Dear Ari,
You’re a force of nature — there’s just no other way to put it. How the universe was able to stuff this much magic, love, innocence, naughtiness, drama, energy, and wonder into one little being is simply beyond me.
I can literally see the gears in your head turn as you babble away, testing all your newfound powers of comprehension and speech. The world is your playset and you’ll be damned if you don’t physically push every boundary. Your mother’s and my hearts are constantly melting and stopping at the same time. Chasing you around, the emotional whiplash you put us through, the sleep deprivation and fatigue… it’s all so real and so much.
So obviously the most logical decision was to give you a partner in crime, an accomplice to explore the world with together. Little baby Adira came along in March, introducing yet another dimension into our worlds.
I can tell you’re adjusting in your new role as big brother but I know you love her — all of your sloppy kisses and big, not-so-gentle hugs are proof of that. She already looks up to you, constantly observing with her big beautiful eyes to see what you’ll do next. I’m not quite sure you’re teaching her all the right things, but that’s ok — that’s what your mother and I are here for (mostly your mother, but hey, I try).
To know that no matter what I do, no matter how much I feel I screw up during the day — that the minute I come home you both will love me with everything you have for just being your father… how one man can be so lucky, I’ll never know.
This next year will bring with it so many new adventures…school, sports practices, trips near and far, etc. Through it all, you’re the star of the show.
Just know that everyone — me, your mother, little baby Adira…we’ll all be watching. We can’t wait to see what you do next.
Love,
Your Dad, Abhi
For more on fatherhood, read Abhi’s first and second letters to Ari.
Comments