Painful Episode

It is so humbling as a parent (and a person) to sit and watch your child endure any sort of pain. Em had a tooth that had to come out today. Jen and I grabbed and held her hands throughout the process trying our best to comfort her and explain however feebly, that we are doing this to make the pain go away (she had an abscessed tooth). Em has made it easy for us as parents, ridiculously easy. I know that many more parents go through much worse every single day. But days like this remind us of how we would do *anything* to prevent our child from hurting - I'd have jumped into that chair in a heartbeat if I could've been a surrogate for her pain. Of course an hour later she's sitting on the couch watching George Shrinks as if nothing had happened and anticipating the arrival of the tooth fairy later tonight. I believe 5 bucks is on offer for the inaugural visit.

This post is nothing more than a placeholder to remind myself in future years of what it really means to be a father and of what it really means to love my daughter. There will be times when I undoubtedly forget.

Photos A La Mode

It's been a while since I last posted (the one with the soccer/wrestling backyard fun shots) so before anybody screams for more photos, I've uploaded a bunch of new pics to the flickr site. There are shots of Emily and the dogs at Nonno's house, shots from Mothers Day and some others. I've got a few good ones from Lauren's wedding that I'll try to post in the next little while as well.

Ya ya

It goes without saying that we are all glad (and relieved) that Howie is back at home and doing fine after his surgery. The complications and subsequent second operation threw everybody here for a temporary loop. But he thankfully leapt that hurdle. We're so happy he's doing ok.

P.S. Appropriately enough, this photo was taken by Emily (his No.1 Fan) who, at 4 years old, happens to be very adept at using my digital camera.