Learning To Be a Dad

Remembering those first few days...

1. When the nursery was set up... but empty

 2. Mom's very short first walk afer the hospital...

3. Swaddling you tight... and loving the swaddles with velcro!

4. Taking you on walks around the neighborhood

5. Taking you on your first adventure... to meet horses, chickens, and cats...

End of our Time in the YSA

In May 2013, while we were in the process of moving from Columbia to Cape, we were asked if we would serve in the Young Single Adult (YSA) branch of our church. When we shared the news that Daniela was pregnant, we received word that we would be released from the YSA branch. That happened on August 23, 2015.

We learned a lot by serving there.... including that

1. We are grateful to have each other.... and

2. We can prepare meals for up to 25 people without too much hassle.

Holding YOUR Child

I think that middle word is the most important. When Josh Asher was born I had a total of 19 nieces and nephews, many of whom I saw regularly. I love my nieces and nephews but it is nothing compared to the love that I had for my child when I held him for the first time. The best I can figure is the difference is the child is yours.

I love that moment, much more than I even expected I would! To hold a new life, to hold your child, to grab your son’s little fingers, to feel the responsibility that you are his dad, but the privilege that he is your son.

Holding your newborn child does some funny things to you; it reshuffles your life. Your priorities just got rearranged, and guess who is on top? Someone who didn’t even exist a few hours ago. And while my work and clients are important, my spectrum of importance just expanded beyond a level I knew just a short time ago. But it is all in a good way. I like activities that make me feel significant. Never have I felt any more significant than holding a newborn and thinking he’s mine.

Hello John Asher

Crazy day... but at the end of it Daniela Cisternas McMullin is awesome. We are so happy to have all 8 pounds and 9 ounces of Asher with us. What a blessing! Thanks for your love and support. We are glad to have a new member of our family!

And we love this little hat... hand made by volunteers at the hospital... and perfect for our little boy.

August 6th

There are some nights you will always remember. August 6th was one of them. I called my dad to ask  if I could come over and watch the Republican debate. He said sure, he was just getting home from the hospital. That prompts the obvious question of "who's in the hospital?" That's when I hear about Sterling and the accident he was in. We find out that he and his parents are on their way up to the hospital in St. Louis and Truman and Harper are with my mom. So we rush over to see how we can help.

I remember being so impressed with Truman and Harper. They were real troopers. Grandma was great at calming them down and working to get them to sleep... all we had to do is help them brush their teeth. But in a chaotic situation these kids were strong.

Smoky Mountains Vacation

Family vacations are great times to create memories. Glad we were able to join my family for a nice getaway in the smoky mountains in July.

Hospital visit @ 28 weeks

1st trimester was great... no morning sickness

2nd trimester was great... walked and rode bikes around Europe without any problems

3rd trimester got off to a rough start... at 28 weeks, spending the night in the hospital because Daniela is having contractions every few minutes. As a nurse said, "he needs more time in the oven, right now he is only a half baked cupcake." 

Thus begins Daniela's life on restricted activity.