Year 1, Day 175

Dear DaDa,
I know you think I'm far too young to understand what luck is, but I'm an old soul ya know.  So, I realize how lucky I am to have you as my daddy. Today is a special day for you - Happy Birthday!! I love you with ALL the love my heart can hold. And, even though I'm only 17 months old, it can hold a lot. You'd be surprised.

On your birthday, I wanted to tell you the things that tickle my heart and make me smile about you. I want you you realize how special you are to me, and how I can't possibly navigate this life ahead of me, without you. So ahead we go, side by side forever, my DaDa and I.

The things I adore about my DaDa:

You and I have a heck of a time during my bath each night.  I don't stop belly laughing from the moment my toes hit the water.

Nothing compares to a nice warm bottle of milk that you give me after the long day.  We sit back, lounge, and enjoy each peaceful moment.

I love when you put me in the crib and have corralled all my friends in there, waiting for me.  How do you get Trumpet, Buttons, Patsy, and Rocky to sit so patiently and hang out while I got ready for bed?  You'd think they'd know how to jump out by now.  They must love sleepy time.

Every time you sit on the floor with me, I love your jungle gym. I can crawl all over you, take a pony ride, enter a tickle machine, and get hung upside down like a monkey on a tree. That's the most fun. Quite like an amusement park in my living room.

I love all the dreams you have for me.  I know you are going to take me fishing, hiking, golfing, and coach my little league team. OR, I know you'll happily encourage me to be a figure skater if I so decide that it interests me. I know we'll go on camping trips together, and have long talks about fickle girls. I know you'll be there when my heart gets broken, when I break a few hearts, and when I just need a hug or pat on the back.  I have decades of my life ahead of me, and, as your little clone that I am, I will walk in your steps and make you proud.

Happy Birthday!!
Love,
Jackson