Dear Avaleigh,
So much has happened since I last wrote. We just had Thanksgiving and I have loved spending so much time with you the past few days. It’s been amazing. For my birthday, we went out to eat and then to the mall so you could take a picture with Santa. You wasn’t to sure about him, but it was still fun. You have done so good when we go out. You are smiling, playful, and always trying to interact. Your Mom said I could pick out whatever I wanted at the mall for my birthday. Here is what I got….
Avaleigh got Minnie for my birthday….
There was nothing more I wanted than for you to get something. I’m amazed at the changes I’ve undergone since you were born. In the past, I would have bought a game or some type of tech toy. Not that time, I wanted a Minnie Mouse and a some Little People. You loved the Little People Disney Princess Castle.
We also met your little sibling last week. I can’t being to describe to you the feeling you get when you hear that heartbeat for the first time.
When I heard your little heartbeat, it was life-changing….literally. I had certain views for my entire life around things like abortion, but hearing your heartbeat the first time altered all my views. Everyone keeps asking me if I want a boy or a girl, but I don’t care. I just want us to be happy and I want for you to have a brother/sister to grow up and love. One day, we won’t be here anymore and your brother/sister will be the only link you have to your past.
On Monday, we lost a family member. He was laid to rest on my birthday (the day after Thanksgiving this year). It was sad, Avaleigh. A life that had such promise gone far too soon. I chose not to go to the services. It’s important to me that you know why.
As I grow older, I’ve learned that time is the most precious commodity I have. Once gone, I never get those seconds, minutes, hours, days, or events back. Yes, it was Black Friday. However, I didn’t miss a funeral so I could go shopping. I missed a funeral because I realize, now more than ever, that there will only be so many days to take you to sit in Santa’s lap on my birthday. There will only be so many moments that I can walk you around the mall while you are dressed in your pretty little holiday outfit and everyone smile and look at us. Those smiles aren’t what I’m after, it is the affirmation of how special the moment that we share together is….those people look at us and remember. They remember the times when their little ones made that pitter patter sound and squealed as they held on to their finger, partly because they were scared of Santa, partly because they were so excited about being with the Mom or Dad. I live for these moments. Sharing them with your Mom and you…it makes me a better, more humble person.
There is something that I heard the other day…a question that you can apply to any facet of your life. I am applying it to my marriage with your mother, my relationship with you, my job, and my faith. It goes like this….
If I want to be a good Dad, what kind of things should I be doing and what kind of things should I be saying today? You can take Dad out and put any word there. Right now, that is the most important role I have….
and I will cherish it everyday.
I love you today, tomorrow, and forever…
Daddy
Dad of Girls 
