27 June 2008

A New Feeling of Homesickness

This past week was one of those long weeks. You know, when on Tuesday morning, you're thinking that it has got to be Friday already. One of the reasons why my week was this way was because I was out of town for work on Wednesday and Thursday. It was the first time I've had to be gone overnight since Cole was born.

I have never been one to be homesick. I've always enjoyed traveling, whether with others or by myself. I always look at it as a chance for adventure, whether the purpose of the trip is business or pleasure. But, this past Wednesday night I felt the odd feeling of homesickness for one of the first times in my life. I was only gone for one overnight. Afterall, South Bend is only a 3 hour drive away from Indianapolis.

But as I sat in the Fiddler's Hearth (an Irish Pub in South Bend--go figure) and watched a slew of amateur guitarists demonstrate their passion through six strings and a microphone, I couldn't help but realize just how much I missed being home with my wife and child. I found myself constantly pulling out my cell phone and looking at this picture on Flickr:



God truly has blessed me, and for that I thank Him each day. For me, going home to Crystal and Cole makes a long week seem wholly insignificant and totally worth it.
~Philip

18 June 2008

Best Buds

On Saturday, June 14th, 2008, Cole's best friend was born and he's been bugging me to let you all in on this news. So here it goes.

Weighing in at 8 lbs. 14 oz. with the longest fingers and toes ever is Harrison Dean Gapinski Coon. He's very cute and we stopped by the hospital so he and Cole could meet. Here they are:

You all should probably get used to Harrison because, as he is Cole's best friend, he'll probably be a frequent guest star in the Sheward Family Blog.

I know a lot of you are saying to yourselves, "What if they don't like each other?" Well, it's not really up to them at this point and so far we've gotten no complaints.

So, in closing, Congratulations Brian and Rebecca. Harrison's one great kid and we're proud to call him Cole's best friend.