Happy Birthday to Dad!

Dear Scarlett,
Today is Dad's birthday. I won't write his age, lest he try to chase me down and end up embarrassed because I'm fast and he's so old. But it is his birthday, so let's be nice to him. Isn't he cute?

You and Dad have a very special relationship, and not just because you share the same face. Every morning, you and I wake Dad up. We sneak into bed with him around 6:30 and you pounce on him, squealing. Dad gives you his watch to play with and you mostly ignore us for a while. Then the two of you play a game where you try to climb up the bedframe and when you've reached the top, you let go, falling into Dad and laughing hysterically.

When Dad comes home from work, you are often in your highchair having dinner. Your face breaks into a huge smile when you see him, and you stare at him the entire time he's in the room, halfheartedly eating your meal, while you make sure that you have his undivided attention.

In the evenings after dinner, Dad gives you your bath. I think it's one of his favorite times of day. You splash in the water and play with your Sea Party animals. Dad shampoos your hair and wraps you in a big towel. He sings a song and most of the words are "Scrub."

I know you are going to love your Dad more and more as you get older. Sometimes I bet I'll be jealous of the two of you. When you're allowed to watch TV, he's going to teach you to appreciate football. He'll show you how to ride a bike, and how to ski. He'll help you with your history homework and add his own commentary to whatever you're learning. He'll probably let you try wine.

This is a big birthday for Dad because he's never been a Dad on his birthday before. And he is really, really good at it.











Love,
Mom