Now that we have a child...

There are a dozen things we would never have done if we did not have a child. Like: wake up many times during the night, buy diapers, have strangers talk to us everywhere we go, smile, coo and ask info on stranger's kids, notice stroller accessible ramps and the lack thereof, discuss the quality of the school system, the importance of a good car seat or go to the West Texas Fair and Rodeo, 2005. Brian for one would never go to the parade, but suddenly we have a kid and we can be seen petting animals, laughing at clowns and puppets and experiencing life again as if we were children. It is great!

There is an amazing transfer that happens in our spirits when we have a child. We too gain tremendous joy as our son discovers things for the first time. We are filled with this exuberance out of the sheer pleasure of seeing him happy, but also because somehow we get to be transported back to a moment where we are drawn into the fascination of discovering the simplest, purest, most tangible and ethereal things of life. I remember showing Ivan his first leaf, seeing his delight and wondering how I could see leaves all the time and not pause to wonder at these amazing things of nature.

Abilene does not host the most dazzling parade (ok, so it was a little better than watching traffic go down our street) and I'm sure there are better fairs, but we went on an adventure that goes beyond the sights, smells and sounds, as Ivan heard bands, saw horses, talked to a puppet, saw llamas, an emu, donkeys, rabbits, chickens, goats, sheep, a pig... we too were captivated by the spirit of discovery and amazement. And I have to admit, that I for one found it pretty entertaining, I mean, have you ever seen a llama walk up a ramp, hurdle hay bales, look at itself in a mirror, trot, walk backwards and sideways?
















Life is too short to miss all these weird sightings and amazing feats! So as they would say here in West Texas, y'all need to come down and enjoy the show. It may be impressive or a little dull, but there is always beauty and discovery waiting to be unveiled. It is not what is out there, but how you see it. Don't miss out, open your heart and imagination and be sure to join the great adventure of life through a child's eyes.