What's the monkey say?

29 May 2013

Dear Josslyn,

You and I got up early this morning, and I went to work. You weren't happy cause mom wasn't right by you when I left.

I came home later for lunch after  your nap and you shared your hot dog with me and I shared my hot dog with you.

When I returned  after work you and mom did not greet me with the usually applause and fanfare.

Tangled was on. I couldn't compete.

While mom was cooking dinner you and I sat and watched a Scrat short. Your tummy grumbled a few times indicating your hunger.

I'd never heard your tummy do that.

With 7:56 left on the oven timer, you and I went snack hunting.

I gave you a single Sixlet from a bag of remnant Easter candy, then sealed the bag up determined not to spoil your appetite.

When I sat the bag of chocolates  down on the counter you grabbed my hand and moved or it to the bag as of to say, "Dad,  open  this."

Then the pizza and mozzarella sticks were not a big win for you tonight for dinner.

Left over spaghetti ended up sealing the deal for you.  Then off to the bath.

While you were getting dressed I came in and began making monkey sounds and asking you what the monkey says you didn't take long to mimic the "ew ew ah ah."

Yesterday was all about the "meow, meow" the kitty says.

It took you awhile but our little monkey is asleep now, and I  think I'll join you.

Love,
Dad

Memorial Day Puddles and Church Ball

28 May 2013

Dear Josslyn,

We had a fun holiday weekend that came to an abrupt end today.

Yesterday we went to the ward  Memorial Day BBQ. It of course was a torrential downpour here in the fabulous Northwest.  Nonetheless, some ward members proceeded to play a softball game, swing on the swings, and grill some hotdogs.

You decided to take a nap right when the party was scheduled to start, so we arrived fashionably late.

There were plenty of rain puddles and you found each one of them numerous times. By the end you were soaked so much we stripped you down to your onesie for the ride home.

Your hands and feet were nice and pruned well before you got in the warm bath.

I then got invited to go to a movie with Madisyn and Marlie's dad, David Greenwood and Gage's dad Gavin Kowalis.

It's probably the first thing I've done without you and your mom  since we moved to Washington with just "the guys."

We ended the night  when  all three families, the Kowalis, Greenwood, and Laursen families met up at Red Robin.

Today we delivered the newspapers. You got extremely upset about 70% of the way through. We had to pull over and you and mom went for a walk while I finished the route.

I think you just got fed up being in the car. It was pretty rainy all day so I suspect you just wanted to be active.

We grabbed some McDonald's because it had a playplace we thought you would like. Though you never even went near it, I think you were happy seeing other kids and being not strapped into something.

Compared to yesterday today probably felt like prison. You started the day going to the grocery store with mom, but   definitely didn't spend hours stamping in puddles.

You were introduced to playing basketball with dad in the church gym. After all of the Young Men and Young Women left the gym to go play ultimate frisbee, you had the gym and leftover basketball all to yourself.

You giggled when I would dribble around you. You'd pick the ball up with both hands and come over to have me pick you up to shoot, but  even with my help it was just too high.

We  played in the church gym, kitchen, and hallway while mom chatted in the hall.

We came home, you finished your chicken nuggets and apple slices and now lie in bed. Your mom and I aren't sure of you're asleep yet.

You and your mother mean a lot to me Josslyn and I cherish every second we spend together. I wish we had more time during the day.

I'm sorry we keep you strapped down in the car, or don't let you scramble around in the streets, but we want to keep you around for a long time.

Love,
Your dad dad

Missing Out

26 May 2013

Dear Josslyn,

I've been really struggling finding the time to write to you this week.

I took a brief moment to look through and some of the posts posts are still unfinished.

Sometimes time is short or I'm tired or whatever reason I think I'll be able to come back v ana finish writing but it's much harder to write about the little things that day when I try even just a few days later. The little things are what I want to remember and write about.

This of one of those  moments. I had a lot I wanted to share a abouy today's  events but I  cut out short the first time and I'm nodding off this time around.

Love,
Dad

Beep!

23 May 2013

Dear Josslyn,

Eight years ago, I was in a one-bedroom apartment on Tustin Ave in Santa Ana, California preparing to end one of the most rewarding and influential epochs of my life.

Those 25 months in Orange County, California were remarkable, and coming home was hard.

Most good things in life are difficult to stop doing once we get started.

We all spent an hour together for lunch today.  We went to Panera. It was really close to your nap time, so you were being a little feisty until I gave you some of my black bean soup.

You also were really anxious to get a giant flower cookie and tried to climb over the glass to get it.

You had no interest in your ham and cheese sandwich, yogurt, or potatoe chips. All you wanted was  black bean soup.

You tried to grab the spoon out of my hand a few times as well as grabbing my plate and bowl. When you got them you held on with a death grip, determined your life  would end without more soup.

There was a moment when you got your flower cookie which had a big blue disc of frosting in the center of the yellow  lemon-flavored petals.

I pushed on it like it was a button and said "beep." You instantly  mimicked me and now love pointing at things that look like   buttons and saying "beep!"

After struggling through lunch, you and mom returned home and you eventually got the nap you so desperately needed.

Balloons, Oreos, and an ice cream sandwich

21 May 2013

Dear Josslyn,

Serving in God's Kingdom here on Earth can be so rewarding. It can exhaust you, take away you free time, and ask your family to sacrifice your time with them, but will always be rewarding if you serve.

Tonight you got to see some of that. Your mom is currently serving in the Young Women's auxilary as a music adviser and adult adviser.

I am the Ward Young Men's secretary, so when Tuesday night mutual is a combined activity with the Young Men and Young Women, the Laursen's get to have some family time with the  adolescent youth of the ward.

Tonight they did some minute to win it activities. Like eating an Oreo placed on forehead without using hands, or wrapping people in toilet paper the fastest using just one hand.

Tonight you got to eat an Oreo, play with balloons, and finished off with an ice cream sandwich.

Your reward for going to a church activity.

Being Tuesday we delivered the  newspapers when I got home from  work. We have gotten much better and faster now.

Did the whole route non-stop in under an hour. Got some dinner, at Jack in the Box, which we ate at  the Issaquah Press office while I printed agendas for my meetings tonight.

We made it to the church a little after the activity started.

Moving us to Washington has weighed heavily on me as to whether I made the right decision or not.

It's challenged me and at first I didn't respond well. It wasn't until I started getting more involved in doing my home teaching and serving in my calling that my attitude changed.

Your mother has benefitted  greatly. For a short time she was the Relief Society secretary, and it was difficult for her when she was   released from that calling. I think she really enjoys being with the Young Women though and I think they benefit from her.

I serve with some great men in the Aaronic Priesthood, and having that calling and purpose has saved me from idleness and having a hard heart.

Serving in the church truly is serving in God's Kingdom on Earth. I've always been happier when I do it, and I've always been blessed for doing it.

No matter how busy you feel, always make church service a  priority, and the other aspects of life will be benefitted.

Your relationship with God should always be first priority, then family, then church service/serving others.

The funny thing is however that  often times focusing on church  callings or helping others takes care of progressing your family relationships and your personal progress.

And believe it or not the rewards for magnifying our calling to serve others  is more fun  than a room full of balloons, and sweeter than  an Oreo or ice cream sandwich.

Love,
Dad

Ta-Da!

20 June 2013

Dear Josslyn,

I  will try not to fall asleep  writing to you this time.

You and mom came and visited me today at work and brought me lunch. It was a really great much needed surprise for a tough Monday.

You had your hair in two fluffy pigtails. You looked really grown up.

You and mom came and picked me up after work and we went to  drop off the Redbox movie and got a frozen coke from Burger King.

As we were waiting to turn left to get the Icees, I asked, "Josslyn, can you say, 'frozen Coke?'"

Your response, "Mmmmmmmm!"

We took our Icees to the Tibbets Valley park. Did some swinging and going down the slide.

You've started to sit by yourself  at the top of the slide and say, "scoot" as you slide closer to the descent. I still have to help you though because you sit so far away from the slide and can't scoot the  distance.

You found a lady bug and  picked it up and let it  climb on your finger for a little bit. You then tried to  remove it by shaking and flicking your finger.

The lady bug fell and you found it again. They were some ants that caught your eye too, but we went back to the slide and swing.

We rode the motorcycle with the side car and you drove.

We had to peel you away from the park and bring you home to eat. You were pretty upset with us for that, but you forgave us when we put the spaghetti and parmesan chicken in front of you.

You ate two plates of spaghetti and used your fork to "scoop" for most of the first plate.

You do much better with your utensils when you use your left hand, but you seem to prefer your right. Tonight you mostly used your left though.

In the bath, I heard you say "ta-da" for the first time. Mom says you say it all the time.

While we were drying you off you were standing on your changing table playing with your bows, saying "bow."

Then the cup of Gatorade I gave you kicked in and you started to pee.

Back in the tub you went.

Ta-da!

Love,
Daddy

19 May 2013
Dear Josslyn,

Pretty tired, so this is likely  to  be short.

You didn't sleep err yy

Chili Dogs!

16 May 2013

Dear Josslyn,

You are still being a grumpy pants.

You did get really happy during dinner though. Chili dogs. You ate two whole hot dogs.

I'm not sure what you and mom did today but  you came home with lots of new clothes.

Your mom and I don't know what to do with you. You've been extremely upset lately. You are  more impatient, and irritable then usual.

You're still happy and a joy to be around but have moments of complete frustration and we are  at a loss of what to do.

It's how I feel about most things in my life right now.

I hope you get better soon. You slept good last night but it's 9:42 pm and we can still  hear you in your room.

Hopefully we'll all figure this out soon.

Love,
Dad

Thank Heavens for Bubbles and Scrat

15 May 2013

Dear Josslyn,

As I was approaching the door on my return home from work today, I could hear you crying inside the house. You weren't happy. I wasn't greeted with the usual applause, smile and hug. Instead, I got tears and pouting.

I picked you up and knew by the look on your face and your mom's that the day had so far not been your happiest.

Your pouting lower lip was the first   expression you gave me in the delivery room, and I've been a sucker for it ever since.

I tried to calm you down and it took awhile. Eventually you and I ended up blowing bubbles in your room.

The turtle bubbles we got at the reptile man show are the best bubbles ever.

You even took the wand from me and dipped it in the solution and blew your own bubble.

You made several attempts after that weren't as successful and ultimately decided dipping the wand and taking it out was just as fun for you regardless of bubbles coming out.

You had another "moment" when I took the bubbles away, and wouldn't even read a book with me,so we went to the fail safe to settle you down, Scrat.

As soon as you saw me bring up the Vudu on the TV you sat down and stopped crying.

It wasn't long until you were giggling at your favorite pre-historic rodent bounding after nuts.

We made it through a few episodes before mom notified us dinner was ready.

She made some chicken pasta with new made alfredo sauce. You seemed to enjoy it and ate your whole plate, and followed up with some strawberries.

You stayed pretty calm after dinner (despite the post-meal antics at the table) which made it easier for mom to put you to sleep.

Your mom went straight to bed after that, while I stayed up trying to make progress in my life checking email, looking up job qualifications and openings and wondering if I could get them if I  applied.

With one month left on our apartment lease, I'm feeling the pressure to do something.

I was a bit perplexed yesterday when you and I came back from delivering papers.

I couldn't help but notice how messy the house was. It made me wonder what you and mom do most of the day while I'm away.

I wondered if your recent bout of not feeling well was so irritating that you were taking all of mom's time, and I felt like a bad husband and father.

Your degree of happiness tends to very directly affect the happiness level of those around you, especially your mother and I.

You are not the only roommate not feeling well in our apartment currently. Something wrong with your mom that's bothering her, and there is more tension than usual amongst all of us.

I'm sorry you don't feel well, and your stuffy nose makes it hard for you to enjoy life or sleep well (it's 2am and you've been coughing and making talking noises in your room on and off for the past 6 hours). I want you to feel better.

I want everyone to.

Love,
Insomniac Dad

Denny's Again

14 May 2013

Dear Josslyn,

We went to Denny's again for dinner tonight. It's Tuesday so we usually plan on eating out because we rush to do the paper delivery route before mom goes to Young Women's.

You're sick again, nothing serious just a real stuffy nose.

You and mom picked me up from work and we started delivering the papers. You kept us entertained by saying the alphabet the way you do (saying letters in random order).

You don't count much any more. It's hard to get you to say, "one, two, free!" Now it's more, "A, E, I, Q, O,..."

I was really excited when you first started doing letters with me, but I feel bad I distracted you from getting past the 3 threshold, after hitting it so early.

While waiting for your star-shaped chicken nuggets to arrive you and I actually practiced writing letters for the first time.

You held the crayon, while I helped guide your hand while saying the letter we were writing.

You really enjoyed it. It, and the mango smoothie I shared with you, are about the only thing I think you enjoyed today.

You didn't love riding in the car, and you didn't eat much dinner. You are really quick to tantrum the past day or two. Your mom and I are giving you a pass as you are clearly uncomfortable and not sleeping well.

After dropping mom off at the church, you and I headed back to the Issaquah Press office to  put more papers in plastic bags, so we  could finish the route.

You and I finished and headed back towards home. It was almost 8 pm by then so I considered just going to church and picking up mom, but decided a bath might help you feel better.

You took a quick bath and mom came home while we were getting your bottle.

Your asleep now. It went much better tonight than it did yesterday. You and I got really frustrated with each other last night, and it took mom magic to calm you down. You wanted nothing to do with me.

I'm feeling pretty lost right now. My emotions and visions sure the future go up and down at least daily.

You and mom are my only constants.

Thanks.

Love,
Dad

The Pretzel Tree Trail

4 May 2012

Dear Josslyn,

What a day!

You must've known that today was going to be the warmest, sunniest day of the year because you wanted to get started early.

Your alarm clock babel began around 6 am this morning and it took your mom and I a long time to come to our senses. I actually didn't it was your mom that got you and brought you into our room.

You tried to get me up with your usual tactics of grabbing my face or hair and lifting it off my pillow.

Eventually you and I made it to the kitchen. You had waffles from the toaster and ate the entire thing by yourself while I  failed to make a very good breakfast sandwich for me.

We loaded the dishwasher, then helped mom sort the laundry and get it started.

You eventually took a nap, and it wasn't very long. I think you knew the fun ahead of you.

We didn't waste time loading up a  lunch for all of us and hoping into the car and heading to the Pretzel Tree Trail at Squak Mountain State Park.

Mother's Day

12 May 2013

Dear Josslyn,

Daddy asked that I do the entry for today since it was Mother's Day. The last two years, this day has absolutely become one of my most favorite days. You are so excited to show me what you have made or done and today was no different. This morning while I was getting dressed you brought me a giant card that you had coloring all over. Daddy had traced your hands and you were so excited to show me your cute hand prints. I love every minute of it. No matter what you do I will always love it. Although I admit it's going to be hard to figure out where to put that giant card so I can keep it to always have.

At church today you were so good. We were a little late but you made it through great. You went to class with Daddy today but you came to visit me as often as you could. Like you knew today was special. I love the way you show your feelings and communicate. I hope you always have an easy time making friends and talking to people. It is something that I have always struggled with so it is nice to see you do so much at such a young age.

We had a relaxing movie watching day. Daddy was really entertained by how much you love watching Tangled and can sit for so long just watching one movie. Being so young, usually you run around long before a movie is over. We had a lot of good cuddle time. This is always my favorite time. You love to sit on my lap and play with my hair. It is one of my favorite things. You are the best snuggle buddy, but don't tell your dad. :)

Thank you for being my daughter. I am so lucky to be your mom and I cannot imagine what else I would do with my life. I am crazy about everything you do. Sometimes being a mom is so frustrating and hard, but the next second you'll give me a hug or smile or shout something funny and my hard heart is instantly softened. Thank you for letting me be your mom and for wanting to show your love to me everyday.

Reptile Man!

10 May 2013

Dear Josslyn,

You got to see a really big turtle today!

And a crocodile, lizard, and snakes.

We went to Family Night at Pickering Barn hosted by Encompass. We were late so you missed out on animal balloons, but you were more interested in the fun gymnastic play pads instead.

You really liked when Reptile Man brought out Squirt the turtle. He was big. You lost interest after a while and wanted to walk around.

You enjoyed being with all of the other kids and the snacks. A nice lady gave you a little bubble bottle shaped like a turtle, so we all went outside to dance and blow them.

We came home and ate some spaghetti. You still try with your fork and say "scoop" but get so excited when you get some on the  fork that most of it doesn't make it to your mouth.

You've been saying letters of the alphabet lots lately. They are rarely in order, but you say them really well.

Mom and I think you're ready for more learning opportunities, so a potty and alphabet puzzle are in your foreseeable future.

Tomorrow is the Home and Garden Show so we won't get all day together, but you'll have lots of fun with mom on a weekend that's suppose to be special for her.

Love you,
Dad

Your Dad's Ridiculous

8 May 2013

Dear Josslyn,

I hope you never suffer from some of the traits I have.

I just spent the last

Tater Tots in a Birthday Suit

7  May 2013

Dear Josslyn,

Your Uncle Trevor and Uncle Dave share a birthday and it's today.

You called each of them while you were in the bathtub tonight. Uncle Trevy's phone went straight to voicemail, so you left him a nice message. Uncle Dave answered and you talked to him for a while.

You enjoyed it so much you also called Grandma Laursen and chatted with her while you dried off and got your pajamas on.

Speaker phone on cell phones is pretty handy for multitasking babies.

The bath usually indicates the end of your day, but that wasn't the case today. After your bath, you and I return a Redbox movie we  decided not to watch and then finished delivering the second half of mom's Issaquah Press paper route.

We did the first half of the route after you and mom picked me up from work.

We've learned to take breaks after your car sickness moment.

We broke up the routes today with an inadvertent trip to Hallmark for some Mother's Day shopping.

You loved all Hallmark had to offer. You pointed at all the pretty  decorations, and ran up and down the aisles grabbing cards and envelopes. You stopped every now and then to read from the cards and books.

We ate dinner at Taco Time until mom needed to go to Young   Women's. You and I dropped her off and came home to change your diaper and my clothes.

You and mom had a pretty full day, so your diaper was extremely full of number 1. The absorbency of  this particular diaper was  definitely put to the test and did pretty good til the end.

It had leaked a little so I decided we would just do the bath, but because your dinner was slightly cut short I let you finish it first.

You "scooped" the chili up and ate it. You finished the tater tots, and I helped with remaining crisp bean burrito.

You finished all of this completely nude  because your dad was too lazy to put on another diaper or  any clothes knowing you'd be getting in the tub soon.

I think it's the longest you've run around the house naked.

Affer your bath and pajamafication, I sat you in front of the mirror to comb your hair while you were still talking to grandma.

I decided to utilize this time to grab some of the floss that was sitting there and flossed my teeth.

I didn't realize you were watching, until you reached for the floss and started to floss my teeth for me and then tried it out yourself.

You really are learning fast.

Love,
Dad

Pucker Up

6 May 2013  pick up a ball and go put our in the bucket. You didn't hesitate and understood completely.

Dear Josslyn,

Monday's are hard.

After a great weekend of spending time together as a family, going back to work is not easy, especially when it's nice and sunny out.

It was a nice walk to work this morning  though.

You and mom came to pick me up from work and we went to get some frozen Coke's from Burger King. We saw a commercial that told us they were only 75¢ and it was pretty hot and sunny.

You liked the cherry one.

The guys that work at the local Burger King here are awesome. We've been three times total and  every time they give you a gift.

Today they gave you a pink plastic tiara that looks "soo pretty" on you.

We came home and spent most of the rest of the day in the back yard wearing the tiara, spreading dandelion seeds, crawling in the grass, and playing catch with mom.

You are so smart. When you read your books and talk and count it's  pretty impressive, but there are other things you pick up on so fast that it's a little scary for an inexperienced father.

You learn things so quick, even faster than I thought.

You have started doing this funny thing where you overemphasize a whining "Ohhhh" while puckering your lips like a fish. You began repeating it when your mom and I started copying you doing it.

Photo.

You got your pink tiara, and within an hour already recognized that it is called a crown. While playing outside today we asked you where your crown went and you immediately look for it and pick it up.

When you are hungry, you tell us by pointing to your mouth and saying "Eat, eat, eat."

You learned what a tree was in less than 2 minutes and haven't forgotten it since. One day while  walking outside I pointed to the trunk of a few trees and told you what they were called. After about three trees, I put you down and asked, "Josslyn, where's the tree?" You immediately walked to the nearest tree trunk pointed to it and said, "teeh." You've done it to just about every tree you've seen since. It started as a  game to

Tree  video.

When we ask you where your blanket is, you find it. When we tell you to put your shoes on you go grab them and sit in front of us to have us help you put them on.

You open and shut doors when asked.

You've been counting for quite some time now. You've started to say the alphabet with me as we alternate letters.

When I say, "I love you Josslyn," you respond with some the same tone I used but say three syllables  adults don't understand and finish with the word, "daddy."  Essentially saying the same thing as me but replacing my name for yours.

You know how to blow your nose, brush your teeth and comb hair.

Your memory is sharp, but your ability to comprehend and utilize new information is much quicker than I expected.

Today after playing outside my eyes began to itch a little, so I decided to put some eye drops in. You watched me do it while your mom held you and after I put on the cap and handed it to you, you pointed it at your mom's eye and offered to do it for her. After only seeing it done once.

Most parents think their kid is a genius destined for great things, but with you it's hard not to  believe it despite the cliche.

After dinner we all took a walk to the dumpsters  to take the trash and recycling out. We walked back the long way through the little league baseball fields next door. There was an adolescent boy practicing with his mom.  As we walked past them, I asked you to

The 5th Day of the 5th Month

5 May 2013

Dear Josslyn,

Happy Sinco de Mayo.

It was a beautiful sabbath day. You were such a good girl at church today.

You were so well-behaved during sacrament meeting. In Sunday School you were walking along the front row telling everyone, "Hi."

At one point you were being so adorable that even the teacher stopped mid-lesson to comment on your cuteness.

You couldn't resist walking across the room to where the piano was. When you noticed it you looked back in the direction of your mom and I with a mischevous smile. We shook our heads with a warning of disapproval as you defiantly raised your finger to the keys still looking at us.

You played the note softly. You just couldn't resist. I think only the people right next to the piano and me heard it.

All day fellow ward members kept comment about how precious and special you are.

You are very special Josslyn. Everyone that meets you knows it.

You stayed with your mom for the final hour. You took your usual Sunday nap when we got home.

I went home teaching and came home right after you woke up. I couldn't change out of my church clothes fast enough to go outside with you.

Mom left for choir practice, and you and I grabbed our snacks and a blanket and had a picnic in the back yard.

We had a lot of fun. We swept the back porch and did some cleaning.

Your mom came home and joined us. While I was taking the front tire off my bike you decided to roll down the hill leading down into the collection pond.

You didn't go far, just a barrel roll or two, but your mom and I both sprinted too you. I didn't see how it happened but my guess is you leaned over to swat a dandelion, lost your balance and toppled head first.

You rolled onto your back and started crying about the time I made it to you and picked you up.

Your mom took you and helped calm you down, and then we took it easy for awhile. We watched the Ice Age short films staring Scrat  that are free on Vudu. You love the Scrat films, and your mom and I love watching you giggle as he bounces around chasing acorns.

(Giggling scrat movie)

After all of the Scrat films, we started watching some animated Brer Rabbit films.

I then headed out to start grilling the chicken for dinner, which you weren't in the mood for apparently.

You did enjoy mom's pasta salad though, but who doesn't.

You're in bed now, and mom's getting ready for bed after watching the season finale to amazing race.

I just checked on you sleeping soundly.

This weekend has been very special to me. Spending time outside with you and your mom has been revitalizing and healing to a confused, uncertain, disoriented man.

I'm starting to feel better about where we are, but I still feel something needs to change.

I hope we'll know it soon.

Love,
Your dad.

Fabulous Friday

3 May 2013

Dear Josslyn,

We took advantage of the great weather today. I walked to work this morning because the weather was nice. It was hard to stay at work and not come home and play.

You and mom did go out a little because you took  the car to get worked on and walked home.

As soon as I got home, you and I were both ready to go outside. All three of us walked to Subway to get some sandwiches.

While at Subway you danced your heart out, and everyone that saw you thought you were adorable.

We took our sandwiches and went to the train depot park. It was the first park we went to when we first visited Issaquah as a family.  It's that same park that I think you went on a slide for the first time.

You love to swing. You also love the slide. It's really hard to keep you on the playground areas that are more appropriate for your age. You like the big kid playgrounds more.

Your friend from church, Jude,  showed up at the park too.

We had a great time. Came straight home afterwards read a book and you went to sleep.

I look forward to tomorrow.

Love,
Your Dad

Go, Go, Goooo!

28 Apr 2013
Dear Josslyn,

The past few days have been pretty normal. The bruises, and scrapes on your forehead and nose have healed up really fast. You just have some tiny scrapes that look like freckles. You've had a good attitude the whole time, even though you're suffering through a pretty stuffy nose, which apparently is entirely unrelated.

Friday, I came and picked you and your mother up for lunch and we drove all the way to North Bend after I stopped to do some quick work at Issaquah Glass. The weather has been sunny and warm,and it is real hard to stay at work when you and I could be outside playing. Your mom hasn't been feeling well lately either. I've been sneezing but I think I'm developing some allergies to decent weather in eastside Seattle. You did a great job eating lunch at Arby's. You take after your parents in your love of roast beef sandwiches and curly fries drenched (literally in your case) in Arby's sauce. It was that same Arby's location that you first "dip, dip, dip"-ped your food. You ate half of your junior roast beef as well as the fries and sauce. Watching you learn and develop the skills to feed yourself has been one of my favorite things to watch and do with you. Your speech development has been fun too. You've been talking lots lately and will have a stretch of a few minutes straight where you repeat words I'm saying. You point to the words and pictures in your books and say out loud what you're reading. Though us grown ups struggle to comprehend your undifiled language, which has to be frustrating for you at times. It's not just your books you read, anything that has letters or numbers works for you. The warning tag that hangs on your car seat is how you pass the time traveling in the car. It was actually this week that I pointed out to your mom that you are more actively incorporating what you observe others saying into your own vocabulary. As an example, I pointed out to her that you had been saying a new phrase that mimicked the sloth character named "Belt" in the movie "The Croods." We took you to the movie not too long ago in our first return to the theatre since you didn't quite last through "The Avengers." You enjoyed the movie as much as a 15-16 month old can, leaving the dark theater for the lighter more able to explore lobby area about every 8 minutes. You do love the snacks at the movie theater though. In the movie, Belt the sloth uses the "duh, duh, duuuhh!" doomsday sound effect that often used for dramatic emphasis in movies. It took me a while to realize it, but since we saw the movie you have been saying a similar phrase using the same tone as Belt, but saying, "go, go, goooo!" I pointed it out to your mom who dedicated the next 24 hours to attempting to record you saying the phrase on camera. Despite your usual efforts to keep the adorable things you do off camera, mom did finally catch you, and immediately sent it to Grandma and Grandpa Sedgwick. Friday ended with some spaghetti ohs for dinner and some playtime and then we had big plans for fun on Saturday. Things didn't go as planned, however, you and mom didn't sleep very good with your stuffy noses, and dad ended up playing video games. The weather turned cold and rainy, so our plans to be outside and explore the area turned into being at home mostly. I made you and mom some french toast for breakfast. You ate a whole piece then shared a half with me. You helped with laundry, read books and we played with your toys. We did make it out of the house to visit Fred Meyer to get mom some psuedophedrine, facial tissues, and popsicles. You had a blast saying "Hi" to everyone at the store walking the aisles, and made all of their days better. It's that power that you have, and your love of doing it, that obligates me to share you with the world at least a, little each day. We capped off the trip with a smoothie at Jamba Juice. They were playing music there and you stood in the middle of the room dancing. You walked around trying to get the rest of the adults to participate with you. I caught a few of them dancing a little bit, but they all smiled remembering when they danced freely with no fear of judgement. You and I ended the day with a trip to Petsmart. You and I were sick of being in the house and I knew there would be animals there. You loved the birds, but you also met a four-year-old rescue dog named Bitsy. She was small and timid but loved the attention you gave her. We came home just as mom was putting dinner on the table. She made calzones and you actually ate more than your mother did. Sunday started early and strange, especially for you and mom. You both weren't sleeping when I wake up a few times early in the morning. Church. Tough sacrament. Pre nursery. Mom piano. Nap. HT. Bug. Muppets. Sit outside cement. Popcorn.

"One Day More"

29 Apr 2013
Dear  Josslyn,

You watched your first musical today, Les Miserables.

The first act closes with a song  called "One Day More."

A variety of the characters from Victor Hugo's classic novel participate in this song. Each with their own take on the day that awaits them tomorrow. Each giving the day different importance based on their past as well as their desired futures and the decisions they are presently faced with.

The song is one of my favorites and I feel a powerful one. The final lines are sang in harmony by everyone, ending the 1st act.

"Tomorrow we'll discover
What our God in Heaven has in store
One more dawn
One more day
One day more!"

I have no doubt you'll see this musical or movie again in your life and can almost guarantee that at least the abridged version of the novel will be listed on one of your high school English class syllabi. If your current love of books  and music sticks with you, I have no doubt some version of this story will enter your life.

I hope it does. I hope you learn from it.

We are each given life on this earth a day at a time. Each of us are  guided by a past and a destiny that defines our choices we make today.

Your destiny is eternal. You are a daughter of a loving Heavenly Father. You chose to come to this  mortal challenge to make the right choices to lead to eternal happiness. Never forget it.

Not everyday is filled  with major events or life-altering decisions, but each one is an opportunity to  learn and try choose what's right.

Today was one of those days for me. No major breakthroughs, tough decisions, or big moments. Just work, home, play, dinner then bed.

We watched Mickey Mouse, and shared some muffins this morning  before I went to work. You went to the grocery store with mom after your nap.

I came home and we watched the movie and played. Chili-mac for dinner than off to bed. I couldn't get you to go to sleep tonight, it took your mom to help you, but you got to sleep at a good hour still.

You're sleeping better as you're overcoming this cold or whatever. You whimper throughout the night especially if you lose your pacifier.

Not sure how to help you.

You were happy today but quickly got upset when we weren't doing what you wanted. You've started crying more and quicker when you grow impatient or have something taken away.

I'd say I'm in a similar stage though, I'm questioning my success/failure a lot lately.

Lots of transitions I've made this past year, but for better or worse?

Questioning my future a lot lately and past decisions I've made. Pondering on what tomorrow will bring, or could've been.

For now, I try to look to tomorrow as "another day, another destiny"

Tomorrow we'll discover
What our God in Heaven has in store
One more dawn
One more day
One day more!

Love,
Your Father
Alma 7:11-13

To my daughter

24 Apr 2013

Dear Josslyn,

I've been meaning to do this for a long time now, but just wasn't ready to do it until I got it right. As you'll learn soon enough, one of my faults is trying to create perfection. So far you're the only thing I've been involved with the creation of that is close to perfect, and that's just me stealing credit from your mom and God.

Since the day your mother told me you were coming I've wanted to record everyone of my thoughts, fears, words of advice, and moments with you. Here we are almost exactly two years later from that emotional morning and I'm finally doing it.

First word of advice, don't procrastinate. I've done it my entire life, you literally can't have procrastiNATE without me. The Lord continually tells us not to. It makes life more stressful and full of regret than it needs to be. Avoid it. Especially when it's something meaningful, or in relation to your spirituality or someone else's.

I like the way today started. You slept well last night. That always makes your mother, myself, and of course, you in a better mood.

Though your mom and I didn't sleep so well. You took a pretty nasty fall Tuesday evening and your mom started reading "when to take your kid to the doctor" articles on her smartphone right  before bed. She started to worry cause the articles all mentioned clear liquid continuously running from an injured nose.  Your fall did a number on your nose, and it's been continuously runny and stuffy since the fall.

We took you to see Dr. Zoe at Cascade Pediatrics this morning mostly to give your mom and I peace of mind.

She said it's probably just a cold and merely coincidence that you got it at the time of the fall.
I felt the same way  when your mom started to freak herself out last night. I felt you were okay because you have kept your happy demeanor and personality and didn't seem to be in pain.

Part of the problem is we don't have health insurance or coverage for you yet. We pay out of our own pocket for your medical needs. There is a stigma of being a terrible parent if your kids aren't covered. We beat ourselves up over it every time you get sick, hurt yourself, or almost get hurt.

I know you've had angels watching over you. The scriptures tell us the Aaronic Priesthood holds the keys to the administering of angels. I've asked for them to watch over you and your mom for over two years now and I've witnessed them doing it where I  was unable or too mortal to do so.
Second word of advice, make sure  you provide your kids access to health and medical services so you don't beat yourself up about it. I mean have savings or insurance or  whatever exists when you're a mom.

We left the doctor $100 poorer, but pricelessly at peace. As we were at the office, you, like you do  everywhere you go, owned the attention of everyone around you.

You've always used your beauty and cheerfulness to captivate people and draw their attention to you and your genuine happiness. I have no doubt it is one of your spiritual gifts. Continue to develop it. Always use your power to captivate others' attention for good. Remind them of joy.

I walked around the doctor's office parking lot with you for a few minutes after the appointment.
It was one of those rare warm sunny clear-skyed days in Washington, and I wanted to  cherish as much of it as I could with you. We love being outside together, rain or shine. I hope that never changes.

Eventually, you and your mom dropped me off at work. I  spent the rest of my day answering emails phone calls and going to save the world one newspaper advertisement at a time.
I  failed to each lunch again like I usually do. Walked home, and you greeted me at the door with a cheer and arms raised ready to be picked up, like you usually do.

You assisted me with untying and taking off my dress shoes and we played while mom got dinner ready.

You didn't eat very much of a meal you usually love. Mom gave you bath. I washed dishes. You ate an apple (Granny Smith is your favorite), and some pretzels. Then I tried to put you to  bed. You weren't quite ready and started crying when I left the room.

Mom came back and calmed you down like only she can.

Now I'm in bed too finally writing my first digital letter journal to you while your mom snores (let's call it breathing deeply) next to me.

I'm glad you're okay from your fall. I wasn't there when you tripped over mom's foot and face-firsted it into the sidewalk outside my office.

I had my emotional meltdown about that and other things shortly after the fall Tuesday night, but you were there for me when you were the injured on entitled to some parental support and attention.

I love you sweetheart.

Love,
Your Dad
Alma 7:11-13

Pancakes, Bacon, and Baby Devils

2 May 2013

Dear Josslyn,

I just put you down to sleep, but we can still hear your "uh-ohs" as you put yourself to sleep.

I love having you be a part of my life. Having a daughter has changed a lot about me.

I pay a little more  attention to other daddy-daughter combinations I see. I  notice other dad's and their daughters, and in most of their eyes I see they feel  the same way about their little girls as I feel about you.

I observe these other fathers and how they interact with their  daughters. They sit at restaurant tables picking food off each other's plates, they chase after each other down sidewalks one reaching out for the other's hand, they mimic each other's  sounds and actions learning how to be a  grown up and a stay kid at the same time.

Daughters have a special connection to dads' hearts.

This morning after mom changed your diaper and got you breakfast while I showered and got dressed,  we all watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse together. The three of us did some "jumping-Goofs" and all enjoyed it quite a bit.

Eventually, I did leave for work. Hoping today I'd come back a little earlier and let mom get some rest as she hasn't been feeling well. That didn't happen, but when I did come home you greeted me at the door with both hands in the air above your head, and screaming with excitement.

You and I then played some fun games  with mom's Snoopy  blanket, the shoes in my closet and other fun items. That play time is usually my favorite half hour of the day.

Since mom hasn't been feeling well, and because we had a coupon on the back of a receipt from Fred Meyer, we took what  seems like our bi-monthly trip to Denny's ( feels like we alternate with Red Robin each month).

You had chocolate chip pancakes, syrup, apple juice and your first sausage link. You ate really well, tried some of mom's potatoe soup and my hamburger and fries as well, and of course some ranch dressing  sucked off the cucumbers from mom's salad. I ate the bacon strip you didn't want.

Not too far from our table was a dad and his daughter having dinner. You of course told them, as well a everyone else  who entered your vision, "Hi" multiple times.

I caught myself observing what seemed like a very loving relationship between a father and his 5 to 8-year-old daughter. He ate the bacon and leftovers off her plate while also sharing bites of his plate with her. Just like you and I do.

At one point the daughter left to use the restroom while dad sat at the table waiting. As time passed,  the dad started to get more anxious and concerned.

The waitress noticed and offered to go check on her at the same time the dad started to  rise from his  booth and approach the restroom  door.

The dad remained standing while the waitress walked back to check. The waitress emerged not long after reassuring the concerned dad his daughter was on her way out.

He sat, and she returned. I stopped worrying  for him and her as well and went back to our plates.

It was a few minutes later that I noticed the dad out of the corner of my eye asking the waiter four a non-clear plastic bag.  At first I wasn't sure why such a specific request was made  for what I assumed was a means to transport leftover food home in, but when I noticed the dad  trying to discreetly place something in the bag underneath the table I knew the true reason for the specific request.

As you and I observed the dad and daughter at the other table, they too observed us.  You and I  both made eye contact with the dad as he placed what I assume was a pink pair of soiled underwear in the plastic bag under the table.

Without saying a word to each other, the four of us knew that we had something in common. The for of is knew we all belonged to the elite international society of fathers and daughters who have a loving bond to each other.

I pretended not to see what was going on beneath the table even though he knew I had observed what he was doing. Knowing that this loving dad was doing everything in his power to protect his daughter from feeling embarrassed.

It was neat to witness another dad  caring for his little princess. I couldn't help but picture every other good father I know doing the same thing at one point in their life for their daughter.

I pictured your grandpa doing it for your mom when she was little. I pictured uncle Jason doing it for Zoe, and uncle Eric doing it for Trinity or  Sophie. Then I pictured you and me, a few years  from now  in the same scenario.

It scared me a little to picture you that old and of trying to potty train, but excited me to know that I looked forward to protecting  you and having years of shared  moments only experienced by dad's and the daughters they care so much for.

The other dad and daughter came over to say good bye before they left and you were thrilled to make new friends.

A few minutes after they had left their table and you had a mouthful of chocolate chip pancakes, the young girl returned with her dad behind her.

She approached you and you greeted her with a sticky chocolate covered smile. She looked up to her dad for some more support and courage before pulling a stuffed baby devil out from behind her back to give to you.

She explained that she had won   more toys than usual on just one play of the crane machine in the Denny's lobby and wanted to give the extra to you.

It was yet another great example of the powerful bond between daughters and their dad's.

They left you and I with a lot more than just a plush cartoon character tonight. They gave us a few great examples of how to have a loving father-daughter relationship.

I hope we always share time together and go on daddy-daughter dates.

I hope you always share your big moments in your life with me, and whether they make you happy or sad, I hope you'll always trust me enough to share them with me even if they are embarrassing.

I hope we always have the courage to share the love we have for each other as an example to others.

I hope we always share our good fortune, and are never too selfish to not give service or gifts to complete strangers.

I hope we share our will remind each other to share our   blessings with others.

The other tables saying how  smart and cute you are.

Mom said liked Enchanted.

Love,
Your Dad