Dear Jack: A Dad’s Letter to His Son on His 13th Birthday

13 years old!

Dear Jack,

Happy 13th birthday!

If today had not been so exciting for us all today at our house, I might have actually had a chance to feel sad about you becoming a teenager today.

But between your new fishing-themed birthday gifts and the fact you lost a tooth on the way out the door to school this morning, I haven’t had much opportunity to think about how this has been the quickest 13 years of my life.

This is the 13 year-old version of my son:

You love to fish, you love exotic sports cars, and you are convinced that you have what it takes to become a millionaire by your 20th birthday.

Yep, that sounds about right.

I am so grateful you were born 13 years ago today.

I love you so much!

 

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: It’s Another Silly Daddy Day!

7 years, 6 months.

Dear Holly,

You have a new saying now, “Oh, it’s another silly Daddy day!”

When you see me in the morning when you wake up, I tend to be wearing a goofy t-shirt or a funny hat, like with Smokey the Bear on it. The first words of the day you say to me are, “Oh, it’s another silly Daddy day!”.

I started a new tradition with you now when I pick you up from school. I hide between a telephone pole or a utitlize box until you walk by.

Granted, you are purposely looking for me each day now. Once you walk up and find me, I always know what you are going to say:

“Oh, it’s another silly Daddy day!”

 

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: Your 1st Birthday Gift for Your 13th Birthday a Week from Today

12 years, 11 months.

Dear Jack,

Exactly one week from today, you will became a teenager! You were so excited to be able to “open” your first birthday gift: A brand-new mountain bike from Nonna and Papa!

It’s actually been several years since you’ve gotten a new bicyle. A few years ago when you outgrew your old one, I happened to be taking my morning walk and found a bike that was put out next to the garbage for pick-up.

That became your bike for these past few years, until you decided to rebuild it with some parts of your sister’s outgrown bike earlier this year.

But here recently, as you’ve been going fishing to the creek about a half a mile from our house, it has been difficult for you to drive that silly bike there with your fishing gear.

As for this week, you have been able to enjoy riding your new mountain bike to go fishing.

It is such a perfect gift for you for your 13th birthday!

 

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: Proof You’re Doing a Good Job of Brushing Your Teeth on Your Own

7 years, 6 months.

Dear Holly,

We are now several months into me not helping nor supervising you brushing your teeth in the morning and at night.

This goes alongside your new habit of eating sugary cereal for breakfast most mornings, like Cap’n Crunch’s Crunch Berries.

Well, this morning before school, Mommy took you your dentist visit for teeth cleaning and a check-up.

The report: No cavities!

This serves as great confirmation that you are truly doing a solid job of brushing your teeth, while still being able to enjoy fun, silly cereal for breakfast every morning.

I am happy for you… and relieved!

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: You Won “Best Costume” at Mommy’s Halloween Office Party

7 years, 6 months.

Dear Holly,

There has been a lot of hype this year leading up to your Halloween costume.

Because it wasn’t just about your costume; it was also ensuring that your doll June had a costume to match yours!

Your careful planning paid off, because at Mommy’s Halloween office party, you were voted “Best Costume” by everyone there!

Not only did you get some major bragging rights, but you also got a $15 gift card for Barnes & Noble.

Good thing June came along with us. I know she had a fun time there at the party with everyone!

Love,

Daddy