Micah Boy

On here I mostly complain to you all that I am really tired or how school is hard or how my life is crazy busy, not today.  Today I will not complain, as a matter of fact I am going to tell you about something incredible that happened to Sarah and I exactly one year ago today.

We had Micah Boy, yeah, this one --------------------------------------------------->

The first night we had him he slept all night, didn't make a peep, ate like a champ and I got to stay at the hospital with Sarah, life was good.  The next night same story, except we got to sleep at home.  Every night since then, save about 30 (bare in mind I do camps and mission trips that take me away from home for about 20 of those nights), Sarah and I haven't gotten a full nights sleep.  Why? Because Micah I am convinced hates sleep.

Contrary to his brother, who would sleep the majority of the day if you let him.  He is like an adolescent who enjoys watching 'Wonder Pets.'  Regardless of the lack of sleep Micah had colic, he had jaundice, and he still doesn't have very much hair.  But we love our boy, Micah Boy as he was affectionately dubbed by Coop.

Happy Birthday Micah Boy.

Here are a few pictures from when this kid popped out.

Staying Regular

Aound the Anderson home routines are very important, mostly because if I don't have a routine established I will most likely be as productive as the road workers who have been causing my 10 minute commute to be a 12 minute one.  Needless to say most of the routines we have established are based around the boys and their need for regularity (both their schedule and their bowels).

Cooper has now established his own routine though, it is about as cute as a routine can be, and be cute I mean rugged in a future lumberjack with lots of chest hair and Y chromosomes sort of way.  We brush his teeth, we read him one of the same four books we read every night then we turn off his light.  Well, he turns out his light when we lift him up the pull the chain.  Every night he asks if he can pull the other chain, every night we say, "No, not that one." He says, "Okay Mommy and Daddy."

After the lights is out we say his bedtime prayer with him.  As soon as "amen" hits he pushes me away to both hug his mom alone and to say, "Daddy, where'd you go?" It was hilarious the first 3-4 times he did it, now I think he is actually trying to get rid of me.  We put him into his big kid bed, Sarah sings to him and he's out for the night.

Either Cooper is going to have a severe case of OCD or his need for normalcy is the same as an adults.  We establish routines for comfort as that is how we work best, play best, and live best.  Maybe, we can all take a page out of Cooperman's book.  What routines do you keep on a regular basis?

Camp Bands Are Like Relationships

I have always been jaded when it comes to camp bands, not because I don't appreciate what they do, but because there is a cycle that happens over the course of the week every year.

1. Night one is the awkward first date- you are trying to see what each other are all about, fast songs with too much bass or acoustic set with stools?  New songs that read more like a novel, old songs that never should be considered at a youth camp, or really old songs that are made relevant again because a sweet riff was added before the second chorus?  Teach me hand motions, but don't expect me to use them until Wednesday, because I don't trust you with my heart yet.

2. Night two is the beginning of the honey moon phase- I LOVE AARON HOFFMAN! His sweet faux hawk and approachable demeanor gets me every time, not to mention did you hear his vocals on Rise and Sing? That guy is a beast! It is this stage that sets up night three.

3. Decision Night, or the DTR of camp bands- Don't know what DTR is?  You must be new to the faith, it stands for Define the Relationship and it is a terrible acronym that has been used for way too long in Christian circles.  That being said, the band has a lot of pressure on them to perform on decision night, too fast and the kids are too squirrely and the speaker isn't heard, too slow and you might as well have sung a lullaby to the entire chapel, the speaker has no chance.  Not too mention the impromptu encore that the speaker will call for while he is in the midst of the salvation prayer for 270 kids.  (Band Front man: Hey cool camp speaker, we didn't plan anything or talk about this. Cool camp speaker: It's ok, just play anything)  Lots of pressure here, bands are made and destroyed on decision night.

4. Assuming the DTR went well, refining stage-  This is when people start feeling comfortable enough to ask the band to start playing their favorite worship songs or ask them if they need a back up vocalist for the night, because, "I am a really good singer."

The rest of the week is a blur of good vibes and hocked merchandise.  Autographs are signed and a note folded in the shape of a heart is given to the lead singer by a girl who doesn't realize the inappropriateness of the gesture or the level of awkwardness that it creates by anyone within a 50 foot range of the note.  After camp Facebook blows up with friend requests and walls are written on with lyrics from favorite songs or jokes that were hatched during the week.

I love camp bands, ours this year (The Aaron Hoffman Band) was incredible and the ministry they do is impossible to recreate on a regular basis.  Here's to the guys who make deep V's look good.

I am Dad, Hear Me Roar

I am a fan of being busy.  I like having things to do and a time frame to do them in.  I am a big fan of all things crazy fast, except Nascar, I hate Nascar.  Starting today though, I am a stay-at-home dad for three days a week.  Three days a week I get to read books before nap time, change diapers that have exploded out the side, and have Cheerios as one of my main food groups.  

I have been so swamped with life over the past year that I haven't had a chance to inhale and enjoy the blessings that God has given us.  Between work and school I feel like I haven't had the opportunity to just be with my kids.  Do I see them?  Yup, all the time.  And I enjoy them when I am with them and eat my meals with them and kiss them goodnight.  But it has all been so fast paced that I don't get the opportunity to enjoy the kisses and meals and night time prayers.

Today, I get that chance.  Today starts that opportunity for me and frankly I am ecstatic.  

The reason I get to stay home is because my wife is going back to work full time.  She, for the past year has been my support staff, around the house, with the boys, with meals, with life, she has supported me in every facet.  Now I get to return the favor.  I want to go shopping for food and cook meals and make her lunch and clean floors.  Did I just get a bunch of husband points for saying all of that?  Yup.

In summary, I get to stay home and be Dad.  I am worried about keeping up with two very mobile and always hungry children.  And I am amped to be husband to Sarah and support her in whatever needs she may have. 

Cheers.