Dear Daddy...

Dear Daddy,

Roarrrrrr!!! Roar is my favorite game to play with you! Thanks so much for always chasing me around, letting me jump on you, and pushing me on my little bike. I'm so glad you play "rough" with me sometimes because mom's really not too good at that. I had so much fun with you a couple of weekends ago at Wisconsin Dells! Thank you so much for playing with me and going down so many slides. If I'm thinking correctly, you had just as much fun as I did! I'm excited to take many trips to the pool with you this summer! Do you think you could catch and dunk me like you did last time? I loved that so much! (This picture will show you how much I love playing "roarrrr" with you.)


I'm sorry that sometimes I get a little demanding and throw the occasional fit. But really, can you blame me? I'm not even two after all! I hope that all my kisses and hugs to you make up for those very few negative things! :)

I'm so glad that you are my daddy! I couldn't ask for anyone better. It's so nice of you to watch Micky with me in the morning instead of the news, and I really like when you sing "Oh Tootles." Also, I know you must be sick of watch the Elmo's Potty Time DVD since I like to watch it every single day, but it's nice that you still lay on the bed and cuddle with me while watching. Thanks a million for spending countless hours outside with me. Being outside is one of my favorite things you know, and I love to pick weeds, water, and climb the church steps over and over again with you.

Thanks for always encouraging me to try new things and not getting too annoyed when I'm really "acting like a girl!" You've taught me to do so many things like climbing at the park, rolling down the sidewalk really fast on my bike, and playing catch. I love that you have so many nicknames for me and show me that you love me in so many ways. Thanks for letting mom sleep in some mornings. I love that I get this one-on-one time with you and just between you and me, I secretly plan to get at 5 sometimes just so we can play without being interrupted!

You make me laugh more than any other person in my life. I love you sooooo much! I know that you're really tired from working 12 hour days with tennis camps right now, but I really appreciate that you still make time to play with me when you're home for breaks. I can't wait until you can watch Elmo with me and can read me some books at bedtime after camps are done. Someday do you think I'll be able to go to your camp?

I really appreciate all the things you do for me, and, if you haven't figured it out by now, what I really want is to be just like you when I grow up.

Lovey Daddy,
Nut (Olivia)



Dear Daddy,

I can't write as much as my big sister Olivia did because I just can't do as many things as she quite yet. But....boy am I excited for when I'm a bit more steady and can play a bit more! You and Olivia better watch out because as soon as I can crawl, I'm going to be all over you! For now though, I'm pretty happy watching you and Olivia rough-house; you both make me smile and laugh all the time with your silliness.

When I was little (well, I mean when I was just a bitty baby), one of my favorite things to do was to cuddle on your chest. You were so nice and warm and it made me feel safe and comforted to lay with my head on your chest listening to your heartbeat. Now, I like when you cart me around so that I can see the world. You and mom sure have some strong arms from carrying me and Olivia around all the time!

I really liked that you stayed home with me so much when mom went back to work. It was really nice to have such a familiar face around and I liked having some bonding time with you. I know you're not a huge fan of changing diapers and all that, but you're actually pretty good at it. If you promise not to tell mom, I'll let you in on a little secret... You're much better at putting me down for naps than she is! I like to give her a hard time on occasion, but you just seem to have the special touch.

I love you very much. Even though I can't actually tell you that, I hope you know if from the way I smile, squeal, and kick my legs when I see you. I can't wait to be running around and playing with you and Olivia in the near future!

Love,
Gracie



Happy Father's Day to all you fantastic dads out there! Both Brian and I are so fortunate to have such great role models in our lives, and we are so thankful for all the guidance, love, and support our "dads" have provided! We love you!