Second Grade

Happy Fatherhood Friday!

It seems like just an eye blink ago, Big Brother was starting first grade.

And now here we are starting second grade.  Yes, school started this week.  Unbelievably early, I know.  But at least no homework so far.

***

Dear Big Brother,

Mom-E and I are so proud of you!  Second grade is going to be an exiciting awesome year!

Indeed, you're already excited about getting to play on the "bigger" playground.

I'm glad you know a few people in your class from last year, and hope that you make many more new friends this year.

It will be exciting to watch as your skills continue to develop more this school year.

Mom-E and I enjoyed your class work from the first day of school, with some very concrete responses, and others that were more creative.

Nice job on the correct spelling of Transformer!

As introspective as you are, it strikes me how you said that if you were a feeling you'd be inside.  I truly understand what you mean.

Just know that no matter what, those feelings can always be shared with Mom-E and I.  We are here for you.

Here's to another great year!

Love,

Dad-E

Happy Birthday Bab-E Brother

Dear Bab-E Brother,

We're about to celebrate your 2nd birthday! And while the "terrible 2's" are officially upon us you've been hurling stuff from the dinner table for a while now the past 2 years have been anything but terrible.

Many people say that you look more like me than either of your brothers good luck with that, although at least in pictures your hair has a reddish tint. Coupled with your blue eyes, neither Mom-E nor I are sure where your good looks came from. It also looks like you have a better than average shot at being left-handed, which will please Big Brother to no end. Recessive traits, we guess.

You bring unsurpassed joy and wonder to our lives (albeit equal to Big Brother and Little Brother). And that's been the theme this past year. We have 3 boys now, not 2 boys and a baby boy. We might as well go ahead and buy 3 of EVERYTHING!

And man are Mom-E and I tired. I think this year has been even bus-e-er than last.

You've mastered walking and running this year, and Mom-E and I have been chasing small men like decapitated chickens ever since. (By the way, we LOVE your little run - one arm at your side while the other swings madly as you pound those feet along.) More "running hugs", please.

Despite the many highlights of the past year - your shoe-throwing, voice-immodulating, chants of "Pupp-E Guy" among my favorites - perhaps my favorite highlight in recent weeks has been the explosion in your vocabulary.

The excitement of Christmas helped you learn "open" and "track (track-a)" and "build", and while Santa does say "Ho Ho Ho!" he also says "Santa cookies!"

I guess it must be all of the playing with (and lining up of) trains and race cars (which you would play with for hours on end, even if left alone in the dark), and this cute little way you have of pointing at something and saying "what's my name?", but you're picking up names and words left and right. "Percy. Henry. Emily. Duck. James. Cranky." Oh, and "blue Thomas choo-choo."

And "bag". We can't go anywhere now without you requesting to load up a bag with your favorite trains and cars. Pardon me, while I experience some "Car Bag" deja-vu.

"Trains and Race cars" are to "Inside" as "Bikes" (specifically a Lightning McQueen tricycle you 'claimed' as your own) are to "Outside". Again, if left to your own devices, you would ride that bike all day and night.

Oh, and by the way, you're a daredevil. I hope I'm wrong, but according to Las Vegas, you're the odds-on favorite amongst your siblings to break a bone during childhood. You were an easy pick, as evidence by standing up and jumping on your booster seat, head-first dives on the kitchen table, and coasting backwards on the tricycle down a decline while exclaiming "whee".

You're a sweet loving boy, Bab-E Brother. Big Brother and Little Brother adore you, and you certainly look up to them. (Most) mornings you pop up out of your crib with a happiness and zest for life that's contagious. I'll admit that I love it when you cling to me (I'm sure Mom-E feels the same), and I certainly love your tired whispers of "nite-nite" (aka stop holding me and put me to bed).

No doubt it will be an exciting year with many new milestones. Thank you for being you, and thank you for all of the love that you bring to our famil-e.

I love you,
Dad-E

Happy 4th Birthday!

Dear Little Brother,

It seems so recently that, according to Big Brother, we went to the “baby store” to “pick you out” when you were born.

And now you’re 4!

Wow!

And though I call you Little Brother, your entire life you’ve never been little on personality and charisma.

You have a spirit that elicits the admiration of others around you.

Lately, your pastime has been superheroes and wearing costumes. You wear them ALL the time, and the word “all” includes sleeping.

And you change your costumes ALL the time, multiple times a day.

We had a wonderful time at your birthday party – a costume-themed party at a local park/playground. You and many (child) guests came dressed as a favorite superhero.

There were ~6 finalists, but ultimately you chose your Batman costume (you were wearing Captain America in the invitation photo).

Until you got a new superhero costume as a present, which you put on immediately.

And your presents from Mom-E and I were all superhero-themed: a Captain America mask and (disk-shooting) shield and a Spiderman web shooter (that really shoots webs! Sweet!)

This year has brought exciting changes for you. Most notably, you’ve started 2 days a week of pre-K.

Your teachers now say that you’re opening up at school – singing, talking, and interacting well.

This is funny o me because you’re ANYTHING but reserved at home.

But I’m excited to see you starting to draw people/figures, an increased interest in letters and numbers (you often refer to both of them as numbers), and a love of reading.

You’ve been invited to several birthday parties for classmates, which have been fun.

And so, some comments to try to capture your personality, interests, likes, and other amusing anecdotes. When you’re an adult, I hope you enjoy reading this.

As a “middle child”, you do very well relating to others. You certainly look up to an want to do the same things as Big Brother, but you also play well with Bab-E Brothers. In fact, you appear to love babies in general. You like to get down on “their level” to interact.

I can see you as a pediatrician, but of course you are/will be encouraged to pursue a career of your own choosing. (Maybe arguing against being a pediatrician is your distaste for “ouchies”. You insist on a band-aid for most every hangnail.)

You are stubborn (we know which parents that comes from) and at times illogical. If we ask you to do something, and your response begins with a slow “Well … “, Mom-E and I know to expect a 5-minute BS answer.

Sometimes you will spend 5 minutes explaining why:
-You can’t pick up the napkin you dropped that’s right to you.
-You’re too tired to walk (or suddenly claim that you CAN’T walk)
-You’re too tired to sleep (or lie down)

I’ve carried you A LOT in the past 4 years. I love carrying you, but soon you’ll have to do more walking. When I get old and need back surgery, I will be asking you for help.

And your answer will NOT begin with “Well …”

I gave you the picky eater gene and you certainly express high levels of it. I’m sorry. We REALLY need to work on this one. If left to your own devices, you would have a liquid diet of chocolate milk and yogurt smoothie drinks.

You LOVE ropes. Or anything that can be remotely construed as a rope. A lot. You tie ropes around your waist like a belt. You tie ropes around stuffed animals/toys, and suspend them from other objects. Balloon strings are among your favorite ropes.

You like to store a variety of objects in your shorts. Some of the more amusing things we’ve found recently include balloons, Halloween candy, and a pair of latex gloves that Big Brother brought home from school (?)

You like to dance with me to loud music. And by dance I mean I carry you around and twirl.

Ouch, my back again.

It takes you a while to become “human” when you wake-up from sleep or a nap. In the morning, you need your morning cartoon fix before we can think about engaging you to get dressed (or just talk in non-grunts). In the afternoon, you often fuss mostly inconsolably for 20-30 minutes after your nap, and insist on being carried during that time.

(My back hurts just writing this.)

You still NEED a nap. Some days you’re willing, and some days not. It’s very clear to Mom-E and I when you don’t nap. We’ve had to resort to veiled threats to get you to nap (or letting you clean the toilet, which strangely is a motivator.)

But when you are fully awak, you ar ea jovial and very sweet and loving boy.

I’m very proud of you.

And I wish you a very happy 4th birthday.

I love you,
Dad-E

R.I.P. Cell Phone

Dear Boys,

This week marks the end of an era.

My cell phone died this week. (Snapped in half after being dropped is more accurate.)

Don't be sad and lose heart.

Instead, we celebrate the life of said phone, which was perhaps the most persistent, never-say-die phone I've ever had.

Yes, this phone had more lives than a cat.

First of all, it survived multiple "drops". And by "drops", I mean not only the times I accidentally dropped it, but the times you snatched it from me and then threw it (hard) on the floor while I chased after you.

Fortunately, this particular phone did not have to endure a trip down the interstate on the trunk deck of my car.

The phone was an LG enV2, which flips open like a book to expose the keypad. Eventually, the drops resulted in the phone beginning to pull apart at the hinge.

Believing that most everything can be fixed with tape or superglue (Mom-E loves to poke fun at me about this), I opted to fix the hinge with black electrical tape.

This, of course, was a temporary fix, meaning that about once a week I'd have to "retape" my phone.

But hey, if it still works and saves you $50 on a replacement...

Anyway, last but not least, I'll admit that the phone survived two deep-sea-diving escapades in the toilet. One of them in standing water, and one in flushing water. Both with baths in Lysol.

And the phone lived to keep making calls. Seriously. I tried both the "dry it out with a hairdryer" and the "put it in a jar of rice" methods.

Both worked! Score!

But alas, the day before a scheduled retaping, I dropped the phone again. This time it ended up in two non-super-glueable pieces.

This meant a trip to the Verizon store. And you already know how much we love the Verizon store.

This time, however, I was too tired to care I embraced the challenge and leak in my wallet that I knew was coming.

And when we were the 12th (yes twelfth) person in line, 45 minute before your bedtime, I said "BRING IT ON."

Oh, and you boys did bring it.

You wore grooves in the floor running around.

You surfed the web and played apps on an iPad.

And Bab-E Brother did headfirst slides through display stands like he was in training for an obstacle course race.

And the noise. Oh the noise, noise, noise, noise.

(I thought for sure they'd bump us up in line to get us out more quickly, but they didn’t)

And to the other people in the store, I hope you enjoyed the show.

I did. I had fun. It’s who we are. You gotta be comfy in your own skin.

I enjoyed spending time with you. I loved your laughter and excitement. I loved all of the hugs I received while we were there.

And so boys, I want you to take the following things from our experience:
1) Persistence and constancy of purpose are the secrets to success, as evidenced by my phone.
2) You can fix ANYTHING, albeit temporarily, with glue and/or tape.
3) The fun is in enjoying each others’ company during the mundane errands and tasks of life.
4) When I’m a grandfather, I’m coming with you and your children to the phone store. I’m going to sit down, not help at all, and just watch the show and laugh. ☺

And in case you were wondering, Mom-E has forbade me to bring my new phone in the bathroom.

See you on Fatherhood Friday,
Love you, boys,
Busy-Dad-E

Spike That Fever Punch

Dear Little Brother,

Mom-E and I have a confession.

For much of the past week, you've had a very mild virus.

It hasn't slowed you down too much, but occasionally you've had a fever, which means you're moving just slow enough that we can catch up to you to try and put your pants back on.

But one thing's for sure, you decided that you did NOT need any medicine for said virus.

Even when we told you that your pediatrician (to whom you seem to really look up to) said that you should take some medicine, you refused.

However, Mom-E and I decided you'd be more comfortable with some Tylenol on board.

So for the past week, we've been giving you Crystal Light (which you would drink by the gallon if given unrestricted access), spiked with Tylenol as needed.

And unbeknowst to you, you've done an excellent job taking your medicine...with enthusiasm.

And it's worked, albeit Tylenol + nap = fever breaks and pillow gets a little damp and you wake up mad about that.

Mom-E and I are sorry that we had to be sneaky with you, but sometimes you can be a little bull-headed.

And so can we.

We're glad that you're feeling better, and once again running laps around us.

And we love you (no deception there)
Busy-Dad-E

Piano Recital

Dear Big Brother,

On Mother's Day, we celebrated not only the many wonderful things about Mom-E, but also your first piano recital.

And this was truly a celebration, given the rather tepid start to your piano-playing career.

You were both a little excited and nervous about this performance, although it helped that you had an opportunity for a "dry run" at your teacher's house the day before.

Apparently, at least one of the students had come down sick on Saturday, and would not be performing.

You considered feigning illness as an option, but 15 minutes after a small infusion of Tylenol, you were up & running around the house.

We were thankful that Gramm-E, Grampap-E, and CY Aunt-E were able to attend the recital.

We were also thankful that only 12 students were performing short pieces, and the recital lasted only 30 minutes--owing to the short attention spans and potential for noise from Little Brother and Bab-E Brother.

But the most exciting thing for me was that at the encouragement of your teacher, I got to play the accompaniment part of your pieces. (I minored in piano in college.)

The performance went very well (after I noticed your hands were on the wrong keys--thankfully before we started--and got you to readjust your position).

You displayed a lot of poise, and captured many smiles from the audience, being the youngest performer in the recital.

Granted I'm biased, but I thought you sounded great.

Wonderful job, big guy. I'm so proud of you.

I'm looking forward to many more performances (and hopefully some as your partner), and sharing the joy of piano and music with you for years to come.

But hold that thought, because Mom-E has to take Bab-E Brother outside so that his screams don't drown out the other performers in the recital, and Little Brother has to pee.

Love,
Dad-E

Time Capsule Letters

Dear Big Brother,

Mom-E and I were excited to hear that for a Kindergarten school project, your class is making time capsules. In an empty paper towel roll, you’ll include an information page about yourself, a picture, a small toy, and this letter from us. We’ll keep it safe—NOTE TO SELF: put the time capsule in the lock box—and you get to open it when you graduate from high school.

We’re already so proud of the wonderful boy you’ve become. Of course, we love to write you a letter on your birthday, so for this letter, we thought we’d do something a little different. Dad-E always wanted to know when he was younger what predictions my parents had for my future. And so, we thought it would be fun to make such a set of predictions for you, as we’ve gotten to know (and love) you over the past (almost) 6 years. We’re going to try to be fairly specific, because that’ll be more fun than if we’re vague. And any wrong answers will give us some good laughs. And, of course, right or wrong with each prediction, we’re proud of you and your accomplishments.

*****
Today, on your high school graduation, congratulations! Your Mom-E and I are very proud of you (as always) and the young man you’ve become! You have a bright and exciting future. And so, without further ado, our 18 predictions for you at age 18, made at age (almost) 6.

1. You’re 5’7’’, and enjoy being just a bit taller than Dad-E.
2. You wear eyeglasses.
3. You’ve graduated with distinction from high school.
4. You’re off to college, with a major in either engineering (mechanical or computer science) or architecture.
5. You’re proficient in a musical instrument, which will NOT be violin, clarinet, flute, or bassoon. You play piano as well. Music will be a life-long hobby for you to enjoy.
6. You’ve been very active in Boy Scouts, potentially going so far as to earn your Eagle Scout.
7. You’ll have dabbled in sports throughout your youth, primarily baseball and track/cross-country. I’d guess you won’t be a varsity athlete in high school, unless you inherited Mom-E’s running genes, in which case you could be a tremendous distance runner.
8. You are well respected by peers and adults alike. You have a small group of very close friends.
9. You enjoy drawing cartoons (especially action heroes) as a hobby.
10. You will have tried each of the following foods at least once: pizza, hamburger, chicken, a sandwich, and cereal with milk.
11. You excel in math and science in school, but are also a talented artist (particularly drawing).
12. You’ll be active in the church youth group.
13. You and your brothers will be best friends.
14. You’re a movie buff.
15. You’ll be able to perform basic maintenance on your own car.
16. You’ll have traveled to Europe without Mom-E and I at least once.
17. You’ll have a working knowledge of the basic ballroom dances.
18. You’ll have made us proud, every day.

We love you always,

Mom-E and Dad-E

Happy Birthday Great Grandpa

Dear Boys,

This week your Great Grandpa, Pa-Pa's Dad-E, celebrated his 98th birthday! He's truly 98 years young. He carries a cell phone, likes some of Lewis Black's sketch comedy, has done calesthenics almost every morning of his life, stays up past his bedtime to watch major sporting events, and remembers everything he reads in the newspaper.

I think the secret to my grandpa's long-life, in addition to his faith and a wonderful marriage, is that's he's been perpetually busy. He always has some task to accomplish every day, and that helps keep him going.

He and Great Grandma, who herself turns 97 this year, are hanging in there.

In the past few years, they've certainly "declined" some, but only physically. (Mentally, they could still run circles around many folks half their age.)

They've adjusted to this physical decline as gracefully as possible. They recently moved to a new location within their assisted-living facility. This new apartment offers assistance 24/7 upon their request. This arrangement respects their independence, but means that help is only the press of a button away.

This spring, Great Grandpa and Grandma will celebrate their 75th (yes, seventy-fifth) wedding anniversary. Two years ago, boys, I wrote you this letter about their marriage, and I'm certainnot sure I could express my sentiments about their relationship any better, so I won't try to do so.

What is new since that letter, is that around Thanksgiving time our family made the long sojourn and back to visit them. This was the first time that Great Grandpa and Grandma got to meet Bab-E Brother in person.

It's been very important to me that each of you got to meet your great grandparents (an opportunity I never had). Big Brother and Little Brother should both have some formed memories of them, and I hope Bab-E Brother will, too. We also have lots of pictures and video of our visits with them.

During this last visit, Great Grandpa and Grandma were in the process of "down-sizing", in preparation for the move to the new apartment.

And they had a gift for each of you from their apartment, something I hope you'll always hold on to, something that embodies the importance of family, of your "history".

Big Brother was given Great Grandpa's model red VW Bug, a perfect gift for our budding builder/engineer. Big Brother, you have been obsessed with that car since the first time you visited their apartment and could talk (I think you were around 2). Great Grandpa always wanted a VW Bug, and Great Grandma told him that the model was as close as he'd get to a real one. May that car remind you to always have dreams and goals, and to work tenaciously towards them.

Little Brother was given a music box. I hope you come to enjoy the beauty and power of music and creative expression. As you listen to it's tune, may it conjure sweet memories of times with family. And throughout your life, may you continue to dance and express yourself without inhibition, as you and Big Brother so often do in our living room.

Bab-E Brother was given a Pound Puppy. Dogs are loyal, constant companions. Growing up 5 minutes away from my grandparents, their presence (and enthusiasm) at all of my activities was evidence of their loyalty to family. I am grateful to have had their close support. Bab-E Brother, may the puppy provide you comfort, and remind you of the importance of unwaivering support of your family.

Great Grandma and Grandpa gave me a glass candy dish, which I now keep in my office at work. I remember that it always used to be filled with candy, and this was always a treat when visiting them. May it remind me to always savor the sweetness of life and family.

I leave you with one funny story about Great Grandpa:
Their apartment is always UNGODLY HOT. At first, when you get there, you don't notice the heat, probably because it feels good to get out of the cold. But eventually, gradually, the heat starts to creep up on you. You feel a little flushed, you even get a little sweaty. The kids start to run wild through the apartment get a little restless, which only generates more heat. Your body feels like you're in a slow cooker that's just about to reach a low boil. (Probably because they keep the thermostat set at about 95).

Eventually, you can't stand the heat. You want to stay to visit with them, but you're afraid someone's going to melt, or the kids are going to meltdown at the very least. About 2 minutes before this happens, Great Grandpa will ask Great Grandma, "Is it a little hot in here? Should we turn the thermostat down?" Every time.

"No, that's okay" we always reply politely. We were just about to leave this coal mine anyway.

You hug and kiss them goodbye. And the moment you step outside brings the most wonderful relief. Like Darth Vader had you in a subtle choke-hold using the force, and finally loosened his grip.

Oh well, when you're 98 and 96, you can keep your apartment as hot as you want.

Happy Birthday, Great-Grandpa! On your 98th brithday, we celebrate you and your long, life. You are an inspiration to us all!

Love,
Dad-E

Bab-E Brother's 1st Birthday

Thank you Mom-E, for composing this wonderful letter.


*****
Dear Bab-E Brother,

We can hardly believe that you've reached your first birthday! I can’t help but look back at the day I found out that I was pregnant with you. I just had this strange feeling and decided to take a test. Wow! What a wonderful surprise! Daddy was at work. He could hardly believe it when I called him with the news. Ever since we found out that you would be joining our family, I have had this sense that God has something special in store for you. I don’t know what it is, but I just know that you are here to do something important.

I enjoyed a very healthy pregnancy and all of your kicks and squirms. Then, one night, I was reading to your older brothers and saying the prayer. I said to Big Brother, “wouldn’t it be nice if the baby came this weekend?” To my delight, contractions began shortly after Dad-E and I kissed them goodnight. We got to the hospital just in time for an epidural and you made your debut at 4:18 am! I cannot describe the joy we felt when you were born. You were just beautiful … and what amazingly healthy lungs you had! The next day, Big Brother and Little Brother cam to the hospital to meet our little blue-eyed bundle. They were so sweet to you and so excited that you were joining our family. To this day, Little Brother regularly makes requests to hold you in his lap and Big Brother loves to make you laugh with his silly antics.

You were born during a very cold time in January. Since your room was the coldest in the house, you spent the first month sleeping in a portable crib in our room. The first night home was pretty tough. You had your days and nights reversed and absolutely refused to sleep. Dad-E and I spent the night alternating staying up with you. After a couple days, that got a lot better and you were a great sleeper. The next couple months were a lot of fun as we adjusted to our new lives as a family of five! In February, we took you on a road trip to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. That was pretty crazy, but we had a nice time. Three weeks later, we moved into a new house! We were so excited to have some more space.

For many months, you were a quiet baby with little babbling. I have to admit that I was a little nervous about your silence. Then, all of a sudden, you started babbling nonstop! Since then, I think you only stop babbling when you are sleeping. All day, we hear ba ba ba, da da da, ma ma ma, etc. We just love to hear your sweet voice! You also love to shake your head “NO.” I’m not totally convinced that you know what the gesture means, but you definitely love to do it. Especially if one of your brothers shakes their head “no” rapidly, you join in and laugh.

Over the past few months, you have grown so much. Just recently you have begun eating only solid food – who needs that mushy babyfood anyway? We call you the puff daddy because you love those Gerber puffs. Sometimes I use them to lure you into your highchair. As long as there are a few puffs on the tray, you eagerly sit in your chair. As I strap you in, you’ll make a happy smacking noise with your mouth (just like you do before nursing or brushing your teeth) and you’ll shove them in your mouth! So far, you like to eat sliced grapes and bananas. Sometimes you nibble on sweet potatoes and chicken and bread. You’ll play with the green beans and peas and maybe a little gets in your mouth. We’re working on the sippy cup. You’ll figure that out soon.

We cannot get over your unbelievably happy disposition. It is a rare moment when you cry. Usually, you are squealing with joy, giggling and smiling. Your brothers make you laugh all the time by making funny faces. I can always count on them to entertain you when I need a minute to do something. In fact, you have already starting making your own jokes. When Dad-E or I change your diaper, we often find that putting your pants on our head will make you belt out your hearty laugh. One day, I handed you your pants after I had donned them on my head. Immediately, you put them on YOUR head and let out a jovial chuckle. Awesome!

You clearly adore your older brothers (as they do you). It doesn’t matter what age-appropriate toy we get out for you, you want to do exactly what your brothers are doing. You’ll crawl over their Legos like a steamroller, steal the smallest choking hazard you can find, hide it in your fist, and go find a place to pull yourself to a stand so you can examine your loot. You have been commando crawling for a while, but now you are starting to crawl on your hands and knees! Recently you started clapping your hands and giving high fives. Christmas was such a magical time for you. You LOVED the Christmas tree! Every time we passed by the tree, you would enthusiastically make the “tree” sign. One night we went to see some special Christmas lights. You stood in my lap during the hayride and pointed, cooed, and giggled hysterically. I hoped that you would enjoy it, but I had no idea that you would love it that much. What a fun treat that was!

Other things that you love are socks and burp towels. You LOVE to hold them and cuddle with them especially at naptime. You are notorious for pulling your socks off while riding in the car to play with them. Although you are happy most of the time, riding in the car isn’t your favorite pastime. However, if you start to cry, all we have to do is sing the ABC’s and you immediately calm down. It’s really funny because if we stop singing midway through the song, you will start to cry again in protest. But, if we start up again, you calm right down. Little Brother will often sing to you too if I forget. It’s awesome … he sings very loudly and out of key. Adorable! When the day is over, Dad-E is your preferred parent. You love it when he rocks you to sleep. It’s definitely a nice bonding time for you two.

On this first birthday, we want to tell you how much we love you and how happy we are that you have become part of our crazy family. We are looking forward to all of the fun to come as you grow and blossom. Always know that we all love you very much and nothing will ever change that.

Love,

Mom-E and Dad-E

Happy 3rd Birthday Little Brother

A little belated, but with much love.

Dear Little Brother,

I’m filled with pride on your 3rd birthday at what a wonderfully bright, outspoken, charismatic little boy you’ve become.

We had a really nice birthday party with family and friends at the local park. The theme was “Wow Wow Wubbzy”, and we transformed the pavilion into a virtual “Wubb Clubb”. Amongst all of the wonderful food (highlighted by Mom-E’s homemade beer turkey (REF) and Wubbzy cupcakes, complete with melted chocolate tails), gifts, decorations, and a pinata, the biggest hit was definitely…

…Balloons.

Not only did you and your friends have fun frolicking with (and breaking) many, many yellow balloons, even other unknown children came up to us asking for a balloon. (Uh, hello, parents, please supervise your children).

Mom-E even hand-crafted a Wubbzy costume for you (and Big Brother), given your love dressing up as your favorite characters. And in typical, fickle, 3 year-old fashion, you’ve willingly wore the costume for a grand total of about 3 minutes. (Fortunately, Big Brother has worn his extensively.)

We also enjoyed a “private” family party at a local Jumping Place. On your actual birthday, I joined up with you, Mom-E, and your brothers after work, and we were the only people there. We had a lot of fun trying out new slides and jumping apparati, which we had all to ourselves, for about $10.

You’ve always loved (and vehemently insisted) that I carry you. I’d guess that when I’m not at home, I probably have carried you close to 50% of the time. Obviously, as you get older and bigger, that just won’t be feasible (especially as I’ve needed to carry Bab-E Brother). And while my Back is thankful for that change, there is a little part of me that will miss not carrying you around as much.

You are a talker. You’ve impressed many an adult with the vocabulary (and understanding) that comes out of your tiny (in the age-appropriate sense) mouth. You are not afraid to state your opinion. Like Big Brother, I will not worry much about peer pressure with you. As with all children, you do have a few idiosyncrasies in your speech. This is normal development as you “learn” English, but still funny (I shouldn’t poke fun, in 3 years your English is WAY better than my French ever was). You always say “her” instead of “she”, and “doos” instead of “does”. I can’t help but chuckle when you combine them into “Her doos that.” You also say “grirl” instead of “girl”, which also always brings us a smile. We can always count on you to ask questions. And ask them over and over and over…

Overall, despite some more clingy moments, you’re generally extroverted around others. (While being held by Mom-E or Dad-E), you’ve had some extensive conversations with complete strangers. This extroversion is carrying over to peer socialization as well. You once told Mom-E that there was a boy you like to play with at the C-I-A (REF). Mom-E asked you his name, to which you said, “I don’t know”, and so she suggested you ask him “what’s your name?” About a week later, while riding in the minivan, you spontaneously and randomly blurted out, “His name is Gabe.” I wish I could’ve been a fly on the wall for that conversation.

I’m glad that as the “middle child”, you have a strong sense of individual identity. Sure, you definitely look up to (and frequently mimic) Big Brother, and you also look out for Bab-E Brother, but it’s clear that you are your own person. I can’t wait to see how your individual interests develop—right now your favorite pastime is throwing ‘bouncy balls’ everywhere. No doubt, some more Youth Sports are in our near future.

You spend more time in costumes (usually Robin) and jammies than you do in clothes. And when we can get you to wear clothes, it takes a special session of Congress for those clothes to be pants (versus shorts), no matter how cold it gets. The moment we get home, you pretty much strip naked in the entryway and exclaim “I need jammies.” And if a single drop of urine makes its way into your underwear, your under-roos and pants instantly fly off—even if it’s right in the middle of a friend’s baptismal lunch—with a cry for “I need new pee-onts.” Lord help us when you go off to college.

You’re a wonderful son and brother, a true gift from God. You fill our lives with joy and excitement every day.

I’m very proud of you.

I love you, dude,
Busy-Dad-E

Pre-School Graduation

Dear Big Brother,

Last week you graduated from Preschool!

I can't believe you're starting kindergarten in the fall! Weren't you just born?

I was very glad to have had the "day off" (in fatherhood there is no such thing as a true "day off") so that Mom-E, Little Brother, Bab-E Brother, and I could all attend.

Since your preschool is associated with our church, graduation was held in the sanctuary.

We found our seats in time to see a line of 4 and 5 year-olds dressed in mortar boards and white t-shirts with the handprint of everyone in the class. As everyone processed to the front, the sentimental tear-jerking music playing (one of the songs was Darius Rucker's "It won't be like this for long"), it was all I could do to fight back the tears.

I was seriously about ready to burst out crying, when I leaned over to Mom-E and said, "Where's Big Brother? I don't see him."

The sense of slight panic that ensued took care of the tears. My first thought wasn't that you'd been abducted, but rather that you had a tantrum and refused to participate, kinda like what happened with the Christmas Play.

I rushed to the back to talk to the school director, who assured me that you were up there. Turns out you were just standing directly behind a girl who was a little taller than you, and when every child is wearing the same shirt and hat, it was hard to pick you out even with your sweet, adorable smile and face.

And the graduation ceremony was lovely.

I only had to leave once to take Little Brother to go potty. And when we got to the bathroom and he refused to go potty, I brought him right back. I was not going to miss you walking on stage to receive your certificate, even if that meant having to carry a toddler with wet pants.

The cutest part of the ceremony was that when they called everyone's name, they announced what you (told them you) wanted to be when you grew up. There were lots of future "Army Men", a couple of doctors, and even a "Batman" and a "Beautiful Ballerina."

But Big Brother was the only future Engineer in the group. I was very proud (fwiw, dear readers, I'm not an engineer), and I'll be proud no matter your career choice.

(I know that right now you think that an engineer drives trains and occasionally builds things like tracks, but it wouldn't surprise me at all if you became a "real" engineer.)

Your teacher read a story entitled "I can do anything."

And I think that sums things up nicely. You can do anything you want, anything you put your mind to, Big Brother. You're a smart boy. Read those last sentences again--if you set goals, work hard, are diligent, and have faith, you can accomplish whatever you put your mind to.

I know this because I saw you trying to open your Batman umbrella INSIDE while at the reception. That's my boy, "thinking outside the box."


Of course, the cake and Sprite afterwards was nice too, even if that meant 2 young boys hyped up on sugar and in need of external catheters.

This was a great day. A wonderful milestone moment in your life.

I love you, big guy. You have an will continue to make me proud to be your Dad-E.
Love,
Dad-E

Big Brother Turns 5

Dear Big Brother,

I can't believe you're 5 now. Didn't you just turn 4?

A lot has happened over the last year.

You've started pre-school, to which you've adjusted quite well. I love the
excitement of your voice when you talk about your school activities, aka "centers".

I'm jealous that you get to do your homework in blue crayon.

We have our first parent-teacher conference this week; and Mom-E & I are terrified excited to hear what your teacher has to say about you.

You're a good Big Brother even though sharing toys is hard sometimes. You're adjusting well following the arrival of Bab-E Brother. You've been Mom-E and Dad-E's excellent helper. Although it's not always the case, you're often very patient with Little Brother, and the two of you are becoming good friends.

You're still a picky eater, but we've made some progress through the use of sticker charts. You've even started to indulge in some vegetables. We went through a cucumber-obsessed phase, but for a while now you've settle on green peppers as your favorite.

I'm not sure if there's a genetic component to it, but your penchant for green peppers "brings warm feelings to my heart." When I was about your age, I would go grocery shopping with my mom and eat raw green peppers while sitting in the cart. I'm just happy that you're finally eating some vegetables. Hopefully green peppers are an available side dish at Granola Bar Hut.

You love to hear about funny things you said when you were "little." "When I was a baby, I called the kitchen the 'chicken'." Fortunately, you still have a few enjoyable phrases, particularly referring to instructions as 'constructions', and saying "I haven't done that in 100 years" (for things that are brand new).

Your charming personality has blessed you with friends at school and elsewhere. Mom-E and I have been pleasantly surprised to see you (when you don't realize we're watching) "take charge". (We never doubted your leadership skills, it's just that when you're around us in social situations, you're usually more shy and quiet.) You led your peers in a bell ringing celebration of The Polar Express at school. At your birthday party, you were the ring-leader of your buddies as you tooled around the "jumping place" (without ANY concern for Mom-E or Dad-E's whereabouts--hey, you're not allowed to grow up that fast).

This past year has also brought an evolution in your interests. Bob the Builder and Thomas the Train are giving way to an obsession with Super Heros. When it comes to tv and toys, your preferences these days (in no particular order), include Transformers, Thundercats, Batman, and Spiderman. If we're not watching them on tv or playing with toys, then we're building them with Legos.

And if we're not doing any of the above, then we're dressing like Spidey, and running around the house playing "Joker" and "Batman" and "Spiderman" (which pretty much consists of Dad-E chasing you and Little Brother around the house throwing blankets at each other shooting webs:


Keep up the good work, dude. Exciting times are ahead. I'm proud of you.

I love you, buddy,
Busy-Dad-E

A Bab-E Story

Happy Fatherhood Friday, everyone! I still have that "new dad smell."

*****
Dear Bab-E Brother,

Your whole Bus-E Famil-E is so excited that you decided to join us "on the outside." Everyone, yourself included, is adjusting well. Of course, we've loved you from the moment we first learned we were expecting your arrival.

Your Mom-E is particularly glad that you decided to join us 6 days early. We're not sure which was longer: the last weeks of pregnancy or Big Brother's soccer season. We'll interpret the fact that you came early as evidence of intelligence (or an attempt to kiss-up to Mom-E.)

I wanted to write you this letter to tell you the story of your birth and the first days of your life (and maybe offer a few predictions).

While there are certainly indelible personality traits that are shared between our Famil-E members, your unique personality is also shining through (in a very good way).

Mom-E had an induction of labor with both of your older brothers. You, as an apparent "free-spirit", came on your own terms at your own time, despite having been served with an official Eviction Notice.

It was about midnight. Dad-E and Mom-E were enjoying some "quiet time", watching a little tv while Mom-E cut out fabric for curtains for the new house (we wanted to buy a new house when we found out you were coming to have more room for 3 wild growing boys.)

Suddnely, Mom-E told me she'd been having some contractions that were a little more painful that others for about 2 hours every 20-30 minutes. We started timing them (with a rather cool iTouch application). When the contractions continued in the 10 minutes apart range, we decided it would be prudent to go to the hospital.

We put Gramm-E and Grampap on alert to come in the morning. We called Kid-neE, who had graciously agreed to watch your Brothers in the event Mom-E went into labor at night, despite his having to work the next morning.

We left for the hospital about 1am. We were most of the way to the hospital, Mom-E said "I haven't had another contraction since we left the house. Maybe we can go back."

Her words were followed by the most uncomfortable contraction to-date, so I kept on driving.

When we got to the hospital, they took us straight back to the delivery room, given that Mom-E was at least 4 cm, as of her last appointment. That was a good thing, because after we got settled in, it turned out that Mom-E was already 7-8 cm. She was able to get her epidural pretty much "in the nick of time."

You were born just after 4 am (no doubt you'll be a night-owl). You showed off your prominent lungs right away, and then "chilled" and just took everything in. (No doubt you're a confident guy, knowing when to "speak up", and when to sit back and enjoy the view.)

You were visited in the first day of life by Gramm-E, Grampap, your brothers, and both of your aunts and uncles, who surrounded you with love. Family is very important.

Upon entering the post-partum room, Big Brother asked "Mom-E, do you feel better? Are you not tired anymore?" (He'd heard a few times in the past few weeks that having a Bab-E in her belly made Mom-E tired.)

Your brothers were drawn to you with instinctual magnetism (either that or they were very thankful for the Transformers you "bought" them, but I think you guys were just plotting future mischief together).

Little Brother has hardly stopped kissing you (Coneheads style, he presses his forehead against you) and saying "I love Bab-E.") We bought him a baby boy doll (we though it'd help with jealousy issues if he could change his baby's diapers while we were changing you), but he just carries it around in the Spider-Man gift bag that it came in.

Big Brother has been very sweet and affectionate towards you as well. He made it known to everyone that you "only drink milk because you're little."

You're a very cuddly guy. Your first night home from the hospital was awful you would only sleep if we held or rocked you. Fortunately, by night #2 you'd figured out how to sleep between feedings.

In the style of Monica Geller from Friends, you're "freakishly strong" despite your size. We've been impressed with your ability to lift your head a little bit (no doubt to beginning learning mischevious tricks from your brothers).

Both Mom-E and I (though moreso Mom-E) keep calling you Little Brother instead of Bab-E. More commentary on this phenomenon to follow on Monday.

Your Mom-E and I just wanted you to know that we are and will always be proud of you.

We will support you in every (legal and moral) endeavor, and will do all in our power to help you achieve your dreams (so long as they're legal and moral). We want nothing short of the best for you.

No doubt you'll make some lucky girl very happy one day, and you'll be a good Dad-E, too.

You can accomplish anything you put your mind to.

The roller coaster of life will undoubtedly have its ups and downs, but if you always do your best, are honest, and have faith, things will settle out as they should. We will always be there to support you.

We love you, little buddy,
Busy-Dad-E

P.S. Have a good weekend, everyone!

Eviction Notice

Dear Bab-E Brother,

This letter serves as your official notice of eviction from your residence at:

3 Birth Canal Court
Mom-E's Uterus, Her Body 00001

You are currently in violation of the Human Conception Residence Act, which you signed (okay we signed by proxy for you) at creation.

For approximately the past 9 months, you have resided at the above address without rendering so much as a single penny of payment, nor have you even made so much as an attempt to secure employment in order to pay rent.

You have therefore forfeitted your non-refundable deposit, according to the terms of the above act.

Meanwhile, your "partying" has cost your lanlord $1000's in medical expenses.

Your landlord has provided us with photographic evidence of the following violations of your lease agreement:
1. Exhibitionism.
2. Construction of an indoor swimming pool without proper permit.
3. Public intoxication (why else would anyone drink their own pee?)

Additionally, your landlord has provided documentation of the following collateral damages
1. Her pants keep falling down.
2. Her shirts keep riding up.
3. Simple battery (multiple, multiple counts).
4. A general lack of appropriately fitting clothes.
5. Alternating ear congestion and acid reflux with sitting/standing and lying down, respectively, such that no position is comfortable.
6. Fatigue within 30 minutes of awakening.
7. Chronic eczema.

If you do not comply with this notice and evacuate your current residence by December 31st of this year (so that your landlord may recoup at least some of their losses via tax deduction), your landlord reserves the right to attempt to remove you through spicy food, bumpy car rides, draining your swimming pool with a crochet hook or any other means necessary.

If you do not cease and desist despite these attempts by your landlord, they reserve the right to have the neighborhood physician smoke you out involuntarily.

Sincerely,
The Management (Mom-E and Dad-E)

Dear Little Brother

Dear Little Brother,

We all enjoyed the recent celebration of your 2nd birthday with friends and family. Mom-E and I can't believe that you're already 2; didn't we just bring your home from the hospital?

In that short time, you've gone from baby to little big boy.

You were quite the character at your birthday party. At first, you were a bit overwhelmed with all of the company, preferring to have Mom-E or I carry you around.

It only took a few minutes before you had stripped from the waist down in Big Brother's room transformed into Batman--suave, confident, and uninhibited--to open prsents.

Fortunately, you transformed back in time to blow out your candles and smear cake and chocolate all over your shirt, which is good as the bat suit is dry-clean only.

Although you emulate Big Brother at every opportunity, your personality is truly your own. You're sweet but confident and not afraid to stand up for youself.

Mom-E and I are amazed by your verbal skills. No doubt, the fact that you repeat everything Big Brother says has helped your language development. Just today at bathtime, when I started washing your hair (which you don't like), you informed me, "That's not cool, Dad-E."

While we'd like to move past your current trick of stipping in your crib and going potty in your bed, we're also impressed that you've already been successful using the big boy potty several times. We fully expect these potty training successes to regress once Baby-E arrives.

You're an animal lover, both stuffed and real. We'd guess at this point a career as a vet is in store for you (though you can do whatever you like as a career, so long as it's legal.)

You're always game to play ball, too, even if that means hitting a gold ball off of a sprinkler head with a plastic baseball bat.

Your favorite drink is "chocky milk," and if we don't cut you off, you'll drink it until you puke. Literally. (We're sorry, Subway, but that's what you get for offering a 48 oz chocolate milk with your kids meal. Somebody should let Jared know about that. Okay, so it's not really 48 oz, but it actually has 300 calories.)

You love and look up to your Big Brother. The two of you appear to truly enjoy playing with each other, and are becoming good friends.

You bring your own unique pronunciation to several words, including our favorites: "glass-lahs" (glasses), "pizz-lah" (pizza), and "f-ck" (truck). Trust me, on the latter we've repeatedly tried to emphasize that truck starts with a t-r.

(We're just glad that there are no trucks at church or the grocery store.)

You're attentive and sensitive to babies. No doubt you'll be a sweet big brother, even if it means giving up being the baby in the family.

Mom-E and I are very proud of you, the boy you've become, and the bigger boy you'll be.

Here's to a great 3rd year. Happy birthday, buddy. Your giggles and sweet smile bring joy to our hearts. There isn't anyone (except Big Brother) that I'd've preferred to carry around for a significant chunk of the last 2 years.

I love you, always, cuddle-bug,
Busy-Dad-E

Happy Birthday Mom-E

Dear Mom-E,

I'd say we had a nice weekend celebrating your birthday.

I'll sneak it that we had the added celebration of an official job offer for me on Friday.

We had a late (for us) dinner at O'Charley's, and the boys humbled us with their usual antics, including:
-Little Brother playing with every sugar packet at the table (and tearing a few open). Within about 5 minutes, our table looked like a cocaine deal gone all wrong.
-Big Brother drinking pink lemonade, which apparently is the most potent diuretic known to man.
-Both boys bouncing on their seats like Tigger and trying to jump over the wall of the booth.

On Saturday, we were getting ready to have a nice dinner at home with your family. Big Brother and Little Brother put on a pre-meal naked parade, complete with towels wrapped arounds their heads (wouldn't want their hair to dry too fast). Little Brother put on a grand finale by throwing his towel down and peeing all over the floor. (Apparently the diuretic in his pink lemonade from O'Charley's was a little less potent.)

Following the nice dinner with your family, Little Brother put on a post-meal naked parade, although without towels (he substituted a somersault using the entertainment center as a platform for his fee). This time the grand finale consisted of Little Brother riding the cushion on the oversized chair like a bucking bronco.

(Okay to clarify the whole nakedness thing by Little Brother--which is far from typical--this was influenced by several things:
1. He finally got excited about his Halloween costume (more details on Wednesday), and originally stripped because he wanted to put it on.
2. He had a diaper malfunction after dinner, and apparently the only way to fix it was to take everything off (again).
3. He had an audience of 4 adults (Dad-E, Mom-E, Gramm-E, and Grampap-E) who failed miserably at attempts to choke back the laughter when he did a somersault naked. When this was coupled with fatigue, the combined excitement inspired him to put on a "show." )

On Sunday, we attempted to keep pace with the remainder of the weekend.
-Big Brother put on an absolute scream-fest in protest of going to church. He came within about 10 seconds of being put into the car wearing only underwear and socks.
-In church, Little Brother ate exactly half a waffle, and proceeded to play with the other half (which he referred to as a boat) for the remainder of the service.
-We got a wireless internet router, which has enabled me to blog from the laptop and
you to download addictive new games for your iPod touch.

In all seriousness, I sincerely hope you enjoyed turning 25 again this year. (Don't worry, in just a few months we won't be the same age anymore. You'll make it...somehow.)

On your birthday, we celebrate your many wonderful roles: wife, Mom-E, sister, daughter, employee, and, last but not least, (highly attractive) pregnant lady.

And as always, I wish you happiness (mixed with the occasional lemon that makes you appreciate the happy moments even more), and I give you all of my love.

Have a good week,
Busy-Dad-E

P.S. Mom-E, any idea where the "parade around and dance on couch cusions naked when disinhibited" gene came from, because I daresay that it did NOT come from either of us? Hopefully just a random point mutation that won't get passed on to Bab-E.

P.P.S. Are we really going to have 3 boys soon? Can we make donations to the sleep bank now? Or at least hypnotize ourselves into thinking that things are "very easy" right now with only 2?

O Lord Where's My Ring

Happy Fatherhood Friday everyone!

Don't forget to check out all of the great bloggers over at Dad-blogs.com. The "Eye" is watching to see if you do.

Today, another letter for my boys.

*****

Dear Boys,

Don't ever lose your wedding ring. Not even for 15 minutes.

(IN CASE YOU HAVE A HEART CONDITION, THE END OF THE STORY IS THAT THE RING WAS FOUND).

The other weekend I was doing some yard work.

I was spreading some mulching to build a flower bed.

All of a sudden, I looked down to see a small swarm of ants on my left hand (apparently they had set up camp in the mulching).

My first thought was, "I'm going to end up like the people devoured by the scarab beetles in the Mummy."


A few dribbles down my leg screams later, I was brushing the little buggers off while running inside.

Once inside, I made a bee-line for the sink to wash my hands, all the while chanting "Ow. Ow. Ow."

Ants now off of my hands, I found myself still chanting "Ow. Ow. Ow."

Looking down, it was apparent that a few ants were trying to join their lost bretheren in my hands by climbing my legs.

At this point, I pretty much started screaming again.

Mom-E and the boys looked perplexed as I'm now running towards the bathroom, stripping my clothes off as I go.

Fortunately the next set of dribbles down my leg were that of the shower washing off the remainder of the ants.

Meanwhile, the family has congregated in the bathroom.

"What's going on?" Mom-E asks.

"I just got eaten by ants...AND BY THE WAY I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT HAPPENED TO MY WEDDING RING."

The echoes of my screams suddenly took a back seat to sheer terror and panic
(my first thought was, "I'm going to be sleeping outside--WITH THE ANTS--for the rest of my life.")

Mom-E's first thought was that the ring went flying off in the back yard while I tried to brush them off.

Back outside I go, more or less retracing my steps run and tearing up the back yard.

No ring.

Mom-E comes outside a few moments later to ask, "Does your stud finder have a metal detector?"

Okay, TIME OUT.
#1 I wasn't aware that you knew I had a stud finder.
#2 I don't know whether to be impressed or a little turned-on.

(My stud finder does not have a metal detector).

Being a most resourceful, multitasking woman, within 5 minutes Mom-E has price compared metal detectors at 5 different stores, called her family to let them know what happened, and sewn an oversized pillow that will be my new bed for sleeping outside.

Then, Mom-E came out in to the back yard to help.

Mind you, we're going to church in about an hour, and Mom-E comes out in her dress and some old flip-flops.

Of course, as she's looking, the ants start going after her legs, too.

I will never forget the image of noticeably pregnant Mom-E wearing a dress in the back yard, hopping around on 1 foot (in the mud), trying to brush ants off her leg.

By divine intervention, she did not fall in the mud.

We headed back inside.

As I go to enter the house through the garage, I happen to notice my ring next to the door.

And then I remembered. The ants had gotten under my ring. I must've taken it off as I was entering the house and set it on the step stool next to the door. However, the stool must've been bumped and the ring fell off.

WHEW!

Okay, it's a little funny now, but wasn't so funny at the time.

Have a good weekend. Hold on to your ring.

Love,
Dad-E

Advice on Women From Dad-E

(For my boys' future reference.)

*****

Dear Boys,

I recently came across this Yahoo article.

The “Reader’s Digest” version of the article is that:
“Words of appreciation spoken directly to your romantic partner go far in paving the way to a happy, healthy relationship.” And you should say some/all of the following 5phrases (especially when you (will and do) screw-up). IN CAPS, I'VE MADE SOME ANNOTATED COMMENTS

1. You're irreplaceable.
(BECAUSE I CONSIDERED REPLACING YOU AND REALIZED THAT EITHER 1) I CAN'T DO ANY BETTER, OR 2) NO ONE ELSE WOULD PUT UP WITH ME.)

2. You bring light to my life.
(I WAS A DREADFULLY DARK AND BORING PERSON BEFORE I MET YOU, HENCE #1 ABOVE)

3. You are perfect just the way that you are.
(WHICH COULD EASILY BE INTERPRETED AS 'I JUST STEPPED ON MY TOES BIG TIME BY IMPLYING THAT YOU HAVE FLAWS.')

4. I love your (fill in the blank: bright eyes, cute toes, toned arms, sleek legs,
silky hair).
(SORRY, BUT TOES JUST AIN'T CUTE, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU JUST STEPPED ON THEM. THIS IS A LAME ATTEMPT TO MAKE UP FOR #3 ABOVE.)

5. I am so proud of you.
(OKAY, FINALLY WE'RE A LITTLE MORE ON TARGET.)

I was talking to Mom-E about this article, and it gave us both quite a laugh.

I promise not to espouse too much advice when it comes to love and relationships, but I'm hoping to save you from this (near) death-trap.

Let me just say that IMHO "cheesy phrases" do NOT pave the way to a happy relationship. If this were a test (and women WILL and DO give you many tests, even though you do NOT realize you are taking them), you would FAIL MISERABLY, just on your willingness to say them.

Relationships are like a garden. They take (sometimes hard) work and nurturing to make them grow and flourish. There is no "secret phrase" or short-cut to making a relationship happy.

For Mom-E and I, there are 3 basic tenents to which we hold.

1. Communicate, communicate, communicate. It's not enough to whip off some sweet-soudning phrase. You need to learn how to really talk with each other--share ideas, joys, frustrations, and goals--to function effectively as a unit.

2. When you're done communicating, go out and "walk the walk." And the key is to walk together, working as a team. Words are nice, but action means a lot more.

Ask 100 women which is the bigger turn-on:
a. Your man tells you "I love you cute toes," or
b. Your man vacuums while holding the baby.

Anyone who answers a. needs medical attention.

3. You care more about yourselves as a couple than you care about yourself. Mom-E and I keep a pretty even division of labor when it comes to running the household. It's a 50-50 partnership.

But sometimes I'm just plain exhausted and need to go to bed myself after we tuck-in the boys. And Mom-E understands that. Other times, I tell Mom-E to go to bed early (I know when she needs to do this because she'll be falling asleep while reading a bedtime story), and I'll stay up to clean up the after dinner-mess, fold laundry, and pack lunches.

4. Bonus. Buy her roses and chocolate at least once a year FOR ABSOLUTELY NO OCCASION other than to say "I love you."

If you stick with the above plan, you won't need to rely on these "words of appreciation", though you will invariably need to say "I'm sorry" for when you screw-up.

But, no doubt, she'll have a detailed score card in her mind of all of the wonderful "actions" you've done that will bail you out of the dog house in no time.

See you on Fatherhood Friday!

Love you,
Busy-Dad-E

Pre-School Days

Happy Fatherhood Friday everyone! Thanks, dad-blogs.com.

*****

Dear Big Brother,

I can't believe you're starting pre-school on Monday. (And sometime, neither can you, as you often protest this abstract idea.) I admit to feeling just a little old from the thought that I now officially have a "school-aged" child.

We've enjoyed reading some books with you about starting school, including those starring Clifford and Wow-Wow-Wubzy, as well as a cool book from the library called "Kingergarten rocks."

Change is initially hard for you, but I'm confident that you'll quickly adjust to and thrive in this new experience (especially based on your excitement at orientation).

Your natural curiosity for learning, your enthusiasm, and your friendly disposition (somewhere between sweet and goober-head) will make you appreciated by new teachers and friends alike. I can't wait for that process to unfold as you make new friends.

Your memory is detailed and razor-sharp. I'm amazed at how you can recite so many passages from books as we read together, amongst other things.

You're already learning how to write your name (in capital letters and lower-case, too). Mom-E and I are also very impressed with your artistic skills. You love to draw, whether it's crayon or sidewalk chalk.

I can't wait for you to learn how to read. It will be exciting to watch as this catches on. As you read, it will open up many more doors in your curious little head. No doubt, you will start to read obsessively about things that interest you.

It's amazing to think that in 14 more short years you'll be heading off to college.

These things below will become more clear in the future (no doubt I'll want you to read this many years down the road), but I want to write them down now, as you officially embark on your school years.

1. Nobody expects you to be perfect. If you give your best effort, you have no reason to hang your head, no matter the outcome.
2. Learn how to write well, and hone your problem-solving skills. The real world is not multiple choice.
3. Find subjects that interest you and that elicit your passion, and explore them in depth. Study what you love, and your career will flow from there. Neither Mom-E or I expect nor want you to become an "X", "Y", or "Z".
4. You'll never stop learning.

We love you and we're very proud of the big boy you're becoming,
Busy-Dad-E

Dad-E and Mom-E to the Rescue

Dear Big Brother and Little Brother,

I know that I won’t always be able to protect you from some of the hurtful things in life.

And that’s okay: struggle, hardship, and adversity can be powerful teachers.

However, at your young age, sometimes it’s easier for Mom-E and Dad-E to just "take care" of some things without your knowledge.

We’ve had a couple of such things here recently.

Big Brother, you were so happy to get your first Transformer, Ratchet. If you thanked me and told me you loved it once, you did so about a million times. It was very sweet.

The other night we were out shopping at Target and Babies R Us. When we got home, I figured out that we didn’t get home with Ratchet. (Fortunately, you were tired and didn’t know the difference. Though I bet you would’ve noticed in the morning). The stores were closed, and I had no idea where we’d lost him.

To make matters worse, Ratchet had been placed in my pocket for safe-keeping. (Or NOT-SO-safe-keeping.)

I felt terrible. I knew you’d be devastated with the news that I’d lost him. So, after you went to bed that night, I went back out and bought a "replacement model" at the store. Fortunately, you did not detect a difference.

Little Brother, you recently got a new pair of Elmo flip-flops that are your favorite shoes. We had just returned home from shopping (don’t ask why, but it was our third trip to the grocery store that day). It was late, well past your bedtime, and we still had groceries to unload. I realized that we’d only got home with ONE flip-flop.

So, while Mom-E rocked you, I made a 4th trip to the store. Fortunately, we were lucky, and your shoe was lying in plain sight in the parking lot, right where we’d parked. You were asleep when I got home, blissfully ignorant to the fact that we temporarily lost one of your favorite flip-flops.

I hope you boys will understand our dilemma here. It’s (relatively) easy to go out and buy replacements for some things. However, to assume that this can be always be done lessens our responsibility to take care of our possessions. It’s also neither fair nor responsible on our part as parents for you to go through childhood without experiencing some “loss and hardship”, no matter how painful.

That said, Mom-E and I love you very much, and sometimes we elect to shelter you from minor hardships. Looking back, I hope you’ll feel that we handled it well.

I love you boys,
Busy-Dad-E