Saturday, December 15, 2012

A dad's worst fear

Dear JJ,

Yesterday a gunman went into an elementary school and killed 20 children, ages 6 and 7 years old. It was a horrible act of violence.

While many people are using this to discuss the politics of change with guns, or what it means for the mental health of our society, for me it means I can't always keep you safe. The first day you were born your mom and I were up all night just watching you sleep, and smiling at each other - but we were really keeping watch. Today I found a bookshelf that we will secure to the wall, after you started to climb it. When you discovered you could go through the doggie door, it was yet another place that we had to watch out for you.

The hard part about being an older parent is I know I am mortal.  But when I hear about children dying, it reminds me - you are mortal too. So I'm going to enjoy every minute we have together. Sorry if I hug you extra tight sometimes, and if I want more kisses - but you don't seem to mind.

Love,

Dad
Noodles for my boy



You should be comfortable when you sleep

A happy boy - 

These are my favorite moments

Thursday, December 13, 2012

We survived

Dear JJ,

Your mom had to go away for four days on business - well, she went to Park City, Utah - but I'm certain it was business.

So for four days you and I were together. I have to admit- I was pretty worried about it. I cancelled some clinic days, and hoped that you wouldn't be upset that your mom was gone. I kept trying to find friends who would come and help- but turns out we didn't need it.

Discovered you tossed the Xmas balls off the tree so we threw them in the pool and filled the tree with stuffed animals and action figures. Now you leave it alone
But we survived it- not only survived it, but we had a lot of fun. We had put up a tree for the holidays, but you kept pulling the shiny ornaments off and breaking them. So we took them all off- tossed them into the pool, and filled it with stuffed animals and action figures.

Every now and then you would ask about "mommy," and when I told you she was at work you were fine. Although, if you knew her work was in Park City --- but that is another story.

I never was so happy to see your mom back. You are a lucky young man- you have a mom that loves taking care of you, and you of her. But for four days we were two bachelors - changing the X-mas tree, and making our new traditions -- and it was cool

love,

Dad
Our X-mas pool -tossing the ornaments in