10.24.23
Hello ladies of a dingo!
How my squirrel girls? Poppa doodle dockalis coming you from Tuesday October 24th, the day before I turn 36. Ew, old! Been a hot minute since I hollered at ya so wanted to check in and let you girls know I still love you. I’m a workin man filling up my days with WIC, Almond Board of California, Amgen and Blueprint Medicines. Know this is about you but I’m the one writing so you have to hear a little bit about what I have going on. So much stuff going down these days.
Avery is a big school girl who loves Miss Virginia’s class of TOP DAWGS. Learning all about letters and numbers and shapes and colors and science and dancing and sharing and playing and all the things. Every day you come home with a cool new piece of art or a fun story about what you did and it makes mom and I light up with pride. Aside from school we’ve hit a bit of a rough patch concerning your behavior. Lots of “no” and raising your voice and not doing what we ask you to. Think it’s just a 3 year old (almost 4!) doing 3 year old stuff but it ain’t fun to deal with on a daily basis. When you’re not being freshy fresh you’re full of adventure and wonder. I absolutely love the way you click your tongue when you’re telling a story. That’s when I know you’re deep in it and it’s fun to see you pace the plot points. A few weeks back we went to the farm with your class and mom and I got to talk to Miss Virginia. She said you’re a sweetheart who helps get the other kids to pay attention, leading by example which is awesome.
As for little miss Isla - you’re getting super big mama! I can’t believe you’re already 5 months old. You’re super tuned into everything Avery does. Mom and I think we’re going to have another smarty on our hands because you are very aware. Head on a swivel always interested in what’s going on. And it seems like you understand when we talk to you, which ain’t the case for most 5 months old. Mom has given you the nickname “poop” so we’ll see if that’s still a thing by the time you’re reading this. Think the origin of that one is pretty self-implied. You're definitely sleeping a bit better these days but you’ve got this really fun screeching owl noise you make when you’re not getting attention. Pair that with Avery yelling at us and it’s a barrel of laughs over here lol.
Both of you girls are really into music, which makes me incredibly happy. Every time I pick up my guitar you’re both so interested and eager to get involved. I’d like to think we can all play songs together when you girls get older.
As for momma lomma ding dong, she’s struggling a bit with the balance of life. She’s doing an amazing job with you two but her sense of self gets lost in the sauce. I try to help her find it but I think this is just a part of life that happens when you’ve got two small kids. Kind of depart from who you are for a few years to give all of yourself to the family. I have the same experience. And I’m not telling you this for some retroactive guilt, just trying to be open and honest about what it’s like to have kids, in case you want to some day. The purpose of these letters is to share real, in the moment life updates and that's where we’re at.
From a broader life perspective, Lisa Grissler had a baby boy named Bennet, Joe had another boy named Sam, Andrew had a boy named Adam and Dan had a girl named Reese (might have already told you that one, not sure). All of these names may mean nothing to you some day.
Coming up, we’re headed to New York for Thanksgiving - going to see Grandma Ellen and my side of the fam. Grandma Lori is going to make the trip as well.
Here are some pics and songs.
Love you big time!
Dad
