family

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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

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Dear Holly: Wearing Mommy’s Lipstick to See If I Would Notice

3 years, 11 months. (Tomorrow is your 4th birthday!)

Dear Holly,

With me being at home now on furlough from my job until July 1st, you and I spend a lot more time together than we are used to.

Most days are a blur of you playing downstairs with your toys while I get work done, mixed with me doing puzzles with you or teaching you how to spell, or taking you outside to play.

But one day last week, after for playing with your toy makeup set for nearly 30 minutes, you sneaked away, only for a minute.

Then you walked up to me, smiling- but not saying a word.

It took me about 5 seconds to figure it out:

“Holly, look at your lipstick! You look beautiful!”

You are still so proud of yourself for knowing how to apply real lipstick.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Our Indoor COVID-19 Easter Egg Hunt

3 years, 11 months.

 

Dear Holly,

This year Easter was a bit different. Normally, we would have been in Alabama to celebrate it, along with Nonna’s birthday. On top of the lockdown, it also rained all day.

Therefore, we had Easter indoors. We watched the church service online while making pancakes.

Afterwards, I set up the egg hunt in our house. The layout for our home is basically just a 2 story cube with a staircase straight through the middle.

So I hid 16 eggs on the right side of the house for you, and the other 16 for your brother.

I feel like you had just as much fun this way, compared to had the Easter egg hunt been outdoors!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Life is Nothing But Saturdays Now!

3 years, 11 months.

Dear Holly,

I learned last Friday that my job is now on furlough until July 1st; hopefully sooner than that and not later. Therefore, you are out of pre-school until then: You are with me instead.

So now while Mommy is upstairs in the office still working, it is you and me and your brother all day; living like everyday is a Saturday where we don’t have to run any errands and do any housework.

All we have to do is fun, and a learn a little bit along the way.

Each day, we take a Jeep ride to one of many nearby creeks, then playing outside in the cul-de-sac, and then doing crafts inside.

I admit, this is not an ideal situation, as I have temporarily lost my job. However, it gives me a lot more time with you- and that makes me very happy!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Is Your Generation Going to Be Called “Covid-19 Kids”?

9 years, 4 months.

Dear Jack,

In theory, you are going back to school at the end of this month to finish out the 3rd grade. I have my doubts about that. I have seen so many events delayed, and then delayed several more times since this all started with COVID-19.

You are definitely old enough to understand what is going on and old enough to remember it for the rest of your life. I feel that your generation is going to be bookmarked by living through the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020.

However, you seem to be taking it pretty well. Actually, you’re living it up: Everyday is a Saturday for you now!

Love,

Daddy