It was that good

Dear JJ,

Yesterday was your dad's 53rd birthday. Your mom and I flew to Oregon where my mom made me dinner.

My mom, your grandmother, is a great cook - and yesterday I remembered how great a cook she was.

While her vision isn't what it use to be, she was the usual mistress of the kitchen and made a wonderful dinner of pork roast, asparagus, roasted potatoes --- and gravy.

Mom made some great gravy and as she was pouring it into the gravy bowl she spilled a bit. I got a napkin to wipe it up and she said, "no, its too good." She used a rubber spatula and put the gravy into the bowl. Mom's counter tops are clean- I mean, clean. But I was a bit squeemish.

We sat down- blessed the meal - and the gravy was amazing. Your grandmother's gravy is so good, if it had fallen onto the floor I would have used a squeegee to gather it up and eat it.

So, son -- I look forward to you meeting your grandmother-- and you should look forward to her gravy. Oh, and your granddad -- well, your mom says I have the same sense of humor (which will no doubt be passed on to you). Yup-- you've got some pretty neat grandparents

Love,

Dad

The Crib

"Who me?

Oh nooooo.... someone else assembled it...

I can sutcher a colon but I draw the line at cribs."

(Me overhearing Terry on the phone... lol)

He makes me laugh everyday... and our crib is assembled!

Thank you Papa Bear!

xoxo apey

The important things

Dear JJ,

So your mom and I went to a store called "Babies R Us." We were looking for a crib, that will someday be your bed. We also looked at everything else in there-- and then I came across gliders.

Gliders are like rocking chairs, but can go back a bit. So I sat in them, and tried a number of them out. The one I liked was comfortable and yet it was the ugliest of them all.

But here is the thing- when you wake up at night- well - I will put you on my shoulder, and rock you to sleep - and maybe me too. So ugly doesn't count when comfort is involved.

It is like a lot of things. I had kind of a bad week- and some work things were on my mind a lot. But when I came home and your mom showed me her belly with you wiggling all over-- well, it made me smile.

Life is like that -- might be ugly, but with some love and the perspective it can be comfortable.

Perspective- and son, you have given me the best perspective of all.

Love,

Dad

Bet on the Ponies

Dear JJ,

There are a lot of people who are anxious to meet you- but one you haven't heard about yet. Scott- my good friend for 30 years - and you will know him as your uncle.

Today I think of him because of the Kentucky Derby, and Scott loves horses - just like his dad loved horses.

Scott and I met at The University of Chicago as undergraduates - we became good friends almost right away. He is kind, compassionate, sweet, honestm, intelligent, loyal - and will fall in love with you right away.

So today - the day of the Derby - I think about Scott-- and how in a few years you will be sitting by him as he teaches you to bet on the ponies.

Yup son, you have a lot of people in this world who love you already.

Love,

Dad

You are Active!

JJ,

You are an active little fellow. Now that we are entering the third trimester you move like a gymnast! Sometimes I just look at your mom's belly and see you rolling across it.

But you may be trying to keep up with your dog, Lucky. He is growing - probably like you are. He's a happy little dog- with a lot of energy, and from what I can tell, you both will be a great match for each other.

Like all puppies, and no doubt like you-- when we are not chasing him he spends most of his time quietly sleeping-- always wanting to be near us. When we got Lucky we thought he would be smaller than he is becoming-- but that's ok.

I can envision the two of you sleeping together-- you resting against him - both sleeping quietly on the floor.

Yea, you are active now- and I suspect it means you will be an active little boy, just like Jimmy was. I look forward to keeping up with you!

But more than that - I can see when I have that vision of you and Lucky worn out together and sleeping on each other-- I am going to hope that I capture every second of it-- and not wish time away. And, I look forward to just watching you grow- and play- -and then when worn out and not sleeping on the dog-- resting with your dad.

For now- you are safe in mom's womb- but someday soon, son - you will be safe on my lap

Love,

Dad

The new Family

Dear JJ,

A very good friend of ours wanted to get your first baby gift. So she got a pair of fur slippers.

Turns out your mom and I love our fur slippers, so today-- in Anchorage -- we lined them up. Everytime we look at them - we smile. Because we are a family.

Of course Alaska is pretty special to us. It is where I was born and raised, where my dad was, and his mom, and years back. Don't know that you will be born here -- but you were made here.

Great thing about Alaska-- you have a whole lot of aunties and uncles that can't wait to meet you. So I have to wonder-- why do you need slippers-- because from what I can tell you won't need to use your feet-- everyone will carry you.

Especially your dad,

Love, Dad

Gracie

Son,

You are named after your uncle, Jimmy -- someone you will never meet because he died in 2006.

Yesterday we heard that his dog died -- his dog was named Gracie. Grace, or Amazing Grace as I called her at his funeral - was a Golden Retriever. A nice dog- who loved to run and chase a tennis ball. She was a great companion for your uncle-- even in the end.

You get to grow up with a dog -- Lucky -- who will be your best friend and watch over you, and follow you around and wag his tail. Dogs are great - they love you no matter what, they live in the moment, and they teach us so many good things about life.

So, I am a bit sad today as I think of the passing of the dog-- but am excited to think that you will have your friend with you.

In a few short months I get to hold you, and introduce you to Lucky. And your mom and dad are the lucky ones-- because we just know you will grow up with a great smile, be a happy kid-- and have a great dog.

So, son, you are a part of the cycle of life. Just remember the lessons of a dog-- live in the moment, forgive quickly, always greet others warmly - and sleep soundly.

Sorry you won't get to meet Jimmy or Gracie - but we will tell you all about them as you ask.

Ok, son - see you soon.

Love,
Dad