Daddy Dan

Babito,

You were a miraculous, God-given tiny sapling that developed from the love between your Mommy and Daddy.  We took you and planted you in the richest, most fertile soil that we could find, soil that we had prepared for your arrival.

We’ve continually fertilized this soil to make sure you grow strong, healthy roots that no outside invaders or disease could affect.  Every day, we lovingly water these roots to help you grow strong.  We plan on always being here as you grow into a beautiful tree, trimming and shaping you so you grow to your full potential.

Our dream is to sit beneath the large shadow you will someday cast, enjoy your continued growth and maturation, and watch you create, with your own seeds, a wonderous forest of your own.

Babito, nothing could have prepared me for the deep level of instantly eternal adoration I have felt for you from the moment you first squeezed my finger so tightly just minutes after you were born.  It floored me that I could feel so much of a connection, so much pure love, for someone I had just met.  I never really believed in love at first sight until that night.

Before you were born, I selfishly thought that having you would take so much away from the rest of my life.  Where would I have the time to do the things I enjoyed doing?  I thought our lives were going to be filled with sleepless nights, endless feedings, and diaper changes, and I was right – but I didn’t mind at all.  All those selfish thoughts disappeared without a trace when I saw those big, sparkling eyes staring back at me.  Now, my work and other activities are simply things to kill time until I can be with you again.

I hope you someday realize just how much pure joy you bring into your Mommy and Daddy’s lives.  Each milestone you meet is a time for celebration.  Each new thing you learn fills our hearts with pride.  Every “Daddy” out of your mouth makes my heart skip a beat.

I can’t wait to do so many things with you.  I want to show you to play baseball, coach your teams, and take you to Angel games.  I want to help you with your homework, teach you your multiplication tables, take you on your first rolleroaster ride, and teach you how to tie your shoes.

I want to help you get ready for your first date, show you how to drive a stick shift, and drop you off at college, where you, me and your Mommy will all have tears in our eyes.

I want to teach you how to be a gentlemen, and watch you experience, like I have, the joys of a happy marriage and fatherhood.

I want to show you everything.

I want you to understand the value of a great education.  I want to make sure you always know that it’s natural to be nervous about trying new things, but that fear is not a valid reason for not chasing your dreams. I want to teach you that there’s no room in life for regrets.  I want to teach you to always make the best of every situation and to enjoy all the little things in life that so many people take for granted.  I want you to always strive to do your best.

And, until the day I die, I want you to know that I’ll always be your biggest cheerleader and I’ll always be here to reach out and hold your hand, just like you did two years ago tonight.

I Love You, my dear little son. Happy Birthday.

Related posts:

1. Cool Toddler Gifts – Babito’s Birthday Presents
2. Babito’s Birthday Weekend
3. Babito’s Birthday Party is Cancelled
4. Daycare Sucks
5. The Babito’s Birthday