40 weeks.

Another letter from your dad, baby. Enjoy, and please do not let this pregnancy photo taking nonsense last for another week, okay?

Dear Baby,

Oh yet to be born child, why have not come out to meet us yet? Your mother desperately wants to meet you, and so do I. She also wants you to come out so that your head and shoulders are not squeezing her hips apart. I hope that you appreciate the biological feat that women (in this case, your mother) pull off when they carry a child into this world. It is something truly admirable. I am a little jealous of the closeness she shares with you, and yet, I would not be so excited about the pain. I just hope that we can meet and develop a closeness over the rest of your life. 

I want you to know that I commit to being the kind of father that makes you do things that you do not want to do. You may not like it at times, but later you will thank me. I know a lot of people will tell you things like that, but in this case it is true. Let me give you an example. Your Grammy and Papa (my parents) used to take me to Mammoth and take me on hikes. I remember complaining about sweating too much and the irrefutable certainty that I would die if I walked another step. I moped and whined and dragged my feet, but when we got to the lake, or the stick fortress (wait until you see the stick fortress- it’s cool!) all of that negativity was gone, and fun commenced. Now, I am addicted to the outdoors, and find it hard to be so far from them during the work day. Last summer, I hiked the John Muir Trail in 12 days (part of it with your mama), which caused me to feel that my feet would fall off, and I regularly run long races where I sweat crazy amounts. So, what I am saying is just trust me. When I make you do something you don’t love at first, it’s for a good reason. I have learned that we grow most through the moments that are most trying. Though it may not be super fun in the moment, when we are forcing you to be out of your comfort zone we are doing it so that you grow, and I hope you will grow into the type of person who chooses to step out of your comfort zone throughout your life.  

I also want you to know that I commit to being a father that loves you unconditionally. I know that you will not be at your best everyday. I expect that you will do things that we disapprove of. When that happens, I commit to being there to love you and help you get back on the right track so that you can be the best person you can be. Just remember, when you do have moments of frustration and failure, that getting up and trying again, correcting mistakes, and making amends, is the best way to get back on the right track. 

I hope, also, that you can forgive me when I make mistakes. I will not always be as selfless as I should be. I will not always live up to these commitments, but I will do the best I can. I look forward to meeting you and to loving you and caring for you. To teaching you and guiding you and providing for you. So please baby, come soon!

Your dad

(This week's photos taken at Balboa Park under a beautiful pink tree.)