People

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Dear Jack: Our New Pet Hamster, Beta “Bear” Shell

10 years, 9 months.

Dear Jack,

Two weeks. Two whole weeks.

That’s how long we made it as a family before we collectively decided we were ready to have a pet hamster again; after processing the loss of our first hamster, Alpha.

A conversation never had to take place as a family as to what our new hamster’s name would be.

Clearly, Alpha was the first… so Beta would be the second.

I think we are the perfect owners for Beta; as he didn’t get adopted until later. He is already about 6 months old, whereas Alpha was closer to 3 months old.

Beta is not as tame as Alpha was, but Beta is also a lot more independent. Not all hamsters have the same personality.

Who knows? Maybe Beta will eventually want to be held as much as Alpha did. But for now, he’s at peace just hanging out in his aquarium and playing in the cardboard mansions you make him.

 

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Daddy’s Pink Pickle Appetizers

5 years, 4 months.

Dear Holly,

You and I share the most favorite foods out of everyone in our family.

For example, we both hate popcorn and don’t really like bread.

But we are also the only people in our house eat bacon; and will often eat it on a daily basis.

Our newest discovery is our shared appreciation of sliced cucumbers covered in pink Himalayan salt.

It’s now becoming a daily tradition that before I start working on dinner, you request: “Daddy, are you going to make the pink pickles?”

And no matter how much salt I pour over them, you always ask me to make them even more pink.

And you’re always right: They can always use more pink salt!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: You’re Still Young Enough to Be a Boy Who Does Silly Boy Things

10 years, 9 months.

Dear Jack,

In a few months, you’ll be turning 11 years old; taking you further into the preteen years. Even so, I still catch glimpses of you doing classic boy things; like the way I remember you when you were much younger.

This weekend, you spent several hours testing out Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty versus some generic slime you still had from Valentine’s Day.

You decided a good experiment would be to poke a straw in each clump and blow air until the point it exploded. Of course, you gave me a play-by-play commentary during the entire event.

I couldn’t help but think to myself: Enjoy these moments.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: You Started Taking Gymnastics This Week!

5 years, 3 months.

Dear Holly,

After your successful dance recital this summer, you decided your next challenge to take on shall be gymnastics class.

So now, every Tuesday night, while I take your brother to taekwondo, Mommy drives you to the other side of town for gymnastics.

I’ve been noticing how you always look for a way to turn anything into a balance beam.

Like this past weekend when our family visited Hatcher Family Dairy and you insisted on walking along the rock path, which was a bit of a drop down to the grass.

I think you are going to love gymnastics class!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Your 1st Day of Kindergarten is Today!

5 years, 3 months.

Dear Holly,

This morning, Mommy and I will be tool you to school, for your very first day of Kindergarten!

You are so excited that this time has finally come. I am already imagining all the friends you will soon make- as well as how much you will love your teacher.

I’m so glad that your brother will be there with you at the same school, especially as he be next to you as you ride the bus.

There’s no part of you that seems nervous about starting Kindergarten. I’m convinced- you’re gonna love it!

Love,

Daddy