Two words that mean everything

(an ongoing account of how my wife and kids enrich and inspire my heart with all the wacky little things they do)

During the week I get up early everyday to exercise. I try to time my workout so that I'm finishing just as the kids are getting up. Joanna sleeps in for a few extra minutes, while I get to spend a few precious minutes alone with the kids. I really enjoy our mornings together, the kids are in a talkative and imaginative frame of mind and our conversations span many varied topics. We talk about their dreams, school, their fears and philosophies about life, I'm often delightfully mystified at some of the things that come out their strange little brains. As much as I enjoy this time, my all-time favorite moment of the day can be summed up in two words "Hi Papa".

We have a safety gate at the top of the stairs (which both kids can open if they want to). However, when the kids get up and they hear me downstairs, they stand at the top of the stairs and say (in a sing-song unison voice) "Hi Papa". This is my cue to continue a tradition that the kids and I have had for the last several years. I walk up the stairs, pick the boys up into my arms and carry them downstairs. As I slowly carry them down, I kiss each one on the head and tell them "This is the best part of my day". When we get down to the living room, I place them on the couch, give them their morning juice and sit down to eat my breakfast as we talk.

The boys are growing so fast that I know that one day soon I won't be able to carry both of them at the same time (I'll have to start making two trips). I also know that one day they will stop singing my name in the mornings and they'll just come down on their own. Although just the thought of this eventuality breaks my heart, something happened a few weeks ago that will live in my heart forever and sustain me through all the trials and frustrations of raising kids.

I was making my morning coffee when I heard the familiar phrase "Hi Papa". "Hi guys" I said as I bounded up the stairs to pick them up. As usual, I picked one boy up in each arm and made my way down the stairs. I kissed each of my sons and said "This is the best part of my day". Kaden nestled his head into my chest and said "Mine too."

I'll remember that as one of the happiest moments of my entire life.