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Dear Jack: Being the Official Entertainment of Sleepovers

14 years, 10 months.

Dear Jack,

You have made it clear that I have a reputation, as a dad, of being extremely strict when it comes to bedtime routine at our house. (That’s something I am very proud of!)

I’m all about having fun and experiencing adventure during daylight hours, but once the sun starts going down… it’s time to settle down.

But, hey… when I’m not there with you, I don’t care what time you go to sleep or how rowdy you get! Not my problem.

And that is exactly how I felt as Nonna sent me photos of you, your sister, and your cousin at their house while Mommy and I went away for a weekend trip a couple of weeks ago.

I was happy for all of you! You definitely served as the entertainment, making the sleepover even more exciting for your sister and cousin.

So much for setting down that night.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Further Proof You’re Probably Going to Be an Engineer

12 years, 1 month.

Dear Jack,

I have been saying your entire life, how I believe you are going to be an engineer when you grow up.

And each year that passes, I see further evidence of this.

We are at the point now to where when Mommy orders furniture that requires assembly, you are the one who is smart enough to figure out how to assemble it… and just as important, you actually enjoy the challenge of it.

This past week, as I went to my office for the final time in my career, since we all work from home now. I brought home some 3-D puzzles I found there.

For me, it would have been a nightmare to build the puzzle. For you, I think it was the highlight of your week!

 

Love,

Daddy

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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

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Dear Holly: Why I Call You “Squeaky”

4 years, 2 months.

Dear Holly,

Ever since you started really talking, and especially now to the point you are actually chatty, the name I have called you has been “Squeaky”.

You have a soft, sweet little voice, that often sounds sad for no reason.

Any time you tell a story, you often begin with, “Yeah, p’cause…” as if it needs some melancholy explanation.

You make things sound so sad even though they are not actually sad at all.

So to me, the naturally name for you is Squeaky.

Anytime you call out to me to tell me something, with “Daddy…”

I instantly respond with, “Yes, Squeaky?”

That has become the norm for us.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: You’re Really Starting to Look, and Act, Like a Little Girl

1 year, 10 months.

Dear Holly,

There are certain weeks that I especially notice how much more you look like a little girl and less of a baby who happens to be a girl.

This has been on of those particular weeks.

Now your blonde hair is beginning to quickly turn brown. It’s also finally getting a bit longer, and when we put a bow in your hair, it reveals your pretty little face.

You’re now less than 2 months away from turning 2 years-old.

Now, you walk.

You’re beginning to talk.

And this past weekend, you even decided to use the potty instead of use your diaper.

One of the reasons I write these letters to you every week is to help prevent living the cliche about kids growing up too fast.

By examining pictures of you each week and documenting my perception of what you life was like that week, it helps me to put into perspective the little things I might otherwise be overlooking.

Clearly, the theme of this week is this: Holly is really starting to look, and act like, a little girl.

I feel especially close to you in that since October, I have been working from home. So you and I spend a lot of time together. I get to see what you’re like during the day time when you used to be at school all day.

You and I have built a special bond. I understand that part of it is that you’re learning to communicate more anyway.

But still, I’m grateful that in the midst of my branch closing where I used to work, I am able to enjoy spending my hours now taking care of you; while getting work done while you’re asleep.

I know that I will always cherish this phase of our lives, where we got to spend more time together than perhaps the average father and daughter would.

Love,

Daddy