People say you only have 18 summers with your kids. Well, summer #2 with you is off to a great start, and I have no regrets. Take that, phrases meant to make you question how you parent!
You've spent a good number of days with your toes in the sand. Not because there is a beach anywhere near us but because your Mom built a sandbox using some extra lumber. Very Indiana of her to do. Of course, the sand is now all over our patio, and I just gave Matteo a bath to wash the sand off his body and out of his mouth.
We've gone to a couple Rainiers baseball games this summer, which have been a real treat for all of us. The ballpark is fairly relaxed, and there's room for you to run around the seat sections and common areas. We're often on the hunt for the team mascot, a moose named Rhubarb. You want to track him all night like a hunter but won't let me pull the trigger to shoot a photo of you with him. Too risky. You like to ask for a Popsicle treat, which I am inclined to buy because the beer isn't cheaper for me.
We went to the first game with the Chaffees. You were so excited to see the twins. You cornered Bridger at that ballgame and made him hold your hand. You've recently decided that you're married to both Bridger and Bennett. That's illegal here, but if that's the life you choose then pack your bags for Utah. The reverse gender ratio would be quite progressive there.
Your Grammie and Popa are in town for Matteo's first birthday, so we've moved you upstairs with us to sleep in what will be your new room after the bathroom addition is complete. It's been a good transition to get you comfortable up there. You only had one complaint that you were scared about a shark in the room. I can assure you sharks cannot make it to the second floor of a home on dry land, or your money back. You're sleeping on a mattress on the floor next to the queen bed your Mom and I occupy, which will be your big-kid bed. Queen bed, not a bad start! You do a fine job going to sleep before we do, but your Mom and I often wake up with you smashed in between us.
This is a big deal to have your own room again! I know it's been a little tough for all of us playing musical rooms around Matteo's sleep schedule. You'll have fun having your own space and we'll make it a special place for you to call your own. I can remember my childhood room at our family home in Renton with a bed that my Gramps made in the shape of a Ferrari. It's a first slice of independent living... until you make that move to Utah.
I am looking forward to moving back downstairs here soon, and leaving you to your own room. One night you scared the piss out of me. I woke up to you standing in front of the bed, staring at me and looking like that girl from The Ring with your hair in front of your face. You demand in a deep, red-rum, groggy voice, "Up in bed, up in bed."
I obliged to your possessed request. I'd like to make it to see summer #3.
Love, Dad