H, you often come home and tell mom and I a story about science class.

It is, after all, one of your favorite classes.

For example, right now we get nearly daily updates on the chicken, duck, and quail eggs y’all are incubating. (6 days to go!)

When you give us your updates you will often refer to a “science experience” you did that day.

We know what you are saying.

You are talking about a “science experiment.”

But it’s too cute and too precious, and you are going to hear it right in a moment from some friend anyway – and an ounce more of my little baby girl is going to turn into a big kid.

So we don’t correct you.

We hug you and squeeze you and kiss you – and ask you if you want to tell us your story again.

I love you.

-Dad

H, bug.

Today is picture day at school.

Leading up to it, mom was unsure about what she should get you to wear.

But we agreed to narrow it down to two or three different we were alright with, and let you decide.

You chose a green t-shirt to wear under a pair of blue-jean overalls.

You looked perfect.

When I dropped you off at school, however, you look a little bit insecure.

(Mom stayed home with a sick K – and T.)

I couldn’t tell if you were in awe of all the fancy dressed and done up hair of your friends who are always in uniform – or if you were self-conscious about not being quite as dressed up as many of your classmates.

So I made a point to praise you.

After you dropped off all your supplies in your room, I got down on one knee to kiss you and tell you to have a great day.

You planted a big-ole kiss on my lips and I hugged you tight.

When I did, I told you that I “loved-loved-loved” your outfit and that I thought you were absolutely beautiful.

And you know what? You are.

I love you.

-Dad