birthday

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Dear Jack: Maybe I’m Not Ready for You to Be Done with Plastic Toys, After All

10 years, 11 months.

Dear Jack,

This is my last letter I will write you while you’re still 10 years old. Your 11th birthday is now only a few days away!

I’ve kept it no secret from myself; how it’s not easy watching you grow up so fast, especially as you are now more of a pre-teen than a little boy.

As birthday gifts have been showing up in the mail, and as I’ve watched how you’ve used your gift cards from your birthday party, it surprised me a bit to see you choose… plastic toys.

I was thinking we were past that stage in your life.

Last year it was all about Fortnite. This year, it’s Roblox.

Yeah, I know. You’re just collecting more plastic that you’ll ultimately forget about a year from now.

But as for now, it’s proof that there’s still a little bit more “little boy” still in there.

I need there to be.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: A Father’s Letter to His Daughter on Her 5th Birthday

5 years old today!

Dear Holly,

Today is going to be a very exciting day! You are now 5 years old and we have a very special event planned for you.

We are hosting a special “tea party” birthday party for you and some of your friends from school; as well as your cousins from Alabama.

And for dinner, when we asked you where you would like go to out for your big day, you responded, “Acapulco Mexican restaurant because they have the good macaroni and cheese- and Jack likes their pizza.”

I know it’s going to be such a fun 5th birthday for you.

I love you, Holly!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Papa’s Surprise at His Birthday Dinner

9 years, 11 months.

Dear Jack,

Last night, we took Papa out for his birthday at Tito’s Mexican restaurant; the place in town that is subtly known for throwing whipped cream in your face if they find out it’s your birthday.

Plus, the food is really great!

I secretly signed to our waiter that it was Papa’s birthday… then waited for everyone to be finished eating, so that the wait staff would deliver the complimentary birthday sopapillas; along with the infamous whipped cream.

Unbeknownst to me, you were given to the responsibility of throwing the cream in Papa’s face.

You aimed for his mouth, but directly got his eye instead!

Dear Jack,

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Rare Coincidences in Our Family’s Ages

9 years, 9 months.

Dear Jack,

Now that Mommy turned 39 a couple of weeks ago, she and I are both the same age.

In addition to that, I discovered another coincidence in our ages:

For the next couple of weeks, you will be 9 years, 9 months old; as your sister is 4 years, 4 months old.

By the way, I love the realness of the photo I took of you and your sister on Mommy’s 39th birthday.

You made a big, loud deal out of singing Happy Birthday, as your sister impatiently yet quietly waited for the song to end so she could finally have some chocolate cake!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Your Framed Picture of You and Your Cousin

4 years old.

Dear Holly,

For your 4th birthday last weekend, we had a small party for you with family; only 10 people.

Until the COVID-19 lockdown, we had a big birthday planned for you at the park- there was going to be pony rides!

I guess we’ll be saving that plan for when you turn five next year.

But still, your 4th birthday party was very special because we got to spend it with your grandparents and cousins on my side of the family; at least.

A very special gift you received from your cousin Darla is a picture of the two of you together; which is now propped up on your night stand right next to your bed.

It means a lot to you, as the two of you are inseparable anytime you are both together!

Love,

Daddy