Hello, all:

Michelle, Siri and I just finished our slices of cake to honor Liv's birthday. She would have been three today, and we had high hopes of going to Northfield to visit her tree. The weather kept us from going, but didn't keep us from sharing our favorite memories and reflecting upon our journey.

As many of you know, our new son Birk arrived on October 25th. He has been great -- lovely, sweet and healthy. Of course, we still have our fears: Michelle reminded me today that Liv took ill at ten weeks of age, while Birk is eight weeks old today. Apprehensions aside, we both feel at ease with Birk's health. I am amazed at how he’s helped to revive some of our memories of Liv while making his own mark as our little boy. This is as good as healing gets.

Siri has been dealing with a lot in the course of events, too. It has taken time to realize that she can love her new brother and still act out, and she's been asking lots of new questions about Liv. She wants to know if the cold snow bothers Liv in her grave, or if she's in heaven. It would seem that Siri is trying to make sense of the past few years and resume childhood in the process. She's making a good go of it, and we're happy she is seeing things with new eyes.

Thanks for checking in and sharing your thoughts and support. I know these special days touch Michelle and me differently, but we're both doing our best.