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

Dear Holly: Are You the Comedian of the Family?

5 years, 11 months.

Dear Holly,

I just recently had a conversation with your brother, explaining to him that all 4 of us have certain roles we fill in our family.

He’s the achiever. Mommy’s the manager. I’m the negotiator.

As for you, you’re definitely the fun one! And on top of that, probably the comedian as well!

You never mean to be funny, which is part of the reason you are so hilarious.

I still often think about the day you asked me, very seriously yet apathetically, “Daddy, how many bucks does the Tooth Fairy even give you?”

I have a feeling you are going to continue to grow into your “no nonsense” approach to humor!

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: Your Ability to Make Friends Instantly

5 years, 6 months.

Dear Holly,

In my mind, you are a quiet little girl, outside of our home. That’s how I imagine you.

But maybe not…

Because you have this habit of bonding very quickly with other girls your age.

Like this week when we were taking your brother to Taekwondo; as we were opening the door, I heard someone shout out, “Holly!”

She ran over to you and hugged you; then she touched your hair, saying, “Look Holly, we have the same color hair!” And the two of you giggled like besties.

Turns out; she’s in your P.E. class at school.

I remember this happening after your 1st first ballet class, as well. I heard, “Holly! Give me a hug before you go!”

When we got back to the Jeep, I asked where you knew that girl from.

“From dance class. I just met her today, Daddy.”

I have a feeling this will be normal for you: The ability to immediately befriend other little girls your age.

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: Your Freckles

5 years, 2 months.

Dear Holly,

I feel like I mention this every so often, but I love your freckles!

And I know you do, too.

In fact, you brought home a picture today that you drew of yourself at school.

You made sure to include lots of little dots on your face to show your “freckles and make-up”.

(I’m not sure about the make-up part!)

Despite me actually being over “half-Hispanic”, you definitely got the “over 1/3rd German” part from me, more noticeably.

I never imagined I would have a daughter who looks like you, but I’m really glad you turned out this way.

You are so special.

Love,

Daddy

 

 

 

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: Your Sick Day Home with Me

4 years, 11 months.

Dear Holly,

This week you and I had a special day where you encountered a 24 hour stomach bug and needed to stay home while I worked from the kitchen table. It just so randomly happened Mommy had to drive to work in Nashville that day; and of course your brother was at his school.

I set you up your own space by placing your bed blankets on our living room rug. You fell asleep within minute and stayed asleep for 2 and a half hours of the morning, despite me making calls in the kitchen.

When you woke up, you felt so much better; turning your floor space into a board game center.

I was sad to see you sick, but happy to take care of you!

Love,

Daddy