How do you define a family tradition? Is there a minimum required
for it to count? Well, you have only been in our lives for a little over 2
months and already we’ve started having our own family traditions! For example,
I am a firm believer that you ONLY like to spit up while I am holding you. This
is quite a task to the point you once even managed to spit up in my mouth.
Another family tradition, for now, you and your mother are best of friends. I
am very much a distant second! You smile, laugh, and are captivated by her! It
warms my heart to see how deeply in love both of you are already (because, of
course, by now I’ve become your favorite).
Another family tradition was started by your Papa Charlie.
At the time, I am not sure he knew that one day it would be a tradition but,
alas, here we are. When I was born, your Papa went out and bought my first
stuffed animal, Woofer (I later found out to be named after a speaker). Shortly
after leaving the hospital, your Papa put him in the shirt they gave me after I
was born and laid him beside me. For years, Woofer was the very best friend I had.
I took him EVERYWHERE and, if he wasn’t around, I couldn’t sleep. Woofer was so
beloved that his head managed to fall off several times but, as luck would have
it, your Diva was a nurse and could magically sow him all better. Woofer at
night, along with your Papa, read me stories, assured me that the bullies in
school wouldn’t be as mean tomorrow, and taught me how to pray. I would be
lying to you, even as I grew up, if I said Woofer didn’t still play a role in
my life. When I was scared, heart broken, or lost he managed to find a way from
the closet to my arms. Until I met your mother, he was my most prized
possession.
So, with Woofer in mind, I wanted to be the one that was a
part of giving you your very first best friend. You are only two months old but
already you’ve showed us you’re too cool for a teddy bear, too cool for a
princess doll, so what could I possibly give you? It’s with that thought I found
the perfect present – Cecilia the Sloth!
Cecilia is silly and speaks with a lisp. She loves to swing
on cradles, sing silly songs, and give special kisses. She can’t wait for bed
time stories to be read to you both by your dad, laughing with you at your
favorite cartoons, and singing her favorite song, “Cecilia” by Simon and
Garfunkel (especially since you WILL grow up to love Classic Rock!). She’ll be with you to protect you from
monsters under the bed and MANY, MANY, MANY years from now will keep your best
kept secrets about what boy you adore.
Above all, she can’t wait to grow up to be your best friend
just like my Woofer was for me.
No matter the days you manage to spit up on me or not, just
know that every day with you is pure joy and that I, your mom, and even your
stuffed animal Cecelia love you more with every new day! You already are one of
our best friends and we promise not to tell who you will always love the
most (ahem…me)!
p.s. being your dad is awesome!
