Great Daddy

Lincoln and Ben-

You have a GREAT daddy. There are so many reasons that this is true. Since there's no way that I could ever list them all I'm just going to write about the ones that just came up.

This weekend we had a birthday party for Ben. I didn't plan to let Daddy do a lot of the parenting during the party but that's how it ended up. I had a wonderful time visiting and enjoying the party. Daddy had a nice time, too, but he spent a lot of time carrying Ben around. I think that's a bit because I had made a conscious effort not to pick up Ben every time he came over. My back has been really hurting me and I'm trying to give it a break. Apparently Ben wanted more comfort than just hugs and kisses and Daddy definitely filled that need. Daddy also stepped in and fed Ben and got him his milk before I even noticed that he needed anything.

Besides being a wonderful Daddy in ways that make Mommy's life easier he's also a GREAT Daddy because of all the cool things he teaches you guys. He is a lifetime learner. Mommy, Grandpa Diehl, and Papa seem to always be looking for new things to learn, too, but somehow Daddy seems to do it more and in ways that you guys can see and learn from - at least at this point in your lives. Daddy loves history and watching the history channel. So, you learn a bunch of things just from having it on in the background of life. But Daddy also likes all things related to space, geology, and sports (at least football and a little general sports). So, by the time Lincoln was talking you were talking about volcanos and stars and such. Super cool and much different (more advanced, I'd say - although I'm obviously a bit biased :) from your classmates.

I really like math and some science stuff and reading. Lincoln started being upset that he couldn't read a few weeks ago. It makes me really excited that maybe you'll get a love of reading from me. But, it also makes me a little sad because it really is bothering you. However, it has jump started your desire to learn your letters. So, you can already identify capital O and X and sometimes B, L, I, and even sometimes M. (I'm also always counting things and talking about the denominations. So, hopefully, you'll have no fear of math. I can hope!)

Back to Daddy - he does a great job of playing with you guys. Some of your favorite activities are wrestling with Daddy, having Daddy make you fly (on his feet), having Daddy sneeze things off his head, chasing, tickle-ectomys and such. Also, Lincoln really likes to help Daddy mow the lawn and do all kinds of stuff outside and with the cars. (Lincoln likes to help in any and all ways. He's GREAT with this!)

Daddy also sets a great example of loving you guys and me. He spends lots of time kissing us all and being close to us. You guys think its fun and funny when mommy and daddy kiss. I love this. I want you guys to know how much we like and love each other. We also talk about grown-up type things like money, budgets, jobs, politics, religion, and the news at dinner and around you guys. Hopefully, you guys will grow up knowing about the world and knowing that these are things that are good to talk about. Also, that these are things that people who like each other can disagree completely with but it doesn't hurt our relationship. Maybe it even makes it stronger.

Your Daddy is also great at having business and ideas about money, investing, and planning for the future.

All in all, you have a great Daddy!  :o)

Love,
Mommy