Jack,
Today on your first birthday, as I think back on your year, a few things come to mind.
I hear the pitter patter of hands and knees as my “Silly Bud” sprint crawls across the Daycare floor when I pick you up at the end of the day. I hear the joyful squeals of “Whacko Jacko” when I toss you up in the air, chase you around the couch, or play peekaboo with you at the table. I hear my little “Piano Man” enthusiastically pounding away at the keys in the living room. I hear the high pitched jibber jabber and sound of “Dada” coming from the stroller on our runs. I hear silence on the baby monitor when you fall asleep around 7 pm to when you wake up around 7 am. I hear the happy babble of a sweet little boy who loves everyone he meets.
I see the smiley bobble head in my rearview mirror as “Jackaroni and Chaz” dance to Dad’s special playlist on the way to school. I see “Jack Lasso’s” big blue eyes and toothy smile greeting me at 6:40 every morning (even though your sister probably beat me to it and is already sitting by your crib reading you a book). I see “Big Man Stan” splashing around like a crazy man on the beach, at the pool, or in the bath. I see my “Chunky Monkey”eating every bite on his tray, drinking every drop in his bottle, and searching for every crumb on the floor. I see your mischievous look any time you’re about to do something you’re not supposed to do. I see you waving to every neighbor we see on our walks. I see the thrill in your eyes when I push you on the swing. I see the curious way you watch and take in everything your sister does…for better or worse.
I hold onto the feeling of a 26 pound cuddly medicine ball that always seems to make my heart skip a beat and my biceps burn a bit.
I think about the bond that you built with both Mommy and Charlie (even though you’ve replaced me as their #1 guy).
I’ll never forget the snuggles with my chubby and plump jolly old elf.
I’ll be forever grateful for how easy you’ve been to parent, and how much easier you are to love.
Jack- You’re a kind, loving, and joyful guy in a world that could use more kind, loving, and joyful guys. You’re a goofy ball of sunshine born at a time with a lot of sad and serious headlines. And by just being you, you brighten the day of everybody who spends time with you.
When I look back at your first year, I’ll always cherish how special it was to have you in our lives. You have so many special people that will always be there for you as you grow up. You’re well fed, well rested, and well loved. As you know by now, you have the best Mom and sister anyone could ask for.
While I share these memories as we celebrate your first birthday, I’m really celebrating and even more excited about what the future holds for you. I can’t wait to see what kind of person you become. I’m curious to find out how you impact the world and to see the lives that you touch. And I’m just so lucky to be your Dad.
Now go smash your cake, Birthday Boy! You deserve it.
Love,
Dad
The Janiec Reflection 