I’m Sure Someday We’ll Laugh But…

Last week while I was working in Greenville, SC at a golf tournament, an unfortunate series of events occurred that I thought I would put on the blog so we can laugh about at a later date. In short, here is what happened:

• I spoke with Jill via phone Thursday AM who was in tears b/c she exhausted herself tending to Emmy who was up ALL night
• While on the phone, Abby’s school called Jill to come pick her up because she was sick
• Emmy was diagnosed later that day with a severe ear infection, then Abby started throwing up with a nasty virus
• Later that afternoon, the upstairs AC went out (just paid $500 to get it fixed 14 days earlier)
• I drove home Friday AM to find out that Jill was now sick and the upstairs toilet was broken. And it was 90 degrees upstairs.
• The AC man said our system is completely shot and we need a new unit which is understandable since it is 22 years old. That will cost about $5K which we did not budget for.

We realize these are all minor inconveniences but funny how it all happened within 48 hours when I was out of town. I guess this stuff just comes with the territory when you’re a parent and homeowner. So girls, if you are reading this, stay a kid as long as you can (as long as we’re still not supporting you into your 30’s…ha, ha).

The good news is that while I was at the golf tournament (which is a celebrity Pro-Am) I got my picture taken with Terry O’Quinn who plays the central character John Locke on our favorite show “Lost”. I don’t usually get star struck as I run into famous athletes in my job a lot but I REALLY like this show so was happy he offered to take a photo w/me. Cool!

Bouncy Castle!

Attached are some pics from your recent birthday party in the back yard. All your buddies were there from preschool and of course Sammy and Mikey. Everybody had a great time including Emmy.

Happy 4th Birthday Abby

Dear Abby,

Happy 4th Birthday, Pumpkin! We had such a great time celebrating the wonderful little girl you are growing into.

There’s a saying that with kids, “The hours can drag, but the years fly by” -- and it is proving to be so true. I cannot believe you are already 4. There’s a big difference between 3 and 4, and somehow in the past few months it seems you have just sprouted. Or, perhaps blossomed is a better word. :)

Here’s a bit about you at 4:

- The princess obsession is going strong.
- You love doting on your little sister and you are like a second mother to her. It never ceases to amaze me.
- You and Sammy play together for several hours each day. Most of the time you get along well, but there are time you fight like an old married couple.

- You love arts, crafts, dancing and singing.
- You have a great sense of humor and love being silly with me and your dad.

Sometimes you and I fight like cats and dogs, but so it goes with moms and daughters I guess. You are spirited and sensitive and strong-willed – a lot like me! And it’s my personal opinion that those particular traits have lots of positive aspects. So… when the day comes that you are 14 and can’t stand me, please re-read this blog and know that you and I are very connected and very alike. And nothing matters more to me than being a good mom to you and Emmy. I love you little girl, and I’m so proud to be your mom.

Happy Birthday Abby

Dear Abigail,
Since it’s your birthday (well, a little after), I wanted to keep with our tradition of writing you a note for this blog. So I thought I would focus on what traits/habits you have that I get a kick out of and some of my favorite moments with you.

• You are fiercely loyal and protecting of your sister Emmy. If and when another child is the slightest bit mean to her, you immediately defend Emmy. When you are accidentally too rough with her and she starts to cry, YOU get just as upset.


• You talk ALL THE TIME, usually in the form of questions to Mommy or me. I often wonder if your mouth hurts. Sometimes we laugh at how many questions you ask, it’s really amazing.


• I love how excited you get when I tell you I don’t have to go to work. It’s usually followed by a “YAY!!” and a hug


• You are very independent. From pouring your own juice to choosing your clothes for preschool, YOU want to do everything. I think this is probably the case with most kids your age but you seemed to be especially in tune with your independence.


• You love watching SpongeBob Square pants even though you don’t quite understand it.


• I really enjoy watching you entertain yourself. When not asking a question, you are usually singing/skipping/dancing/playing with toys or a combination of the above at the same time. I love those moments.


• I love playing “jumping games” with you before brushing your teeth at night. This consists of using our bed as a trampoline and then tickling you.


• You are friendly to everyone you see and assume everyone new is just a friend you haven’t had the opportunity to meet yet. I love that outlook on life and people...


• You promptly walk in our room at 6:45AM every single day and jump in bed with us and usually stare at us smiling from ear to ear before asking if you can go downstairs to start your day


• You change outfits AT LEAST 3 times a day. A princess dress is typically thrown in that mix in addition to one of Emmy’s outfits


• Your use of big words at four is pretty amazing. After our family walk on the Greenway this past Sunday, you and I sat on the steps and you said “Peeuuuu. Daddy, you smell terrible!”

Here’s to another great year little girl. Happy Birthday.

Love,
Dad

Dad