Happy Birthday Gigi

Dear JJ,

Today is Gigi's birthday. 

You have a special bond with her- always have. But so have I. 

I was a new dad, at age 53, not really knowing what to do. For the first seven weeks of your life she was there- from your first hour. In fact one of the hardest days I had as a new dad was when we had to say goodbye to her after her being with us for seven weeks.  For her saying goodbye to you that day was hard for her - you can see it in the photo below.

The first two years of your life the only time your mom and I went out to dinner by ourselves was when Gigi was watching you. 

When you took your first plane ride, at six weeks old, Gigi came with us to Oregon so you could meet my parents. Of course, ten minutes before we got on the plane you had a poop-apocalypse. Your mom and Gigi just laughed and cleaned it up.

You are lucky son, to have Gigi. So am I. 

Happy birthday Gigi,

Love,

Dad

For the first seven weeks

A special bond the two of you have

You always have fun together

One of the hardest days of being a new parent is when Gigi had to leave

She has known you since the day you were born - in your first hour

Waiting for Morning Coffee

Dear JJ,

You wake up when I am getting my second cup of coffee and we have coffee together.  Yours is about two ounces of coffee, two sugar cubes, some of your mom's adulterated creamer - and water.

But it is our morning coffee.

Yesterday morning I had to leave before you even got up.

When I got home you told me,

"I missed our morning coffee, daddy."

Writing this waiting for you to wake up so we can have our time.


Love,

Dad

Your tastes have changed - now you like coffee - but in the "purple cup."

Early this morning coffee - 

Adds water to the coffee

Ah - nothing like some coffee with daddy in the purple cup

We have had coffee for a long time together

Auntie Bev

Dear JJ,

It was so nice to see you with Auntie Bev the other day. Your uncle Jimmy was unable to have children and I recall, many years ago, my mom saying, "Both Jimmy and Bev are crazy about kids." I also remember in my mom's darkest times when she was only remembering things of the past her saying to Bev, "He sure was crazy about you."

We all miss Jimmy  - but seeing you with her, helping her - it just brought some good memories of a man we all miss.

Love,

Dad

Uncle Jimmy and Auntie Bev 

Working at their yard in Oregon

Add caption

A little pond with some fish

Helping Aunti Bev

Mother's Day 2015

Dear JJ,

Moms are just a great thing. Today is mother's day and for it we took a trip up to Oregon to see your grandmother, my mom.

But let's start out with your mom.  When we met she was a high-powered television executive producer - doing the job she wanted since she was a child. Meeting everyone she wanted in the celebrity world. But now she loves this job- she loves playing "Avengers" or "Star Wars" with you. She loves spending time with you, and snuggling.

You have two grandmothers - one is old and frail - but beams when she sees you, or knows you are coming. When I talk to her on the phone I can hear her smile when she talks about you.

Gigi was there from the day you were born - and made being a new dad an easy job. She loves watching and taking care of you and you bring much joy into your life.

I'm lucky - and so are you. Three great moms.

Never forget to thank those who are mom's JJ -

Love,

Dad

Mom and me - getting ready to get on an airplane - I always liked airplanes, and always loved to go with mom

Your mom - who else would risk their lives to carry you, play "Star Wars" with you?

While mom cannot see, or hear well, and her memory fades - she is always happy to see you- from the moment we told her she was going to be a grandmother, to this day - she smiles when we mention your name. I think once you become a mom the thing you never forget is a child.

Your Gigi - another grandma - there from the day you were born, and always loves to read you stories, take care of you, put you to sleep. 

Your Mom Is Cool

Dear JJ,

Your mom is cool.

I come home from work and hear you and your mom playing "action figures" in the living room. Fully engaged, fully enjoying it- running around with you.

As she redecorated your room from the "baby room," to your room, and makes it into an "Avengers" room - just like you wanted- it is pretty clear: yup, your mom is pretty cool.

Love,

Dad

Captain America Reading Dad's Favorite Dr. Who

And always wanting you to enjoy her joy as she enjoys yours

Taking an old photo and remaking it into something for you

Taking Time To Say Goodbye

Dear JJ,

Thursdays are my favorite days because I get to bring you to school.

Today when we arrived one of your friends, Liam was crying. He was crying because he didn't think his mom had told him goodbye.

It is easy for parents, trying to "rush" and "drop" kids off - but it was an important lesson to me. Take a minute, look you in the eye, give you a hug and a kiss, and let you know that I love you, and say good bye.

It won't be long now before you will be traveling on your own - and I guess I need to teach you that it is always important to take time for that simple interaction.  Today it was Liam's world.  Tomorrow, it may be mine as you jet off somewhere.

I love you,

Love,

Dad

We are always in a rush - but never in too much of a rush to say goodbye

Beega

Dear JJ,

We lost your baby blanket. And while you are getting to the age where it is meaning less and less to you, it means more to us.

Your blanket was one of your comforts - you called it your "beega." When you cried you wanted it - not just any blanket, but this one particular blanket.

You have many blankets, but you always wanted this one. Some wonderful friends and family made or purchased many different blankets, but this one you bonded with. We don't know why - but this one was yours. Once we went to Oregon and forgot it- but we got by because we went to a store and told you that you could pick out your own "travel beega." You did, but as soon as you got home and were reunited with your "sparkly beega" you were happy.

But on an overnight flight it was mixed in with the blankets from the airplane and left as we hurried off the flight.

Goodbye beega - you did a great job.

Sorry son - we really feel bad about this.

Love,

Dad

The blanket travelled with you to three continents and hundreds of thousands of miles