What can you do?

We accidentally overslept this morning - something we have a feeling won't be happening again. In fact, we absolutely can't wait to bring our little alarm clock home.

It's crazy to see all of you going through this with us, the good posts and the bad. We are continually amazed by the emotions that flow through this seemingly impersonal medium.

Many people have asked us what we they can do to help us. We heard that meals are difficult to prepare with a newborn, and Cindy H. is doing a wonderful job of coordinating that aspect. We also want to thank the Hills and Geppelts for the meals they've brought to us the past few nights. My mom has been doing such a terrific job of helping out around the house, and will continue to be after we bring Alex home. I know Kathleen and Nat plan to also come help us out with that (thank you), so I really think we're covered as far as those types of needs, too.

But there is something else we would like. It's much easier, and way more important (and something many of you are already doing). Don't take life for granted. The tragedy of Frank Bingham suddenly losing his wife & kids has had a profound impact on us and our daily life. We saw how precious life really is, and how everything you love dearly can be snatched in an instant. I won't even compare our situation to his, but it taught us to love each other fully every day, as if you won't have the opportunity tomorrow.

Do the same with your spouse, mother, child. Hug him or her tightly and thank them for being who they are. Let the petty things that come between you slide, because they really are petty. As Matt put it: "be happy to wake up at 3am to hold your baby when it cries," because some people aren't even able to do that.

We're not just being humble when we say that's all we want you to do. Because having that perspective will change your life more profoundly than any gift you could ever give. And as you do that for us, it helps us know that all of this was worth it a thousand times over.