parenting

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Dear Jack: You Now Need a Gone Fishin’ Sign

12 years, 11 months.

Dear Jack,

This past Saturday afternoon, I drove you to the park where I take my daily walks. You have been curious whether the creek there might be a good fishing spot, as you bought a fishing pole with your own money on Saturday morning.

Even though Mommy and I clearly told you that we got you a fishing pole for your 13th birthday coming up in less than a month now…

Your fishing trip was a success. You caught 16 chubs in the 90 minutes we were there.

This was so exciting for you, that you realized that you could just ride your bike there after school each day; carrying your fishing pole and tackle box in your backpack.

Like clockwork, you are home by dinnertime.

And you immediately walk through the door, giving us what has now become a predictable a report:

You are averaging one fish every ten minutes!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: You in Your Bedroom When No One Else is Around

7 years, 5 months.

Dear Holly,

Right now as I type this from the bonus room, I am catching glimpses of you and hearing your sweet voice as you are apparently babysitting your dolls in your bedroom.

Now that you are growing up and becoming much more indepenent, you seem to enjoy having time to yourself; when the rest of us all have our own projects.

You set up the tablet for the dolls to watch videos on YouTube, while you provide snacks and wardrobe changes for them.

The whole time, I hear you speaking; though I can never make out what you are telling them.

I just love this!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Playing Catch with Uncle Tom in Naples, FL

12 years, 10 months.

Dear Jack,

This week while you are on Fall Break, we spent several days in Naples, Florida; staying at Aunt Jenny and Uncle Tom’s house.

Uncle Tom was so excited when he heard you are wanting to learn to play baseball, that he went out and bought a new glove and ball specifically to teach you with.

He even taught you a trick to help break in your glove, by binding it with string.

I really enjoyed watching the two of you play catch in their background, during which you saw a couple of live alligators!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Your 2nd Grade Fall School Program

7 years, 5 months.

Dear Holly,

You practice so hard and do such a good job singing in your annual school programs.

However, you always tell me you don’t actually like being up there in front of everyone.

In the 2nd grade Fall Musical Program last week, it was your big debut of your 1st missing tooth.

After the program, we were invited to go upstairs to your classroom and see some of your artwork on display.

You are so proud of your artwork, specifically!

It is so rewarding for me to be able to be here with you as you grow up.

I love being part of it all; specifically when I can see how proud you are of your hard work.

Even if you don’t necessarily enjoy having a live audience to perform in front of.

As for me, I will always be in your audience!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: You Finally Lost Your First Tooth!

7 years, 5 months.

Dear Holly,

As we predicted, you lost your first tooth! Saturday morning, with little effort, I was able to pull it out for you.

That meant you finally were able to use the “lost tooth box” that Mommy and I bought you when we visited Michigan for my birthday back in April. (This way, the Tooth Fairy was easily able to find your tooth.)

You placed it on your nightstand, guarded by the Funko Pops of ourselves (Cindy Brady and J.J. Abrams).

We learned that the Tooth Fairy pays $10, with an extra dollar if it’s your first tooth.

It’s safe to say you are now officially in the business of losing teeth!

Love,

Daddy