Basketball and a blessing
First, a quick thank you for all the kind birthday wishes. They were enjoyed by us all, and I give an extra special thank you to my hijacking wife for loving me so tenderly and unconditionally. You made it a wonderful birthday darling. I love you! 
Last night, for the first time since we’ve been married, I went to play basketball without Anna. Of course, that meant Zeke stayed home also. Actually it was the other way around. Anna stayed home because Zeke needed to. It was a late night pick-up game at a local gym that some friends arranged. Being the slightly overweight desk jockey that I am, I needed the exercise. However, Zeke needed the sleep so rather than wake him up to go with, Anna stayed home and rested while Daddy went to work off some pounds and stress.
The neat part of this story is what happened while Daddy was gone. Zeke woke up for his feeding, and was restless and unhappy. He nursed but was not his normal self. (So goes the story from Anna.) He was fussy and upset a while, not really wanting to go back to sleep. Anna tried to comfort him, and finally said “Zeke, Daddy will be home pretty soon. It’s OK.” As soon as she said it, he smiled and quit fussing! He immediately settled down and did not fuss again all night long. He even went to sleep in Momma’s arms. When I got home Anna told me the story, and I just about popped with pride! I bent down close to him and said “Daddy’s home Zeke.” He grinned in his sleep and responded immediately.
That pretty much made my night. In fact it made my week! 
How I do love that little man!
About The Author
Preacher Dad
Jarod has been a pastor, construction worker, restaurant manager, ministry administrator, children's story teller, author....in no particular order. At heart he is passionate about the Truth, and has been called to proclaim that Truth from an early age. He is committed to his wife and eight children, and seeks to have a lasting impact upon the future by discipling his family. He blogs at PreacherDad.com on parenting, preparing, and cultural impact.
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What a darling picture! It’s so neat that you notice the little things like this enough to post about them. Anna told me about the day he definitely showed he knew your face…. How sweet. Y’all have a WONDERFUL bundle of blessings there. Sure enjoyed getting him to sleep the other day and getting to hold him!
Love y’all.
Aunt Donna
Aw! That is so sweet and incredible! =)
Wow! That is really cool Jarod!!! I want to see my little nephew right now!
awwww
Sounds like very blessed days 
Aw!!! That is SO sweet and SO cool! :o) I miss you guys TONS!!!!
Wont be too long and he’ll be playing basketball right next to you.
That’s going to fun! 
Good story J
Unimaginably adorable! It is so neat to watch father’s who enjoy their children so much!
Thanks for sharing it with us.
Wow! Such a joyful event!
Sometimes your stories of young family life make me think… 
What a touching story! Isn’t parenthood wonderful?!
Thank you for your sweet comment on our site! We are so excited about adding another precious baby to our family! What a blessing!
God bless you, Jarod, and your dear family.
what a beautiful story :’-)
He is SO cute. This is an awesome picture of Zeke and shows his beautiful love for his daddy! From looking at the “earlier years” pictures of you…he actually favors your side a bit. I hadn’t seen that because i just know the Clayton look!
You are blessed to have such a cute wee lil man!
Hey, just thought I’d say Hi and say you have an adorable baby. I found this page from Mary Ellen’s blog. It’s nice to “see” you again and catch up on your family some. I also liked your blender analogy.
–Janette (Hughes) Castle