I’m taking the day off (sort of) to hang out with my new son. I hope you’re OK with that.
Michael Andrew Nichols was born Monday, July 2. If you like details, he was 7 pounds 6 ounces and 19 1/4 inches. Mom and baby are both doing great!
Like his sister, Madison, he has a wonderful, mellow personality. Let’s hope he stays that way!
Since I’m naturally task-oriented, I’ve learned that I must prioritize important relationships (including family relationships). So, over the past few weeks I’ve been intentionally focusing my time and attention in 2 areas as I make the most of these perfect moments surrounding the birth of our son…
Spending time with family
I am spending significantly more time with Sarah and Madison. One day last week Sarah told me that we’ve spent so much time together recently that she misses me more when I’m away – even when I’m just out for a few hours. What guy doesn’t like to hear that?!
Our family conversations are more substantive and focused. We have a blast together! I sometimes wonder how we ever get anything productive accomplished.
Investing in others
I am investing in the personal and professional growth of more people than ever before. These developing relationships are encouraging and energizing.
This may seem counterintuitive – how does investing in others help one make the most of family time and relationships?
All relationships can be mutually beneficial. We can learn much from the experiences and challenges of others. The laboratory of home and family relationships provides a healthy venue for experimenting with our new knowledge.
I’ve committed the rest of my life to helping individuals, teams, and organizations grow personally and professionally.
Bonus!
I have a special bonus for you today – you can thank my son for it. Since he arrived a little early, we did not make some planned changes to the site. So my eBook, Creating Your Business Vision, is still available FREE when you subscribe.
If you haven’t already subscribed, go ahead and do it now. It only takes a few seconds.
If you are subscribed, you can use the direct link at the bottom of each email update to download the eBook while it’s still available.
Don’t procrastinate – very soon the book will only be available through Amazon.
So…enjoy the FREE gift compliments of my boy!
[Update January 21, 2013 – Here’s a recent picture of Andrew helping me write.]
I sincerely appreciate all the encouraging notes, messages, and tweets over the past few days! Thank you!
Because you are so awesome, I am preparing to make a HUGE announcement in the next couple of weeks. Email subscribers will hear about it first – so get signed up!
Question: What are your most memorable moments from the early days of the lives of your children? Share them in the comments.
Beautiful kids! Enjoy every moment with them. My son is 9 now and it seems a moment ago he was that size. Have fun!
Thanks Andy! Time has flown by with our 7 year old also. We’re enjoying spending time with them together now.
The first time I held my girls it was quite overwhelming. Here is this little thing that you just met and there is an instantaneous love that is beyond comprehension. The bond of love between my girls and Carl and I at that momment was extremely amazing. And every child that came along, I could see that same love in the eyes of my girls holding their new sister. It is indescribable and it is the most amazing experience this world has to offer. Best wishes to you and your beautiful family. May the Lord continue to bless you all!
Thanks Michelle. We are enjoying every moment. Each day is a new adventure.
Michael – congratulations on the birth of your son. He’s adorable. Big sister looks extremely proud!
Thanks Mike. Madison loves spending time with him. Neat to watch!
Congratulations! You have a beautiful family. Enjoy!
Thanks Dianne!
Yes sir. Looking forward to all that and more! Thanks David.
Michael, enjoy your time with the family. What a great time in life!
Thanks Chris! We’re havin a blast!
Adorable little boy! Congrats again. Thank you for the free e-book, and I hope you’re enjoying your time off. Sounds like you are. (:
He’s a cool little man. We’re enjoying time with the family!
You are most welcome – truly my pleasure to serve you.
Blessings to you and your new swaddled one! There is nothing like the birth of a chilld…
Thanks Mark! Truly an incredible experience.
Congratulations to the entire Nichols clan! He is such a cutie pie, just like his sister. God’s abundant blessings upon you all.
Thank you Nancy – yes, he has a wonderful big sister.
Congratulations on your new son, Michael! Your kids are precious.
If by “taking the day off” you meant you weren’t posting today, you missed the mark. 😉 However, it is a NATIONAL HOLIDAY so I assume you will be home with your family today.
My most memorable moment of the early days of my children’s lives are the adoration of the older child for the baby. It is precious. Then the baby learns how to crawl, get into their stuff and get on their nerves. Enjoy the adoration phase!!!
God bless your family.
Yeah, I think I messed up on taking a day off from the blog – oops. It’s interesting that you mentioned how the older siblings adore the new baby. I watched our 7-year-old daughter for quite a while yesterday as she “checked out” the baby – looking at his hands and feet, his face, his head, etc. Then she fell asleep with him – I posted the photo on Facebook. Fun stuff!