I am the luckiest Daddy ever.

Lounging in the early morning quiet of our living room, Rowan impishly declares that Griffin is Mr. Crazy Pants and that I am Mr. Mad Pants. Meanwhile, Griffin is trying to get the ball behind the couch that Pam is stretched out on. "Move Mommy!" he admonishes.

When it's finally time to go, I am able bid a brief and quiet goodbye to my daughters while remaining unnoticed by Griffin (who goes into a desperate plea of "Wait!" whenever I try to leave for work). I get in the car and start it. The house door opens, and Berit comes flying down the yard and around to the driver's side window.

"Bye bye, Daddy. Have a good day at work." She gives me a kiss and a big bear hug.