My Kate!

Check this girl out! She's beautiful! I'm in LA right now and we'll be separated from my three girls until Tuesday afternoon. I'm already feeling those pangs of missing them. Check out my other blog right quick and let me know if I should stick with this one or switch to that one. Click Here.

My wife the trooper!

Maris is a strong woman. Kate doesn't sleep. As soon as she touches the crib mattress the tears well up and the cries begin. I'm really not much help as I'm not at all a night person (unless I've had too much caffeine like tonight...decaf in the morning, coffee at the office, a grande cup from Starbucks this afternoon and half of Michael Spare's special latte...I really have been cutting back though...today was a fluke). Jambo and I sleep. Kate and Maris don't. The world cannot contain all the volumes that could be written on different parenting styles (and I don't even take the time to read the ones that are written). When it comes to so-called sleep training we're at a loss at this point. Consistency is key evidently. Consistency isn't our forte evidently. In my opinion, Maris is an all-star mom. I feel like I'm still in the minor leagues as far as fathering goes, but I'm growing. Lord, we pray for a good night's rest. Remember the days when this was Kate sound asleep?

30 Years Old!

I'm not talking about me. I'm only 28 (but I certainly feel like an old man now that I have a baby, sore back and glasses...I used to wear contacts because I was an active dude but now who am I kidding?). I'm talking about Jesus, when He began His ministry. There was something encouraging about reading that Jesus didn't begin His ministry until He was about 30 years of age. He increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man until that time. Somehow even the Son of God took time to develop into His role in the Kingdom of God. What a refreshing thought for a young buck like myself who wants to figure out my role indefinitely and roll with it. "Not so fast, sonny!" rings in my ears as I read Luke 2:52 & 3:23. I can chill out. God is shaping me no doubt. This is a word to myself and to any other young would-be stallions out there trying to make their way in this fallen world (dare I say, striving to make a name for themselves).

The Journeys of Jitsuya!

This is Arapaima Gigas, one of the biggest fresh water species with scales.
The African catfish, Vundu. He is quite a fighter!
Jitsuya in front of the Abu Simbel Palace.

Kate and Dad!

What we do...

Maris and I love to sit in Kate's room, one of us holding Kate, Jambo curled up on the others' legs, while listening to Jason Upton. I was checking him out on YouTube and I heard him say, "You know, sometimes compromise means no compensation." I commend his music to you.

Kate Corinn!

We're home and having a great time together...

Welcome to Kate Corinn Deaver!

Raking the Atchisons' leaves is great fun, especially when Maris calls to go in for a labor check at 2:45 pm. Last night the decision was to break Maris' water at 5:30 pm. She took a long dip in the hot tub and then they started a bit of pitocin to get the contractions moving along. They got an epidural going after a bit and at 2:30 am it was time to push. When Maris was told to push, she pushed. Kate came out not long after that at 3:08 am. We all took a nap from 5:30 to 7:30. Now begins the rest of Kate's precious life. That's all for now friends!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Well everyone, Turkey Day has come again but we can continue thanksgiving all year round. We had a great time with my family on Wednesday and Maris' family yesterday and today all in Manhattan. There's so much to be thankful for, including sushi and cowboy hats. The following picture demonstrates my gratitude for such things (picture compliments of Jennifer Regier).

Wardrobe Change

The KSU Saudi Club had a function in the Union Courtyard so I took the opportunity to enjoy a 5 minute wardrobe change.