Letters

You're learning so much!  You've learned to reach out and grab things!  Your favorite thing to grab is your binky.  You pull it up to your mouth and gnaw on it quite a bit.  Every now and then you get it in your mouth the right way.  And when you're in your saucer you play with all the toys.  Some of the things you do are the same kinds of things that Jonah used to do.  He used to chew on the dragon puppet just like you, and he was also thrilled with the "slot machine" toy.

I will never get over the way you grin like crazy, and flirt exceptionally well.  You know your Daddy can be charmed so easily.  I love your smile, still.  I love the way your whole being lights up when you smile and get excited.  I love that you're ticklish, and we share some good laughs when I change your diaper.  Here's a picture of you "lit up" too much to hold still:

You're eating food now!  You don't seem like you like it too much just yet, but that will come.  It's amazing that you're already at this point.  Pretty soon you'll be mobile.  That will give Jonah a challenge.  You also like to talk a lot.  When your Mom and I are talking, you join in our conversations.  It makes me wonder how much you'll have to say later on.  Will you have strong opinions like your mother?  Will you think your Daddy is hopelessly silly?  Will you call your Daddy at work, just to tell him stories? 

I'm still waiting for your teeth to pop out, little girl.  It's the only thing that will make your precious grin any cuter. 

I love you, sweetie. 

Love,

Your Daddy

I am amazed at your mental development recently.  You can put action and consequence together, and decide what actions you will take based on the consequences you want.  That's a huge step.  And right along with that, you have a very strong sense of what you want.  Now we just have to work with you on yelling about it. 

Mom says you think "share" is a one-way deal.  Other kids must give you their toys.  I just think it's awesome that you can learn these things now.  You have come so far in two years, but there is still so much to learn.  I'm glad we've put scripture reading and praying into our routine though.  Those are important things to learn.  I'm glad you like going to church too.  Even if we have to sit in the foyer for most of Sacrament Meeting.

 

We're heading into the time when you learn your limits in so many ways.  You have split your head open for the second time, and need to learn your physical limits.  You can only run safely for so long, then you get too tired to balance well.  There are also limits to how far you can push your parents.  Some days it seems like you spend a lot of time in your bed, because you want to push all our buttons at once.  But you are generally so well behaved, it's a joy being your parent.  You do learn quickly.  One of my favorite moments is when you want to throw something, but you know I've told you not to.  You pause, give me this scowl, and throw it anyway, knowing that I'm going to put you in your bed for it.  It's ok, because Daddies have to be tested every day, to see if the policies have changed, right?  I'm not the best at consistency, but you're certainly giving me lessons. 

I am absolutely thrilled every time I answer my phone and you're on the other end.  "Hi Daddy," just lights up my day.  I love to hear you tell me stories.  I love when you say something I don't understand, because my brain goes into overtime trying to figure out what you might be saying.  You told me this morning you were turning the egg on and off.  I was stumped trying to figure out what context this might be coming from.  Who knows what's going on in your head?  It makes the "Aha" moment that much better when we've spent a little effort trying to figure you out. 

You really do light up my life.  It's so much fun being your Daddy.  I can't resist when you tell me you need a tickle, and run away when I chase you.  And your "Magic Word, Please?" and "Thank you," are so endearing. 

I love you, kiddo

Love,

 

Your Daddy