Uncle Cookie

Years ago when Caleb's first niece, Sally,

was just beginning to talk

Neil and Laura posted a video of her vocabulary at the time.

Click here to go back in time and see that video.

She was almost a year and a half old,
and when they would ask her to say "Caleb"
she would say "Cookie"!

He has forever been known, then,
as Uncle Cookie!

This is Caleb's Commissioning into becoming an officer.

Sally Jane was the only niece at that time,
but both Daisy and Taylor were cookin' in their mama's tummies.

Here Caleb met Daisy Kate for the first time.

It was Christmas 2009. 

Just days after our Taylor was born.
I think Daisy is about to get her ears pierced in this photo!

Then Caleb met Henry John this past Christmas

where the whole Gowan clan gathered together for the holidays
in the winterland of Wisconsin
but the Hickles couldn't be there
as we were welcoming our Robbie John into the world!

Here's Caleb, Nancy
and all three Gowanito kiddos

Caleb,
God has blessed you with such a tender heart
and confidence when dealing with such fragile things
as your nieces and nephews.
I can't wait for the day you get to meet Robbie.

I pray, Lord, that you
use Caleb's tenderness and ability to navigate fragile situations
to Your advantage as he is in A-stan.
I know Helmand Province has been in the news a lot lately,
and I know You know all that is happening there too!
Thank you for being everywhere at once.
I praise You for your Magnificence.
Keep Your hand of protection on Caleb,
on his troops, on his base,
and on the hearts of those fighting for freedom!!
Bless Caleb today with the knowledge
that You've prepared him to be where he is,
that You've gifted him with all he needs to do Your work,
that You've called him to Your greater purposes.
Amen.

We love you Uncle Cookie!