Uncle Steve

Dear JJ,

When you were sick this week, a lot of folks expressed their concern, but one good friend of mine called - Steve.

Steve and I play golf together every Sunday morning. We call it our "church." We have known each other for 15 years, and discovered that we have a lot in common than golf.

We both love books, and reading.  When I lost several thousand books in a flood it was Steve who mourned with me.

Our political views are similar, and a few other views of life.

When I met your mom, Steve was skeptical, but then your mom, Steve, his wife Anne, and I went to dinner. A more natural group of friends is hard to find. Steve's wife Anne, like your mom, is an intelligent, articulate, worldly lady.

The first time we went out to dinner, without you, was with Steve and Anne, as was the second time. When I had my last birthday, and your mom took me to Tarbell's there were two other place-settings - she asked if I knew who was coming: on a napkin I wrote down my guess - Steve and Anne.

When we play golf, and sometimes when paired up with a father-son, I look at Steve and tell him that I look forward to when you join our golf group.  And I look forward to when you outdrive your dad by a lot on the golf course.  By the way, we might give you a few putts, but don't expect any strokes. And we play for quarters, so bring your piggy bank when you come to play with us.

It is nice to have good friends, son. Your Uncle Steve is a good one. Oh- and don't focus on your long-drives in golf - you will beat them all with your putting and your short game.

Love,

Dad

Happy You're Better

Dear JJ,

It started out with the miserable flu we shared in November.  We suffered through it, and both had lingering coughs - but your mom was worried about yours.

Then last week you started getting congested, coughing more, and more, and waking up coughing. You developed a fever, one time to over 101.7, and when you get sick you stop being a two year old with a lot of energy, and like to lay on the couch and watch TV (or act more like your father than your mother).

When we took you to the pediatrician for a Saturday appointment you have no idea how many bad thoughts went through my head. Antibiotics started with a shot, and continue with medicine.

Last night you had a good night, waking up only once with a cough.  Your eyes started to regain their sparkle yesterday afternoon - and you even convinced me to get in the bathtub with you, where you discovered you could splash your dad and laugh.

I'm so happy you are better son. So happy.

Love,

Dad

Daycare: Its ok to wait

Overlooking Anchorage from the Captain Cook Hotel - goodnight moon

JJ loves whales

Dear JJ,

While in Anchorage your mom and I had to both work, so we were lucky to get a spot in the Daycare on the campus of SouthCentral Foundation. You cried when you realized we were leaving.

I had some staff check on you, and you were doing just fine when we left.  The daycare lady said that when you got your milk you raised your glass and said, "Cheers!"

When we got back you cried when you saw us.

The next day, it was the same thing.

I kept thinking-that in two and a half years and you have been able to spend all your time with family, and now were starting to be watched over by others. My little boy. It stressed me.

On the last day we asked you, "Do you want to go to the Daycare?"

You said, "No."

I smiled. You are growing up, son - but its ok to slow down a bit. I'll take time to watch you if your mom can't.

Love,

Dad

Oh- you and I spent an afternoon at the park down the street. You got to pet three dogs, collect an armful of pinecones, make a pile for the sticks, and got your dad to go down the slide with you.

Climbing up without fear

Loving the slide coming down

That last step makes me tingle

And best of all you wanted daddy to come slide with you

Potty Training

Dear JJ,

We are at the awkward part of potty training where you take your diaper off and the poop falls on the floor. I know we will all get through this. But I thought I should memorialize this for some future event.
No pictures yet- but you get the idea.

Love,

Dad

You ability to climb sometimes worries us

Nothing like having Gigi back

Sleeping with mom in Cabo

Exploring with Gigi

Chop sticks at Nic Sans

Old Aunti Kim

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

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

Doggie Door and being 2

Dear JJ,

When you were a few months old the doggie door fascinated you. A few months ago you began to tease Lucky by putting his toys out the doggie door.

Then you discovered - yes, you could go through it.

Two year olds- lots of energy. Lots of exploring. We love it

Love,

I saw this and said- uh oh

Then I saw this

Almost in like a plumber

Uh oh

Now what?

Dad