First Father's Day

YES - this was you

Team Grosshans

Two conspirators

Best travel baby ever

Your dad who loves being just- your dad

Dear JJ,

The last time I was this excited by a day, it was when I was a kid waiting for my birthday.  My first Father's Day.  Not because I wanted any gifts - but just to experience that day, for the first time in 54 years, as a dad.

The day started out with you - 4:30 am, almost as if you were excited for the day as I was.  We spent a couple of hours playing til you became tired and I was off for my golf game. Arriving at the golf course, my good friend, Steve, said, "Happy Father's Day." Steve, not a dad, has developed an affection for you, and enjoys watching you grow.

During the day I missed a phone call from your Uncle Bob-- one of the first people to know that your mom and I were expecting.  He left a message with his children wishing me that. 

On social media sites different people wished me a Happy Father's Day- and they were all special people- those who know your mom and I, and those who know how much being a dad has meant to me.

When my dad called me, the first thing he said was, "Happy Father's Day." First time I joined my dad in that special club.

I've done a few things- held a few titles, had a few accomplishments- but the most important one is being a dad.

Thank you, son, for making that possible

Love,
Dad

You at 19 weeks

Your mom and I and special friends on a special day

That's your mom- if she bent over far enough she saw her feet

Our first family photo

Gigi stayed with us for seven weeks

The cap you wore was worn by your uncle Ron over 60 years before

Meeting my parents for the first time

Jimmy - for whom you are named. And whose smile you have

Uncle Rick and Auntie Sandi - who have been great friends of your mom and I from the start

Your first hospital visitor Aunti Lori

Your beautiful mom

Your Gandpa - who got up with me for the early morning shift

You always looked like you had it figured out

Uncle Barry - in whose house your mom and I met

Your Grandma Gigi - stayed with us for seven weeks, she hated to leave you

we are family

My dad - and I - in 1958

And now you with my dad in 2011

Your Uncle Ron- that hat doesn't fit him as well

Two dads

Dear JJ,

Yesterday your grandparents left after being here for a bit.  I miss them - because when your Grandpa Grosshans is here,  the three of us have our morning time together.

Nothing like enjoying Grandpa

When you were six days old, your grandpa and I were wondering why you were crying. When I put my finger in your mouth, it was dry- so thought you might be hungry. But your mom had finally gotten off to sleep.  I asked your grandpa if maybe we should give you some formula - the two of us, in on the conspiracy- found the formula the hospital had sent home with you, and we fed it to you.  Such are the memories that bond the three of us together. 

I enjoy our time in the early morning- your mom gets some sleep, and you and I can play. But I like it when your grandpa is here too- two dads, who really love being dads, and one who just loves being your grandpa.

Men have a special bond when it comes to children. Once you become a dad you are a part of a special club - where all of us have figured out what life is all about-- and it is not us.

Someday son, I hope to enjoy those mornings with you when you are a new dad - then I can hear you say the word that every dad I know describes the experience of being a father "awesome." Truly- the definition of that word.

Love,

Dad

Coffee - you like it, but not warm

The day your grandparents left your Grandpa made crepes. You liked them too

Dada

Dear JJ,

Sometimes your favorite toy is a box

Sometimes your dad has long days- and sometimes some of my patients need more time and help -- but I love what has been happening when I come home.  The door opens, and I yell hello and you come crawling as fast as you can to see me, with a big smile on your face.

This week, something new happened.  You make lots of sounds- and you love to imitate -- clicking, buzzing, saying "Baa." And you have said "da" a lot- and put them together.  Knowing they were just sounds is ok, but when you start looking at me and saying "da da" and when you point to me and say "dada" and when your mom asks where is "dada" and you look at me-- wow.

It has been a great week - but son, every week with you is.  Thank you for coming into our lives.

Love,

Dad

Whoever thought having egg on your face was a bad idea?

Of course spreading it to the toys is even better

You like the smoothies your dad makes- so does Lucky

Handy Manny is our favorite show

Mom set up a swing for you

And you love it