Insanity laughs, under pressure we're cracking

Pressure in life comes in many forms. There is the pressure of providing for your family financially. There is also the daily pressure of trying to make a business successful. Keeping a marriage happy and healthy... more pressure, thank you. Raising kids in a scary, scary world. Pressure with an extra scoop of stress.

So what are we to do? How does a person cope will all of the pressure and stresses that are thrown our way on a daily basis? Well, I wish I had an easy answer for that one. My only advice is to stay as grounded as possible. By that, I mean doing what you are capable of, setting realistic expectations and keeping focused on the big picture. "Wow, Dad...that's a lot of cliches!"

This has been an especially stressful period in my life from a number of areas. I have to focus on you guys and your mom and stay on track with the things I'm trying to do with my business. You'll need to do the same kind of introspective focusing when life hands you more than you think you can handle. It doesn't. Life gives you what you CAN handle. There are always going to be obstacles, but it is the way you deal with them - the way you overcome adversity that will define you.

I'm reading my words as I write them. I know these things to be true but that doesn't make it any easier when it feels like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. My main purpose for keeping this journal for you guys is to teach you some life lessons. That doesn't mean that your Dad doesn't have a thing or two to still learn. By giving you this guidance I also come away learning something. And that's a good thing.

Headline from "Under Pressure" by Queen & David Bowie, 1981

Thank you, Lord, for ev'ry little thing. Thank you, Lord, for you made me sing.

It's been an eventful three weeks which hopefully explains the lack of entries. Sage Logan Wayne joined our family on June 12th and now we are a foursome. Our family is complete! It was quite an entry you made, boy. Couldn't have waited another week like we had planned, huh? I guess that'll teach us not to include your input in future planning meetings.

It's taking some time for us all to get adjusted and I think given the circumstances we're all performing remarkably well. Sage, you are amazing. You exude a peaceful calm that finds its way into me whenever I look at you. You are truly a miracle. I know this "break-in" period has been rough in spots, but you are handling it like a pro.

Seth, my wiser-than-wise partner in crime. You make me proud to be your father. You are handling the rigors of being a four-year-old while at the same time showing a sense of love and compassion for your new brother that is far, far beyond your years. Never lose that sensitivity. It will take you anywhere you want to go in life. But it's still good to have a little Bad Boy in you though.

My beautiful wife...wow. You have been a rock. I marvel at how you have been handling the demands on you. I could stare for hours at the way you look at Sage. The absolute definition of unconditional love personified. Thank you for what you bring to my life and to our family.

So now we are complete. And we begin this journey together to see where life takes the Wayne family. Knowing the four of us, it won't be an uneventful one. Are you guys ready? I know I am...with my Dream Team at my side. I love you all more than any blog post could ever begin to express.

Headline from "Thank You Lord" by Bob Marley, 1973


(NOT Bob Marley in the video, if you weren't sure...)