coming along just fine

Kristy went to school Monday to meet with Derek's preschool teachers about his progress. They've been working with him on some speech therapy and preparing for school.

They were excited about the progress he's making, and they went on an on about what a joy it was to have him in their classes. One teacher described him as a role model for the other students, someone from whom others took their cues on what they were supposed to be doing.

It made Kristy cry, and it made us both very proud and thankful. Derek has progressed so much in his ability to communicate and express himself. This has only opened his curious, intelligent mind and love for creativity up to us all the more.

Apparently, there is an endearing goofiness gene.
Derek has it, though not to Trey's degree.

We played "Duck Duck Goose" the other night,
and Derek would start to twitch with anticipation
when the Duck would get close.

Derek, on his recent birthday, with his Monster Jam cake

Every night, I pray with Derek before he goes to sleep. We pray that Derek and Trey and I will be men of God, and when we're done praying, we share the following exchange:

"I love you, Derek." "I love you, Daddy." "You do?" "Yes, I do."

Thank you, God, for blessing our family with such a wonderful boy.