keep engaged with their interests as they change. I bet you'll create new "warm milk and snuggle bunnies" times that work for them as they grow.

With busy jobs and all, I think the key is spending good time with them. My fear is that if I turn around after being busy doing this and that, I'll lose touch. So I work to evaluate to see how I can keep connected with them.

Today, I'm leaving work early (cutting out on a meeting) to catch my 8 yr old's basketball game. His team usually gets pummeled, but they're learning a lot. I get a kick out of seeing him get a rebound, etc. and jump up with fists high and a big grin on his face in a small victory celebration as he runs upcourt.

My daughter has a mountain of stuffed animals, but the other night she was looking for her special well worn "mommy-daddy" bunny (we gave her a few years ago). I told her I could hear it purring because it was happy she wanted it. As she cuddled it, she asked me, "Daddy, in real life, do real bunnies purr?" I said something like, "Well, THIS one does because it's near you."

I understand what you're saying, but be encouraged that there are lots of very satisfying times down the road. A lot of it is up to the you. From what you've said, it sounds like you'll do a great job.

PS: My son gives my daughter rides on "his" lawn tractor. (there, I said the "T" word.) :-)

Sometimes you just gotta snap out of it. I was in sort of a funk, thanks for snapping me out of it.

I bundled up Helen (my 3 year old) last night, started up the N, and went for a night ride under the stars. There was no moon, and the stars were so bright. Of course she got so excited she didn't want to go to bed!

Take Care
Steve

Congratulations on the Little Girl.

Don't let her get on the the tractor just yet. Take time to hug her mother and show mom you love her. And in a couple of years when you look down there will be this beautiful little girl with her hand rapped around one of your fingers ( maybe you'll be rapped around hers.) She say lets go for a walk daddy.

And before you know it, she'll be learning to ride her first bicyle,( or N ) then the boys will come. And before long you and your daughter will be saying " lets go for a walk " Hand in Hand you will be giving her to some Young Man in Marrage.

I married my Wife 29 years ago and I love her more today than ever. My kids? I wouldn't trade them for anything. I just wish I had spent more time with them.

Sometimes It takes a death of someone close to you to realize that what you have won't be yours very long. Last year at this time My wife and I lost both of our mothers to Old Age.

The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Now Go Hug Your Wife and Baby.