Monday, March 31, 2008

Day 164 : Sick-ey Ick-ey

Sadie –

I woke up at 3 AM this morning vomiting my guts out. It seems I have contracted the stomach flu which means 1) I am miserable, and 2) I am staying as far from you and your things as possible in hopes that I won’t pass this on to you. I am so worried that you will catch this and I would rather have it twice than have to let you suffer through it. It is amazing how much I miss not being able to hold and feed you today. I am slowly feeling better and hope to be back to being “dad” tomorrow!

- Dad

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Day 163 : "Uncles"

Sadie –

Your “Uncle” Tim and “Uncle” Jeff from Cincinnati came and visited last night and this morning and you seemed to really enjoy having them around. They both spent lots of time playing and talking with you and you had lots to say. You babbled and cooed quite often at their smiles and games and even snuggled with them a little bit!

They really like you – but what’s not to like?!?!?

- Dad

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Day 162 : Saturday Fun and Games

Sadie –

There weren’t any more signs of sickness today, which was a relief to us all. Your mom had several errands to run and an event to attend today, so today ended up being mostly a “you and me” day. We napped together, ate together, played together – normal stuff!
I even showed you a new game you seem to love. It involves me “throwing” you up in the air and letting you “drop” onto a big fluffy pillow. You couldn’t quit grinning while we played this game this afternoon.

- Dad

Friday, March 28, 2008

Day 161 : Ups-ie Daisy

Sadie –

So we got through our first “baby vomiting” instance…

It was so weird… I changed your diaper and was getting you ready for a trip to the mall this evening, when you suddenly threw up. This wasn’t spit up – it was full-on vomit.

You didn’t seem phased by it, but it scared me and your mom so much that we cancelled our mall plans and have spent the hours since you’ve been in bed straining our ears near the monitor to make sure you are sleeping okay. We love you so much and hate to see you not feeling well.

- Dad

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Day 160 : Pizza and Chinese

Sadie –

Tonight we ate pizza with our friends Kiffin and Kristy and their kids, Luke and Kayla and Anna Grace. Luke and Kayla are 10 and 12 and have a book they like that is about the Chinese zodiac They started telling me about it tonight.

Basically, ancient Chinese philosophy and astrology say that there are certain cycles on the earth and that an individual’s personality is derived somewhat by which cycle he or she is born in.

Now this zodiac stuff is all speculation – I don’t believe it to be fact. But this conversation tonight turned into a discussion about common personality traits and birth years and during all of this, it was brought to my attention that you and I are born under the same Chinese zodiac sign! We are both the “Year of the Boar.” Our zodiac says we are social and don’t like fights or confrontations. It may be a little early to tell whether these characteristics are in you, but they are pretty much the two characteristics that define me!!

It is funny – I think the Chinese zodiac stuff is total baloney. Yet I am still really proud of the fact that, according to this baloney, you and I have something in common.

I guess I just like the idea that you and I are similar. Most people would probably just tell me to look in the mirror if I really needed some reassurance of this!!

- Dad

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Day 159 : Game (flip you) Over

Sadie –

Tonight after dinner we started goofing around. I propped you up with a pillow in front of you to let you practice the art of sitting on your own, and then I turned you on your belly so you could get a feel for crawling. As is typical these days (especially after a long, hard day at school), you usually don’t last long when left to linger on your stomach. You start kicking at first, but after a few seconds of not going anywhere, you usually surrender, drop your head to the pillow you’ve been placed on, and start chewing away!

Whenever this would happen this evening, I would promptly pick you up by the legs and flip you over onto the pillow on your back! This took you by total surprise the first time, but after given a minute to consider what had happened, your face broke out into a huge grin. I think this will be our new game for awhile!

It is so fun to watch you get so tickled that it seems your face can’t contain the full extent of your smile.

- Dad

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Day 158 : Lips Inc.

Sades –

As I was getting you ready for school today, I turned to your mother and made an observation.

“I find myself playfully kissing on Sadie whenever I hold her. It may be a smooch on her bald head, her arm, her cheek. For some reason, without even realizing it, I am usually kissing on her if she is in my arms.”

Mom quickly confessed that she finds herself doing the same thing.

I wonder if you get tired of this…

- Dad

Monday, March 24, 2008

Day 157 : Be My Baby

Sadie –

While we were playing together this evening, I sat you up on the floor and mom put a pillow in front of you and with this little bit of extra support, you were quite able to sit upright for a significant period of time without any help.

These advancements in your development are almost overwhelming! It still seems as though you should be a helpless infant to me – not a chubby 5-month-old who is learning to sit, laugh, and babble.

We were getting home a few days ago and I was walking into the house with you in my arms. I turned to your mom and confessed that I selfishly wished you would stay small enough for me to carry close forever.

She assured me you’d be small enough to carry for quite sometime still – and I know I don’t actually want you to stay this size forever. I do love every moment of you as a cuddly baby – but I know I will love you just as much as an adventurous toddler, an elementary school student, and even (gasp) a teenager!

I am so glad you are my daughter!

- Dad

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Day 156 : First Easter

Sadie -

Today is Easter Sunday, a day that we set aside every year to make special celebration about Jesus' ressurection. People usually dress up a little nicer than usual and get together with family to eat a big meal. We did all of those things.

In fact, a few weeks ago, mom made a special trip to the store to buy you some clothes and found a dress just for today. It is gold and poofy and beatiful and you got many compliments on it from your friends at church.

Mom also took some time to put together some special presents for you called an "Easter basket." There were plastic eggs, a bubble wand, a lady bug purse, hair clips, a dress and a hat. A lot of the things you won't be able to truly appreciate for awhile (especially the hair clips!), but mom wanted to start a tradition on your first Easter that will carry on for most of your childhood.

We love celebrating special days with you!

Happy Easter!

- Dad

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Day 155 : Breakfast with Bunny

Sadie -

After breakfast today, your mom and I took you to a church get-together where there was food and a celebration of Easter that included a guy dressed up like a big, goofy bunny. I thought you'd be a little scared of the giant bunny/man but you had no objections when I handed you over to him so we could take one of those obligatory "Baby's First Easter" pictures that I am sure we will show you a lot in years to come.

The party was held outside and it was a chilly morning, so we didn't stay long. You and I came home and took lazy Saturday naps while your mom went to the store.

It was a good day!

- Dad

Friday, March 21, 2008

Day 154 : Dr. Fun

Sades -

This morning we had a follow-up appointment to see the doctor so she could check and make sure your ears are getting better after the infection you had last week. This meant that you and I got to sleep in a little bit later than normal and that I got to take you to pre-school instead of your mom.

When I dropped you off at pre-school, I heard one of your teachers turn to the other one and say, "That baby looks like her dad. THAT's who she looks like!" I smiled. I hope you don't get tired or ashamed of resembling me. True - life might be easier if you took after your mother! But I am proud that no one will argue when I say that you are my girl!

I love every extra second I get to spend with you - even if it is just at the doctor's office!

- Dad

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Day 153 : Tears in Traffic

Sadie –

You woke up in a great mood today and ate all of your breakfast!

Mom called me before 10 O’clock, sad about how much she already missed you. Your teacher at pre-school made an Easter egg craft with your picture in it for your mom and I, and when your mom opened the craft in the car after she dropped you off, she said she almost started crying.

You should know that she is having a really hard time not spending all of her days with you. When you are 15 and think your mom and I are irritating and embarrassing, try to envision a mental snapshot of your mom, dressed in her business clothes, driving in rush hour traffic, crying because she can’t hold you and keep you close, all day every day.

You’ll never understand how much we love you. Never.

- Dad

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Day 152 : Playing Chicken

Sadie –

You were so tired by bedtime tonight that you were not too excited when I insisted on trying to play with you and dress you up in a chicken costume. (Yeah, I know that sounds weird, but it is a Halloween costume that your friend Lisa in Arkansas sent you and it is not going to fit you next Halloween – so why not make you try it on 4 days before Easter?? It made sense to me – but Mom was on your side!)

As if you weren’t irritated at me enough, the soap bottle fell off the edge of the tub during your bath and knocked you on the head. You let me know you were not happy about this, but forgave me pretty quickly!

We got all of our issues worked out eventually, and I got you clean and warm and dressed in your cute doggy pajamas. You are always huggable and adorable, but there is something about when you wear long-sleeved PJs - I just can’t resist giving you a squeeze.

- Dad

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Day 151 : Sing with Me, Children!

Sadie -

It had been awhile since I played the guitar in front of you so I pulled it out tonight and walked into the living room where you were hanging out with mom. As soon as I strummed a chord, you were instantly mesmerized. In the past you've liked the sound, but you have never had that much of a reaction to the guitar. Tonight was different. Your eyes stayed glued on me for 10 minutes or so while your mom and I sang you "I've Been Working on the Railroad" and "Jesus Loves the Little Children."

I can't wait until you can sing along!

- Dad

Day 150 : Polka Dots

Sadie -

I bought you some pajamas when I was at the store last week, but when I brought them home and showed them to your mom, she pointed out that they weren't going to fit you for long and that I should probably take them back to the store and purchase the next size up.

So I took the pjs back last night, but it turns out that the store no longer carries that particular outfit. I still wanted to get you something, though, so I stumbled over to the clearance rack and found one beautiful pink polka-dot dress - and it was in the right size.

Your mom loves polka dots - on herself and on you! I showed her the new dress when I got home and she excitedly declared that you would be wearing it to school today.

I dressed you in it this morning and I'll admit - you do look great in it!

Mom said as soon as you two walked into pre-school today, your teacher made a comment about how cute you looked. Mom was honest - she told them that your daddy found that dress for you!

- Dad

Monday, March 17, 2008

Day 149 : Green

Sadie -

Your mom and I have been arguing recently - about green beans.

See I have been trying to feed you green beans at breakfast. The way I see it, I should teach you to get all of the bland but important parts of your day done as early as possible. This would include eating foods that might not be all that apetizing. This way, you would be garraunteed that your day could only get better. No matter what happens, at least you won't be eating green beens for lunch.

Now your mother sees this differently. She says that green beans have been set by God (or someone?!) as a food only allowable after 11 AM. She thinks that you having green beans for breakfast could not only start your day off wrong, but could ruin your day altogether.

I have learned to pick which arguments are worth continuing with your mother - this one is not!

I've started feeding you bananas and peaches and cereal for breakfast.
Tell your mom "thanks" when you get home from your hard day at pre-school tomorrow and have to eat a big plate of green beans!

- Dad

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Day 148 : Hangin' Tough

Sades -

Mom has been feeling yucky today, so we made it a daddy/daughter Sunday.

We went to church this morning and you helped me spend some birthday money at my favorite book and music store after lunch (though you kept trying to fall asleep during our trip there and back!)

You even let me tickle your feet and make you let out a real laugh before bed this evening. There is nothing I like more in the world right now than watching you smile so big that you can't contain yourself anymore!

- Dad

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Day 147 : Miracle Grow(ing)

Sadie -

I've been spending alot of time recently rolling around and wrestling with you as you begin to learn about crawling and how to use your arms and legs. As we do this, I often think "How could being a dad be more fun than this?" Here I am, getting to not only make you smile and laugh, but I get to personally teach you and help you learn how to walk and talk!

Wow... Now that I write that down and re-read it, it sounds less cool and a lot more scary! This is a lot of responsibility! - But I am loving being around you more everyday. It is amazing to watch you absorb your surroundings and draw conclusions and reactions based off of all this noise and color you are bombarded with.
I realize that this is how all people start - as tiny babies who must learn to cope in a chaotic environment. But being able to witness it firsthand with so much at stake - it now has much more significance and meaning.

I suddenly kind of sound like a hippie...

Just know that I love being part of your life!

- Dad

Friday, March 14, 2008

Day 146 : Birthday

Sadie -

Today is my birthday. You'll find out firsthand how excited we get about birthdays in this family. We make them a pretty big deal.

I was phoned by the front desk of my office this afternoon and informed that I had gotten a special delivery. I went down to pick it up and found an office-sized garbage can full of junk food - chips, soda, candy bars - all wrapped in cellophane and topped with a bow. The girls at the front desk really wanted to know who it was from. I opened the card that was attached and read:

"Dad -
Happy birthday!
Thanks for being such a good dad and loving me so much.

Love,
Sadie (and Mom)"

So thanks for the really cool present!! I bragged about it to everyone I came into contact with for the rest of the day!

Your mom took me out for a special evening with friends tonight and you stayed with Grandma and Grandpa. When we got home from our night out, your mom and grandma decided to pull out my baby book for some reason. The "baby book" is a record that my mom kept when I was an infant that charted my growth and development. An interesting discovery was found in this research! According to this book, you are developing on almost the exact same timeline as I did! We both got first teeth around 3 months and weighed almost 18 pounds before our five-month mark. (Don't let rapid weight gain concern you. We also discovered in my baby book that I've gained only 90 pounds or so since I was 10 years old! Your mom thinks that is hilarious!)

The good news is that if you continue to develop like me you will always be devilishly handsome... JUST KIDDING... I hope you turn out much prettier than me! (You are already well on your way!)

Love ya! Thanks again for the birthday gift!

- Dad

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Day 145 : Back2Skool

Sades -

You were feeling better today - enough to go back to pre-school and for me to return to work.

You'll be glad to know that most of my co-workers took time to come by my desk or stop me in the hall and ask about you. Those who have kids of their own even offered encouragement, reminding themselves about how much it stinks when your kid is under the weather.

After school and work today, you and your mom and I went to Pizza Hut. It was a beautiful evening - spring is finally settling in around here and since the time change last weekend, darkness doesn't completely fall until after your bedtime.
It was a nice outing and a gentle reminder (not that I needed one) of how much I love spending time with "my girls." (I mean you and your mom, of course!)

- Dad

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Day 144 : Sick Day 2

Sades -

You were still fighting a fever last night, so I decided to stay home with you again. You slept hard last night and woke up with out the high temperature and seeming like you felt a little better.

I have got say that I really enjoyed getting to hang out with you all day today again. Tonight when you finally started to seem better we spent some time wrestling and goofing around. It is great to have you "back" - feeling a little better!

I hope tomorrow is a smooth transition back into our regular weekday schedule.

- Dad

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Day 143 : Sick Day

Sades -

I stayed home from work with you today and we went to the doctor. It turns out that you are indeed sick! You have an ear infection in BOTH ears - plus, you are congested in your chest. The doctor said she couldn't believe how calm you seem considering how much pain you are likely in.

You are such a trooper!

We got good medicine for you and spent most of the day relaxing, sleeping, and trying to fight off your fever.

I hope you feel better tomorrow.

- Dad

Monday, March 10, 2008

Day 142 : Temperature Rising

Sadie -

The teacher at your school said you slept a lot today and were not interested much in eating. This only furthered my suspicion that you might be coming down with something. Mom picked you up from school and you cried all the way home. She took your temperature and it was over 100.

We took you to the ER because it was too late to get you to the doctor's office, but the waiting room was so full, we decided to tough it out and take you to the doctor in the morning.

You seem so sad and really look like you don't feel good. We hate to see you felling yucky! Tomorrow I am going to stay home with you and try to help you feel better.

- Dad

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Day 141 : GEAGS

Sades -

I mentioned to your mom today that we might need to change your middle name - or at least don you with a new nickname.

This name I've created for you? GEAGS.

It is an acronymn meaning "Good Eater and Good Sleeper."

You are usually well-behaved - but you have been behaving so well the last few days, your mom and I are a little unsure how to react. I wonder if you are getting sick...

Love ya - even when you are not a GEAGS!

- Dad

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Day 140 : Snow-licious!

Sadie –

It was still snowing wildly when we all woke up this morning, so after breakfast, you, your mom and I all got bundled up and went outside to see this "white death" firsthand. We put you in a snowsuit that we had gotten when you were first born. It was too small for you, but you didn’t protest to being a little constricted. We trampled through the near foot of snow surrounding our home and into a nearby courtyard. You seemed a little put off by the cold flakes that hit you in the face, but you never protested. Your mom and I took turns taking pictures of each other with you in the winter wonderland. Your mom had gloves on and accidentally dropped the camera at one point. It was so funny - because there was so much snow, the camera just disappeared into a hole when she lost her grip on it. No worries, though – we found it and it is still in fine condition.

- Dad

Friday, March 7, 2008

Day 139 : Oh (s)NO(w)

Sadie –

A huge snowstorm hit Louisville today so you and mom got to stay home all day and I got to leave work a little early.

Months ago, I got your grandpa and I concert tickets to see one of our favorite singers named Jackson Browne play a concert tonight. Little did I know that we’d have the biggest snow storm in over a decade on March 7th! So your grandpa and I only got a few exits down the interstate before we gave up and came back home. It was a big bummer!

I hate being cooped up in the house when there is a storm like this, but being stuck with you and your mom makes it a whole lot better! There are no other two people I’d rather sit around in the warmth with than you guys!

- Dad

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Day 138 : Good Kid

Sadie –

Today marked your second day at pre-school and mom said it was a little easier to leave you there today – but just barely. She called me after she got to work this morning and bragged that she hadn’t broken down in tears – yet.

We love you so much and it is so hard to leave you with someone other than one of us. But you seem to be taking the whole situation pretty well. When mom came back to pick you up today, your teacher, Ms. Melissa, said, “You have the best behaved kid! She is so happy and slept so well today.”

It makes your mom and I so proud to hear this – and knowing you are doing well makes the whole process a little easier. Thanks for being such a team player!

- Dad

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Day 137 : Keepin' (s)C(h)ool!

Sades -

Today was a scary day - more for your mom and I than you, I think.

Mom started her new job at the American Heart Association this morning which meant we had to take you to your new pre-school.

Mom and I both had a little trouble leaving you behind all day, but your new teacher/friend said you behaved like an angel (though you had a lot of trouble falling asleep.)

Mom came to pick you up at 5 this evening and got so excited at seeing you that she forgot all of your dishes and bottles and your hat. She said she was just dying to get you home and have you to herself.

We wanted to spend time with you this evening and your grandma and grandpa came by to see you, too. But you were so exhausted from your big day, we had to put you to bed early. We were not happy about that!

Tomorrow will be another fun day full of new things!

Never forget that we love you sooo much!

- Dad

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Day 136 : Myths of You

Sadie -

I've been reflecting on the last four-plus months you have been alive and I realized this:

You are a pretty content child.
I assumed before you were born that you would cry alot. It is the stereotype. In movies, in songs, in conversation - babies are portrayed in a near-constant state of throat-searing sob. This is not the case with you. Maybe you are just an exception to the rule.

I also thought that after a few weeks I would become less impressed by you. I am not saying I ever planned on loving you less, I just figured the "new and cool" effect of having a cute baby would wear off. Turns out, this also has not proven itself true yet. Almost 20 weeks in, and I still find you as wonderful and awe-inspiring as I did the day you were born.

You are so special to me.

- Dad

Monday, March 3, 2008

Day 135 : College Fund

Sadie -

My friend Marji at work came to my desk today and told me that a girl that used to work in this office had people give her their pennies for a "college fund" for her toddler.Since that girl doesn't work here anymore, Marji informed me that she was starting a similar collection for you. Then she dumped a handful of change on my desk.


You'll be glad to know that you currently have 30 cents to put towards your quest for higher education.

- Dad

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Day 134 : Good Mornings and Sly Grins

Sadie -

I love waking you up. You wake up just like your mom does.
You crack open an eye and squint with dissatisfaction.
You stretch and try to rub your eyes a little.
But the best part is when you get over the initial shock of being
awakened, and you realize I have come to get you out of the crib.
Your face changes into a sly smile. I laugh almost every time!

- Dad

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Day 133 : Jackie Wilson Said...

Sades -

Today was a fun "me and you" day!

Mom went to the store this afternoon so you and I turned on a Van Morrison CD and I put you in your exer-saucer and we had a dance party.

I played you the song that I listened to over and over on the way to the hospital the day you were born. The chorus goes:

"I'm in heaven
I'm in heaven
I'm in heaven
When you smile!"

As I sang this part to you, you shot me a big grin and kicked your feet.

I do think heaven may be a little bit like this!

- Dad