Author Archives: Dad

Your First Prayer

H, today is Martin Luther King Day.

I had to work, but mom was off, and she kept you home from school all day for fun.

I don’t think you got out of your Frozen princess dress all day.

And you know what happened?

You got your toenails painted for the first time!

It was adorable.

I came home and you wanted to show me your toes.

I looked down, and your toenails were pink!

You could not be cuter.

And then at dinner tonight you stunned us all.

I finished the prayer, and as soon as I was done, you asked if you could pray.

Your mom and I were smiling big as we bowed our heads with you.

You mumbled real soft and quiet for about ten seconds and then announced loudly:

“A-men.”

Gosh.

I love you.

-Dad

Children

How To Fall Asleep Fast

Love on your kids. 

H, laying you down tonight, we thought you were asleep, but you woke up as soon as mom walked out of the room.

I assured you that I had you and that everything was ok. 

You laid back down but soon were up asking for your water. 

And…mom had conveniently taken your water with her when she left… 

So, I quickly got up and got your drink from the fridge. 

On the way back, you met me at the door with:

“Oh. There it is.” 

Ten minutes later, after your third drink, you finally settled back down and rolled over with your back against my chest. 

I hugged you tight. And said:

“I love you so much.”

 You sucked your thumb and lay still.

And then I asked you three questions that I have been asking you off and on the last few months. 

I said:

“Do you know how much I love you?” 

I have asked this many times before but you have never really responded (you are 2 years, 3 months old). 

So after no response, I just say “I love you so much.” and give you a big squeeze. 

But tonight, with you snuggled against me, I asked:

“Do you know how much I love you?” 

Sucking your thumb, you nodded. 

I asked:

“Do you know I think you are perfect?”

You nodded again.

And finally, I asked:

“Do you know I love you no matter what you do?”

 You nodded a third time.

I squeezed you again and said:

“I love you so much.” 

You rolled over, played with my hair for a few minutes, and then fell asleep. 

I wanted to write this down while the story was fresh, but I bet I sleep like a baby, too. 

I love you. 

-Dad

Laugh

Play Hard. Laugh Hard.

Right now I am reading Max Lucado’s book, And The Angels Were Silent. 

In the chapter, “Uncluttered Faith” – he talks about the way his girls live. 

Their attitude is: 

“Play hard, laugh hard, and leave the worries to your father.” 

H, you are the same way right now.

You do everything at 100% – and rely completely on us. 

You could not be more perfect. 

Don’t ever stop living like that! 

Isn’t that how we should all live? 

Play hard. Laugh hard. And leave the worries to Christ. 

I love you. 

— Dad