Dear Grace
Yesterday was your third birthday. You had so much fun. We went to Castle Fun Park, had a pizza party with friends, ate cake, opened presents and went to Choo Choo's for dinner. It was a great day.
As a parent, you can't help but reflect on birthdays. A lot has changed since last year. I really think we're starting to get a more clear picture of who you are. There are things about you that have been a part of you for a while, but are becoming more and more defined. Your passion for music, your kindness, your concern for others, your silliness. They're all just becoming more obvious as you grow. I couldn't help but think that I really like who you are becoming. Everyone love's their kids, even if they're bad at expressing it. I feel lucky that I also really like you.
So that was yesterday. Today has been a little more relaxed. We've run a few errands, played with your toys, and hung out around the house. But one thing happened that, while it may seem insignificant to others, was a very big deal to me. Your mom and I brought you and your brother to McDonalds so we could have a coffee while you played on the play place. You did what you always do, looked at the play place very excitedly and watched other kids play while hesitating to go on yourself. I think you get that from me.
After about twenty minutes of you standing shyly at the stairs and your brother trying to chew on other children's shoes, we decided it was maybe time to go. After informing you of this, you got really upset because you wanted to stay and play some more. We told you we could stay longer if you actually played in the play place. That's exactly what you did. Honestly, it was one of the first times you went off to play without one of us by your side.
It was a weird feeling for your mom and I. We couldn't see you at all. I could feel my blood pressure going up. I knew logically that you were old enough to do this, there was no danger, you weren't far away, and there were just other kids in there. But it was still terrifying. Shortly after disappearing we could hear you laughing and jumping, and then you would pop out of one of the slides.
It's hard to describe just how proud I was of you. That was a big risk for you. You're like me. Cautious. Vulnerable. But you knew you wanted to play so you went for it any way and had a great time. I'm so proud of you for that. I know that as you grow older there will be times I can't be there for every part of your journey, I won't see every step you take, but I trust you. I trust you'll do the things you're passionate about, make good decisions, and come out the other side. And I promise I'll always be there, waiting to congratulate you, and bursting with pride.
I love you
Dad
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