Just when you think a year can't be any more significant.... That's how I began last year's reflection. Ah, how young and dumb I was. To cut right to the chase, the significance of our first child has topped all milestones in my life. What joy!

Libby and I spent the first four months of this year scrambling to make our recently gutted house livable and preparing for the vague notion of parenthood. While Libby had spent most of her life around babies, I was clueless. Thank goodness. Had I known what I didn't know, I would have panicked. Fortunately, necessity is the mother of invention.

I have learned so much about love. The feelings I've experienced as a father are both overwhelming and exceedingly beautiful. Luke is such a joy. He is so happy, which makes it impossible for me to feel any other way. No matter how long the workday, when I walk through the door to see his smiling face, nothing else matters. The photos in the News and Photos sections should prove my point.

I guess it wouldn’t be a complete reflection of the year if I didn’t mention September 11th. I won’t dwell here since I have nothing new, concrete or profound to say. Suffice it to say that I am sorry for everyone’s loss, thankful for my friends who are protecting us and grateful to have another day to share with my family and friends.

Work is surprisingly satisfying. It’s challenging and exciting with some great opportunities on the horizon. I’m still meandering down the sketchy path of fulfillment. If I’ve learned anything over the last year, it’s that work is only a small part of that path. I still struggle to reconcile that knowledge with the fact that I spend two-thirds of my waking hours at work.

I’m hoping that as Luke matures so will I. It seems like I’m starting a completely new cycle of learning in parallel with my son. If only I could learn as quickly as he does….