Alice and I have been toiling for the last year about what we would name our daughter- Ava, Evangeline, Sophia, Olivia? Then one day, out of nowhere, Alice said, "Berkeley!"  We both looked at each other, and sensed immediately that she was on to something- we met at U.C. Berkeley; in so many ways our time at Berkeley was so formative for both of us; and, of course, we fell deeply in love with one another at Berkeley. In fact, some of our best, most wonderful memories took place during our "Berkeley years."  So, Berkeley it was.

Then came the deliberations about Berkeley's middle name.  For some reason, I just love the name, Alice.  And, we both thought it would be nice to keep Alice's name in the family for future generations.

This morning, we drove to the hospital at 6 A.M.  We went into the delivery room a little after 8, and Berkeley arrived at 8:30. 

She weighs 8 pounds, 4 ounces; she is 20 inches long with a full head of curly hair, and she is absolutely ADORABLE!!!! Alice was very "present" the whole time, and has been able to connect with Berkeley in a way that has been quite special.

Someone said, "We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.”  If that's true, then I am SO ALIVE, because I am so keenly aware of the many, many treasures I have been given- the most beautiful and loving wife who is like a beautiful rose among a swamp of weeds; my two boys who are such charming gardeners who make my soul blossom; and now, my little angel, Berkeley, who has again lighted the flame within me to be more than I was yesterday. As a man, as a husband, and, of course, as a father.

Thank you for your warm thoughts, heart-felt prayers,and constant love.  We love you, and thank God for you.