Becoming a Dad a second time is a calmer joy. With the first child, your awe at the immensity of the event is tempered by the raw terror that accompanies the new responsbility of rearing a moral human being. After two years with the Smallholderette, I can look on Smallholder Junior with a bit of confidence.

For a while it appeared that I would never be a parent. But the good Lord (or random, impersonal chance if you are the Propaganda Minister) has now blessed me with two healthy children. I hope that we will be able to raise decent people who love to learn, treat others well, and enjoy their lives.

Thanks to all the well-wishers and to Bill over at Bill’s Comments for his kind congratulatory note.