The only time my husband has written on my blog was to share the news of another loss. But today he wanted to share his hopes for being a dad. Without further ado, this is the letter he is hoping to send to our future child’s birth parents.
To the ones who gave me the title of “Dad”,
It has been 1 year now since we got our little one and it has been a wave of experiences. We made it through this ear with lots of prayer but little sleep. Each hour of crying was one less hour of sleep and it was tough, but each hour of crying had a few minutes of laughter. And I wouldn't trade out any of it. I would make our baby giggle and giggle until my cheeks hurt; with a peek-a-boo, a silly face, a whisker rub to the feet or letting the dogs lick her face.
We don't forget the serious stuff though. In this year we went from rolling over to crawling then straight to running. She totally skipped the cute walking phase. All I'm doing is chasing her around the yard. And the dogs love a good chase too. I run her from one thing in the yard to the next, explaining what each plant produces or how to prune the apple tree or how to fix the sprinkler system. I teach her which bugs are edible (NONE!) and how pulling on the grass helps daddy with the lawn. We've explored every inch of the house too. She knows her room, mommy and daddy's room, the dog beds (oh how she loves the dog kennels. Now to get to grandma's room is a little tricky. It took some learning and a few skipped heartbeats in my chest, but going down the stairs backwards is the best way for now.
Each parent tries to guess what their kid is going to be when they grow up. So far our best guess is a research biologist who does stunt double work on the side and isn't afraid to go on the Fear Factor.
I want to tell you that I'm taking good care of our baby. She is learning a lot and she gets lots of attention, especially from me. I have been "sick" a few extra days this year, strange. Work can wait, I have an important job here at home. Thank you for giving me this year with her. I wouldn't have had this life without what you did for me. I know Lindsay is happy. And so am I.
He has such a heart for kids. I cannot wait for the day that he finally hears a little one call him “Daddy!”
