T, funny story.

Last week was your first full week of school.

Your first birthday is next week – so that’s just nuts.

I mean, you stayed at home, while mom worked from home, for almost an entire year!

Picking you up the other day, mom asked one of your teachers how everything was going.

The teacher said you were “still adjusting” but that all was well.

And then she said:

She does not like other people in her space…

Ha!

I can just still see you not trusting your teachers yet and completely skeptical of the other babies.

My little girl.

You are gonna have a beautiful life.

I love you.

-Dad

Ok, T.

This is getting a little ridiculous.

I mean, you are so cute that it’s hard to not laugh and gush…

But you have taken to picking up and patting things all over the house.

We were putting things back together from the flood awhile back and you picked up a TV cable, laid it over your shoulder, and patted it like a baby.

The next day you even did it with a magnetic toy block!

You are so beautiful and sweet.

We can get you some more dolls to pat if you need them.

We actually have more than we need – but I got you.

I love you.

-Dad

T, I have changed more diapers on you than either one of the other girls.

I am not sure why.

Maybe with more kids, more work needs to be done and so I pitch in to help more often here and there.

Maybe I just know you are my last chance at being part of the routine of having a baby.

Here is my diaper routine with you:

First, I lay you on to the changing table. I get you once or twice with my hands on your stomach and say “gotcha.” “I gotcha.” Or, “hey girl.”

I open the shutters beside us with a count.

“One” I start. “Two” I say as I grab the middle of the shutters to open them. And “Three” I say as I finally pop them open. I end it all with saying “Gotcha” one last time as I grab your tummy and chest.

You often have a jolly laugh going at this point.

Next, I grab your diaper from the shelf and show you whatever character is on the front of it. “You got Elmo. Look how cute he is?! Do you love him? He is perfect just like you.”

Afterward, I will take your diaper still folded up and swipe it from your forehead to your toes while making a funny sound. “Brrrip. Brrrip Brrrip.”

Finally I get to the actual diaper change.

If you have peed, I will use 0-1 wipe and call it good.

If you have a poop, I will either yell at mom to come help, or use somewhere 500-4,000 wipes.

Diaper changing has never my thing, but I am glad I got to change a few of yours

I love you.

-Dad