2 Years Later

February 2nd is Grayson's Gotcha Day. It marks the 2 year anniversary of us stepping off the plane and welcoming him home.

How the day started - Here.

How the day ended -  Here. 

These last two years have gone so fast with Grayson. I know everyone always, "Don't blink because they grow up so fast." Well, it's true. I think I remember more from 2 years ago than from yesterday. Anyway, at two years, I love every bit of Grayson and I'm so proud and happy to be his dad.

Looking back on this day brings back lots of great memories that I can't wait to tell Grayson one day.

How it feels to be loved -
How prayer works -
How you have to trust in God's plan -
How you can support other's who are going through a rough time -
How hugs keep people going strong -
How friendships are made -
How big the world is -
How small the world is -
How having children can change your life -
How His plans are not your plans -
How you react when someone recognizes you -
How you accept the help from others even when you think you can do it on your own -
How being patient is a skill -
How to stay sane being patient -
How to trust while being patient -
How to show respect to those of other cultures -
How to stay calm under pressure -
How to stay motivated when there might be much to be motivated about -
How to show others love -
How to ask for guidance from others and from God -
How to give back -
How to fight through adversity -
How to care for others -
How to be committed to the task at hand -
How being a part of a church that cares about others is necessary -
How to show empathy to others -
How to stay positive and enthusiastic despite momentary struggles -
How to be selfless -

Looking forward, I'll sit down someday and tell him about his incredible journey from my perspective. I'll never be able to explain Lindsay's perspective to him. It wasn't the same. Her experience is a lot different than mine. He will be able to hear about both of our viewpoints one day.

For now, I like snuggling with him. I love it when he runs to me. I love his love of books. I like his mini-mullet he currently has. I love how he loves his sister. I love how he makes noises and dances. I love how he wants me to fly him through the house. I love how he says what he's thinking. I love his real laugh. I love his fake laugh. I love how funny he is. He sometimes knows that he's funny, but other times, he has no clue. I love how he says, "Amen." I love how he loves me. He doesn't show me as much physical love as he does with Lindsay, but there is nothing better than coming home and getting either a "Come find me, Dad!!" screamed at the top of his lungs because he's hiding or a little boy who has paint on his face and marker marks all over his hands and arms running toward me to give me a hug saying, "I missed you, Dad."

I truly am blessed to have been matched with a wonderful little goober.

Most importantly, I love who he is becoming through God. He was made to be Grayson, and he is fulfilling that to a "T."

Happy Gotcha Day, Grayson.

I love you.

Daddy