Dear McKenzie, Month 8

Posted on Fri 11/14/08 in Fatherhood

Oh McKenzie. The Kenz. Kenzie. Wenzie. Kenz Wenz. Winka. Pinky. Sister.

However we call you, it is always with endearment. Yes, even during our nightly 3am rendezvous for a diaper change, a bottle, and some rocking... even when you refuse to sleep for mom during the day... and even when you spray pureed peas all over the kitchen... we always think you are nothing short of the absolute prettiest little thing south of the North Pole.

Lately, there has been a lot of excitement in your life. In fact, while writing this, mom notified me that you've sprouted your first tooth! Hooray! Soon you'll be on your way to munching on peanuts and chewing chocolate (I hope you won't chew the chocolate that doggies drop). So, let's see. You've been crawling and standing for a few months now. Your head pops up everywhere: behind the couch, Ethan's train table, the washing machine, toilet, bathtub, crib, everywhere! It is awesome. You crawl amazingly fast and survive countless attacks from your big brother. He regularly asks you to dance and wrestle, and he will not take no for an answer. Ethan is actually very nice to you; he often lets you play with his garbage truck or his tools. Sometimes he'll bring you your toys for you. He brings the WHOLE basket of them... and he dumps them on you. You usually laugh.

Speaking of your laugh... you've definitely inherited your laugh from me. It is usually under your breath... he he te he heh te ha ha, while your mom and Ethan cackle: te hE HE AHA HAA HAA HA HA AHA. Who knew that was passed through your jeans?

This month has also brought your vocal cords to life. Now, don't get me wrong -- you've been screaming since you popped out... but without much precision. You're now fine tuning that tongue to make some words. "Ma ma" was first. "Ba ba" and "da da" and some wonderful singing came next. This weekend I heard you say, "Where is my credit card?" I was dreaming? Right, yes, I was. Thank you for reminding me. Thank God.

During your first trip to Disney this month, you were a perfect darling, and you really seemed to enjoy the trippy light show in the Tigger and Poo ride the best. I came to realize that while Ethan is content wearing shorts and a t-shirt, your subsequent visits to Disney for the next 10 years will include a full princess get-up, with matching jewels and hair spray, of course. It will be very fun.

I love you, my little princess. I pray for all the one-year-old boys out there who are destined to break your heart, and I promise it won't be me they have to worry about the most -- it'll be your already very protective brother.