a letter from my son at six months old

Dear Daddy,

I’m not sure I’m going to call you daddy when I find my voice.  I may go with dad, or da, or pops, or father-o-mine, or daddy-o.  Daddy will work for now though.

I see that you and Mommy are doing your best to comfort me, play with me, and teach me.  I appreciate all of your efforts, that’s why you get as many smiles and giggles as you do.  I figure the learning thing will become a lot easier for all of us when I learn how to do that talking thing you and mom excel at.

I hear the kitties talking too, but their words seem different, and I hardly ever hear you and mom use the same ones.  Sometimes you do, but I get the feeling you do it just to be silly.  Yes, I can already tell that you are very silly.  I like that about you.

I’m sorry that I scream when you change my diapers.  I wish I could help you understand why I do that.  I wish I understood why I do that too.  I think it has something to do with being confined to my back and I don’t understand why no one else has to lay down to get dressed.  I just want to help.  Don’t worry, I’ll keep trying and we’ll figure it out eventually.  I do have to say, though, my diapers are much cooler than yours.

I can see that you worry about me, especially when I’m being extra fussy.  You are usually right that it’s just my gums hurting.  These teeth things are annoying.  I don’t understand them either.  I know they will be useful one day, but I don’t need them yet.  I appreciate your concern, and you don’t have to worry as much as you do.  I’ll be okay.

Thank you for walking me around and taking little steps with me.  Thank you for making funny faces and playing peek-a-boo.  Thank you for showing me the soccer ball and letting me chase it and you all around the play room.  Thank you for taking me on adventures with you: the beach, Maine, the beach again, camping, the beach.  I like the beach.  I know I’ll like it even more when I’m older.

My first six months have been very good, and I know a lot of that is because of what you and Mommy do for me every day.  I can’t wait to see what the next six months will be like.

I love you,

The Little Prince

PS – What’s a birthday party?  I think I’m really going to like it and that thing called “cake.”