Letters to Fitz: August 17, 2016.

Bubba! 

Hello my friend! 

You are the absolute worst and I love it. I never knew having a son would be so fun. You’re sister has been the absolute best baby, but you are definitely the funny one. 

I’m writing you today because I bought you you’re first toy. Now don’t get me wrong. We’ve bought you toys in the past, but Elliot has called dibs on mostly every toy that comes home. I’ve been waiting to buy action figures and toys for you since I found out we were having a boy. You’re currently obsessed with this show, “Jake & the Neverland Pirates”. I guess it’s an older show because we’ve been looking all over for toys and we haven’t found anything. 

One day we randomly stumbled upon a set of pirate gear from the show and snatched it up quick. You’ve been so excited about it and so have I. One of the feelings I’ve been looking forward to. I’m excited for more days like today. 

I know you think I’m lame, but I’m pretty sure you are too. 

Stay wild. I love you.

Dad. 

Letters to Elliot: August 10, 2016

Hey Sweet Pea! 

I hope the world is treating you as wonderful as you are! As I sit here with you and bubba I feel like it’s time to start writing again. 

There’s a nice gap in between letters recently, but as you know, life happens. Mom switching jobs, going back to school, dad working on his art and getting into the programming world, you potty training!? Let’s talk about that for a second! 

Jeez kid you are a handful. Since you were born I dreaded the day when would start potty training. Like most things parenting related, your mother trumps me every time. So when she’s around it’s mostly successful. Not so much when it’s Dad Solo. The first day we went through about 10 pairs of undies and the house smelt like… well I’m sure you can imagine. When day three hit we were rocking and rolling. 

I never would’ve thought in a million years that potty training would be so full of emotions. Ups and downs. Cries and laughter. Fear and joy. It’s definitely need an amazing experience. You’re a pro. 

Now I dread potty training your monster of a brother. I know I know, you probably think I’m lame, but I think you’re a rock star. Keep it up kid! 

Love, Dad.

Sad Day.

Today was the last visit from one of Elliot’s VI teachers, Sharon. We’re glad she’s getting to retire and enjoy time with her family, but it has been weighing heavy on our hearts and minds. We knew the time was coming, and she only had a few more months to work with her before school starts, but it was sad all the same. 

She’s impacted Elliot and our family in so many ways. Sharon came into our lives at a time where we didn’t know how to handle the news of Elliot being blind. All the emotions and uncertainty was a lot to bear. From the first time we met she had such a calm and caring demeanor. It really helped us become stronger for our little darling. 

There’s no way to repay her for all her help and guidance. We only hope that we never lose touch and one day Elliot will be able to show her how much she’s helped. 

Well enough of the sappiness! Hope everyone is having a great day! 

-LW

Dadvice: New Dads. Get Granny.

Get some help with other stuff round the house for the first couple of weeks. This is where your or her parents (or both) can be invaluable, helping with housework and cooking meals to give you both a chance to rest.

Dadvice: New Dads. Take Baby Out.

Even if it’s just for an hour, take baby for a walk or to do the shopping and leave Mom to have a lie down in the afternoon. This will earn you extra brownie points, plus you get some Daddy time.

Dadvice: New Dads. Get on the Sofa.

If you’ve got a spare room or a comfy sofa, sleep there for a couple of nights during the week if possible. You need to help her as much as possible, but no one’s going to thank you if you get fired for sleeping on the job. Then you can take over at the weekends.

Dadvice: New Dads. Have the Night Off.

Give each other the occasional complete night off from feeding, so you get turns at going to bed early and sleeping through all night. Remember always, team work makes the dream work. 

Dadvice: New Dads. Get it where you can.

Grab rest and sleep when it’s available. If the baby is asleep, the two of you can have a lie down too. The dishes can get done some other time. Make sure this only happens at home. You don’t want to get caught snoring in a meeting or in the middle of traffic. 

Dadvice: New Dads. Eat Properly.

If you’re back at work make sure you have a healthy lunch every day if possible. Avoid heavy meals that will make it a certainty that by half three in the afternoon you will be slumped over your desk drooling on your keyboard.

Dadvice: New Dads. Lay off the Booze.

As I mentioned last week, lay off the booze for a while. You might think that third glass of wine will help you sleep, but you’ll think differently when you get woken up at two in the morning. Newborns and hangovers are not friends. Trust me.