9/8/09
Dear Jake,
Mommy wants us to start a tradition of writing you and Mason letters for your birthday so that one day you both can read them. We’ve been meaning to do this when you turned one, so I have a lot of catching up to do. Since this is my first letter, I don’t know how it’s going to go. I imagine that I’ll write you as if you’re a 5 year-old, but realize that you’ll be reading this as an adult someday. So when you do end up reading this, picture yourself at five and your daddy much skinnier and younger and hopefully with the same amount of hair.
First of all, Bud (I call you Bud and Dude a lot and hope that never changes) Happy Birthday! You are 5 today!!! I can’t believe it’s been five years since your Mommy and I brought you home from the hospital. You were born on a beautiful, sunny day in Minneapolis, MN on September 8th, 2004. We checked in to the hospital around 6 PM. I had to go back down to park the car since I was parked illegally. When I came back up, you must have been so excited to see us because Mommy had already started delivering you. No more than 10 minutes later, you came into the world and forever changed our lives.
Now I had heard other Mommies and Daddies say the greatest moment in their lives is having their children. I never really knew what that meant until I finally saw you and heard your cries. I was overcome with emotion and super excited to finally meet you. I was scared to be a Daddy because you didn’t come with a manual, but of course I don’t really pay attention to manuals anyway. But Jakey, you made being a Daddy come naturally.
You were a very good baby and didn’t give us too many problems. We gave you baths on the bathroom countertop and you would stare at yourself in the mirror wondering who that cute baby was. We didn’t give you a haircut for quite a few months and you had some crazy hair, Dude. You were definitely my boy cause you sweat like Daddy. Everything we did with you was new… your first smile, first laugh, first rollover, first tooth, first whatever was like a miracle.
Years have gone by and you’ve grown up to be an awesome kid. I think it’s more fun for me than it is for you. Mommy and I love your stories and how animated you get explaining things. You still show up in our bed in the middle of the night sometimes, but I don’t mind cuddling next to you. Mason came to us when you were three and you’ve been a great big brother ever since. I want you to always remember that Mason is not only your brother, but your best friend.
For a five year-old, birthdays mostly mean presents. You got a really good one this year with the electric Ford F-150 truck so enjoy it. Now you and your best friend Noah can cruise the cul-de-sac together. Toys and gifts will break down, but I hope you remember that the love your Mommy and I have for you will never go away. I’m excited to see how you will grow up and what kind of person you will become. I already know that you will be good person whatever you decide to do in life. In these five years, you have already made me a better person. So thank you, Son.
Love,
Daddy
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