Letters

Well Jonah, it's time to introduce you to an idea called "Labor of Love."  You are no longer a cute little baby.  You are still cute.  You still have such a wonderful charm.  But you are also picking up some bad behaviors.  Your Mama and I knew this was coming, so we're not baffled by it, but it does try our patience.  I'm starting to worry about your bedroom door, because it seems every time we send you unwillingly to your room, you give it quite a thump.  You definitely have a temper, and it's going to be hard for you to learn to control that.  I've been trying to tell you that it's OK to feel angry, but it's not OK to hit, kick, or throw things in anger.  You need to deal with your anger in other ways.

In spite of your recent behavior issues, you are still such a good kid.  You are very well behaved, and you love to snuggle.  I've said it before, and I'll keep saying it, I LOVE snuggling with you.  I'm so glad I can be around when you get hurt and start to cry, "I need a snuggle!"  I hope you stay snuggly like this for a long time.  I know it will pass, but I love it.

You are starting to spell lots of the words you see now.  I was putting Sophie in the car the other day when I heard you, "T-O-Y-O-T-A!"  You've spelled your freight train book for me from start to finish once already.  I'm not sure you understand that we read left to right yet, but I think you're starting to get it.  Sometimes you'll spell things backwards, and then it's a nice challenge to figure out what you're spelling, but for the most part you "read" left to right.  We've tried to spell some simple words for you, and get you to read them, but I don't think you're at that level yet.  You show interest in spelling the words, but not in knowing what the words mean yet.

You've become quite the telephone conversationalist lately.  You'll call Grandma Moon and give her an ear full about what you've done that day.  Or you'll call me at work and tell me what's going on at home.  It's so funny to listen to your side of the conversation when you're talking to someone else on the phone.  

It's Christmas time again, and I think you almost understand what it's all about this year.  You've certainly been excited about putting lights up on the house, and watching our Christmas tree.  We have the stereotypical family-with-small-children Christmas tree this year.  No ornaments below 4 feet.  But we don't have a lot of ornaments in the first place.  Our tree has colored lights, and it looks pretty good just with the lights on.  

Christmas has always been a special time of year, for most people, and for me too.  I love all the lights, the music, and the snow.  But I also love the feeling of kindness and courtesy from everyone.  I love that the world focuses on Christ for a little while.  

The world becomes such a better place when more people focus on Christ.  The Proclamation on the Family is very true when it says happiness is more likely when you focus on Christ.  I just wish we could all remember that for the rest of the year.  I want you to know that your parents aren't perfect by any means, but we both know that Jesus Christ lives, and his atonement is the only way we can make up for  all the wrong things we do.  We are trying to build a more Christ-centered home for you to grow up in.  It's not so easy, but we both feel it's very important.  It's important to us to share what we believe with you.  Many times in my life I have felt the love and power of Jesus Christ.  To me, He brings peace.  I have never felt as peaceful as when I know I'm living right and doing the small and basic things He asks.  Real peace doesn't come any other way.  I hope, when the time comes, that you will decide for yourself to live by the principles that bring peace, and learn to love the Savior on your own.

I love you, kiddo.  I look forward to the next 15 plus years I have to spend with you at home.  I don't think it will be easy for you or for me, but I know I will always love you.  Remember that.  

Love,

Daddy

Your Mama picks out the cutest outfits for you.  She found a red dress and green sweater for Christmas this month.  We had your picture taken in it, with Jonah, and you were so adorable for the camera.  Jonah was a frump.  Maybe someday we'll get you both in a happy mood for the camera.

I'm a little late posting this letter.  It's been a busy month.  I had a lot of Orchestra activities that took up many evenings.  Hopefully I won't be late again.  I don't want to make that a habit.

Now that you're mobile, you go everywhere.  You've started to climb up on things, which makes your Mama and I a little nervous.  You will climb up on something, stand up, and then not be able to get back down.  And we'll hear about it, as you scream your discontent.  I love that you're curious and adventurous enough to get into things like that, but I do get nervous too.  It's almost New Year's Day, and Jonah's one-year anniversary for his ER trip.  We're going to be watching you like a hawk.  No repeats, thank you.  

It's Christmastime, little girl.  I love this time of year, as do a lot of people.  I love so many things about Christmas, but what I love most is the time everyone spends on each other, and on Christ.  The world gets a little nicer, a little more spiritual.  It's difficult to carry that feeling through the rest of the year, but that's part of the challenge of being Christian.  Your Mama and I want you to know we believe in Christ.  We know that life is at its best when we are living the principles Christ taught.  We may not be very good at it right now, but we're trying to build a better, more Christ-centered home for you to grow up in.  I want you to learn and know the principles of happiness before you have to leave home and make it on your own.  I don't know if I learned enough of that when I was young.  I certainly had the right environment, but I didn't choose to exercise the things I was taught, and felt I was not prepared for life on my own, or with my own family.  I really hope your experience is different. 

I'm so glad to have you in my life.  You bring me a lot of joy, with your beautiful smiles and happy personality.  I love you very much. 

Love,

Daddy