I realized tonight, after watching my growing collection of Hallie videos, that as parents of a preemie, we share a unique gift that parents of full-term babies will never have:

We have a few extra weeks to watch the miracle of our daughter’s growth.

It is something that sneaks up on me. I loved to spend time just watching her at the nursery. Just watching was enough.

But now she’s becoming more and more aware of our being there. The nurses tell us that her eyes are wide open every morning at 8, which is right about the time we arrive for our morning visits. A few days ago, we were pleasantly surprised to see her waiting for us in the morning. I came by again that afternoon to see her waiting for me again.

There is nothing cooler than that. Nothing.

Now she expects us to visit. She looks forward to them, as do we. And it would break my heart to let her down.

So even though we may watch her grow a little more than a full-term baby, it’s still so very tough to leave our daughter.

I used to wonder how pregnancy and motherhood would change Kelly. I heard stories from some men who said that romance takes a backseat when a kid arrives. Some of my friends shy away from pregnancy for the same reasons.

Well, even though we don’t have Hallie with us just yet, I have to say that any fears I may have had were completely unfounded.

Kelly looked great throughout her pregnancy. Her disposition was always a sunny one. And now that her pregnancy is over, her body has almost completely bounced back into shape.

But now there’s another certain glow to her. Not one of pregnancy, but one of motherhood. I look in her face and see her beaming at her wonderful accomplishment, even when she doesn’t realize she’s doing it. Her pride shows.

So now we’re on the other side of pregnancy. But it’s so much more. Because it’s parenthood.

And when I’m not gazing at our beautiful daughter, I can’t help but gaze at her beautiful mother. Both of them leave me speechless.

Motherhood hasn’t taken anything from Kelly. It has only made her more beautiful than ever.

Hallie Turner was born into this world Tuesday, June 4th, 2002 at 3:40 PM EDT at Wakemed Hospital in Raleigh.

She measures 16 inches long and weighs 3 pounds, 2 ounces.

Although she is 11 weeks early, she knows how to use her lungs, if you know what I mean. 🙂

Mom, baby, and dad are doing fine. Look for links to pictures soon!

I think Memorial Day should be changed to Peace Day. I think it would better honor those who “paid the ultimate price,” without glorifying the way they died.

No one knows better how stupid war is than the ones who have to fight it.

I got a lesson in attitude this past weekend. Kelly and I went to Charleston. We had a wonderful time talking with Martha, the head housekeeper at the bed and breakfast where we stayed. She just had a super attitude.

Then there was Hyman’s Restaurant downtown – a place with attitude slogans all over the place. Some of the friendliest waitstaff I’ve been around.

We also saw the IMAX movie playing in town – “Shackelton.” It’s about an Antarctic explorer who’s expedition gets stranded in the ice. Against stupefying odds, he brings his whole crew back. It would have been very easy for him to give up, but he kept a good attitude throughout the ordeal and wound up saving everybody. Incredible.

It took me a few days, but I got the message.

Digital Amateur Television

I added some color to my webpage, finally. And those links on the side will actually go somewhere soon.

Stay tuned!

My brother Jeff has created SlashWOT, a website that’s a complete waste of time. If you’ve got too much going on right now, surf on over there and have a look.

It’s after lunch and I had a craving for a Coca-Cola. I remembered the building had a vending machine, so I walked on down the hall to get my fix.

Apparently I haven’t had a Coke in a while. The price was 90 cents for a 20oz. bottle. Here I was thinking two quarters would do it, but noooooooooo.

No wonder Coke is going under. This is ridiculous.