K, you have taken to keeping your pacifier in my pocket.

I don’t remember when it started.

And I don’t remember what we were doing.

But here is how it works.

See, I almost always wear a Columbia fishing shirt.

And on the front of my shirt is four large pockets.

One day I was holding you in my right arm, balanced on my right hip, when you leaned away from me to get down.

As you did you popped your pass out and said:

“Pocket. Pocket!”

I opened my left front pocket and you dropped it in just before I sat you down and you ran off into the other room – probably to play with H.

And that was it.

From that day on you had a portable little storage spot.

You even got the point that when you wanted a pacifier you would just assume I had a fresh one in my pocket.

I can’t count how many times I got to work and found one there.

You have a pacifier daily for just shy of two years.

Anyway, I will miss it.

I love you.

-Dad

K, you are talking better every day now.

So last night we were waiting for H to finish her new Tuesday gymnastics class.

Over in the corner by the front door they have a couch.

We were sitting on it to pass the time.

We first just sat.

But in no more than a second, you wanted a snack.

Then you wanted my phone. And then a hug.

You got down off the couch and almost immediately wanted back up.

Before long, you were eating a tortilla and looking out the window for the fifth time.

A few minutes later, Mom got up to peek in the far window and check on H.

As she got just out of earshot you leaned back and emphatically said:

“I love Mama. I love Dada.”

Now I have heard you say “I love you.” before, but only in the third person.

I think that’s the first time you ever told me you love me!

My Kenny.

I love you too.

-Dad