Mason

I love you with all my heart. I wish I could spend more time with you and love on you more. Don't worry my sweet boy because when mommy graduates from Nursing School we are going to spend much needed time together. I miss our summer, we spent everyday together and I wish I could live my life like that with you everyday and every minute.

I wish I didn't have to study all the time. But I know it will all pay off. I made a promise to you and everything I do is for you. I want to make sure you are going to have the best life we can provide for you. You give me purpose in life. I thank God everyday for allowing you to be in my life.

At times, you can be a little demanding but I love that about you. I can see where you get that from. Of course, its from me.

I promise you Mason, I will make it through this semester!

You are my motivation and my heart. Love you forever and always.

Momma :)

Dear Mason,

There are many moments in my life which I cherish.  One being receiving text messages and images from your mom while I am at work.  The latest photo is this one...

I believe your mother's comments explain everything.  I know when you get older you may be a little embarrassed, but hey, at least I censored your penis.  There is also a video version of this moment, which is quite entertaining, but we won't post it.

Well Son, tonight you didn't want to fall asleep in your crib so Mom decided to lay out a few blankets and pillows on the living room floor so we all could have a "slumber" party.

While we were spending time together I was thinking about how important moments like these mean to me.  You are so young and innocent and I love it when you beg for attention and just roll around with me on the floor.  I was thinking about the future, when you get older you will probably want to watch television shows, get on the computer, play with your ipad, and etc.  I know you will grow older, but hopefully you will not grow apart from me and your mom....at least not too quickly.  I want to hold onto you as long as possible because you will always be my little guy.  I love you son.

Dad

A photo from tonight when you fell asleep on the floor after our talk.

Late night swimming

So today we didn't have much to do. I love days like this. We stayed inside all day because It was so hot!

I'm making your daddy watch the first season of Pretty Little Liars with me on Netflix. You were watching bits and pieces of it but mostly playing with your toys and chasing after shorty.

You took such a long nap today. 3 hours! We decided to take you for a late night swim. You haven't been in the water since your swim lessons ended. You didn't miss a beat though because you were comfortable in the water with Daddy. He dipped you a coupled of times and you didn't cry. I'm so proud of you.

We'll be sure to take you swimming a few times a week for you to cool off. Hopefully we can make a trip out to Great Wolf Lodge soon.

Future Doctor & Grandpa's love

Oh my little baby boy. For the past few nights you've been waking up at 2:00AM. I think your molar teeth are starting to come in. I don't mind you getting up in the middle of the night because I've been staying up late watching Grey's Anatomy. You seem to enjoy watching it with me. Last week we finished watching Nurse Jackie. Probably a little inappropriate for your age! With all these medical shows we've been watching I'm hoping you will be interested in the medical field when you get older, like a Doctor :) Even better, you'll find the cure for cancer. I know you can with that big brain in your head.

You've been to the hospital several times with me in the past 10 months of your life. Grandpa and Grandma have been very sick.

We don't know how much longer Grandpa will be here with us but were grateful for all the time we have left with him. He's such a strong, loving and caring man. I know you love him so much Mason.

When I was pregnant with you, the only thing I wanted was for Grandpa to be able to hold you in his arms. You see Mason,  January 2010 Grandpa was diagnosed with Stage IV Laryngeal Cancer. His prognosis was not good but we tried chemo and radiation to slow the cancer down and to hopefully get rid of it. Unfortunately, the treatment didn't work. June 2010, your Grandpa was given 6 months to a year to live. That was the hardest day of my life. I was not expecting your Grandpa to be with us after July 2011.  I felt like my whole world was crashing down. My Dad, your Grandfather is such an amazing person.

This was when the idea of having you came to my mind. I wanted you to have a chance to meet the person that I first loved besides your father. When I was pregnant I told my Dad that I wanted him to meet you and he made a promise to me and said he would try his best to be here with our family.

My dream came true and Grandpa was one of the first people to hold you in his arms. It was a wonderful moment for us. Fast forward to today and your Grandpa is still with us. It has been 2 years since the doctors gave him 6 months to a year to live. We cherish every moment with have left with him.

It is going to be a hard day when were not able to see your Grandpa's face anymore. I wish you could grow up with him and I wish your future sister or brother would be able to meet him.  It breaks my heart knowing that they won't be able to. We can show them pictures of you and Grandpa and tell them what a great man he was.

You are such a lucky baby to have been able to meet your Grandfather. I know at times you may not understand why I cry, but it's not because I'm sad, it's because I know that you are so special to our family. It was such hard journey to go through when we all found out that Grandpa was diagnosed with cancer. Everyone had no reason to smile anymore because we all knew our world was going to change. I remember the day I found out, it was like yesterday, I cried so hard in your Dad's arms. He's such a great Father to you and he will be a great husband to me. God blessed all of us when he brought you into our world. We love you so much Mason.

1 hour after you were born

He was speaking to you in Spanish :)

You love your Grandpa's hat!

My first Father's Day

Dear Mason,

I wanted to thank both you and your mother for making my first Father's Day so special.  I have learned a lot more about myself and our family ever since you came into my life.  I cherish all the moments we spend together as a family and during our one-on-one sessions as father and son.  I try my best to teach you right from wrong even though you are barely pass your 10-month mark.  I know when I talk to you, you understand what I am saying.  You can tell when I am happy or when I am sad.  I want to teach you so much everyday because tomorrow is never promised.  You are my little guy and I want you to grow up to be the best man to your mom, wife, and children.  

Thanks to you and your beautiful Mother for the best Father's Day gift.  I love it.

Son, always remember when times get rough to always stick with the people who love and cherish you.  I am telling you now, no matter what mistakes you may make in the future or how mad you think your Mom and I will be, just let us know.  We will all come together and try to figure out a solution.  There is no need for you to hold it inside and try to hide it from us.  I will always be here for you to guide and protect you as any father would.  I would like for you to have everything I couldn't have as I was growing up.  That is why your mom and I work so hard to provide for you.

Wrestling with you, one of my favorite moments I spent with you thus far.

As I am typing you this letter, you have been in bed since 11:30 pm and your mom is also in bed.  I just arrived home at 3:00 am from one of my part-time jobs.  While working, I couldn't stop but to think about our little family.  I know our family isn't perfect, but whose family really is?  At times I think to myself, what qualities and traits make-up a good father?  Am I a good father?  I would like to think I am, but then again I do doubt myself.  Then there are moments when I compare myself to other fathers and I see myself somewhere in between.  Hopefully, when you grow up and read this you will think to yourself, "Hey, my Dad was a pretty good guy, I turned out alright after all."  Then I can finally relax and smile down at you from above.  I love you Mason.

Love, 

Dad 

p.s.  Just know everyday is a Father's Day to me because when you are a part of it it makes everyday special to me.

Mason's First Valentine's Day!

Dear Mason,

You have just celebrated you first Valentine's Day.  Your mom and I went and purchased you a few books and toys and mom created you a Valentine's Day gift basket.  I personally picked out the Police Officer puppet which are hard to find, I hope you liked it.  As of now you may be too young to understand the meaning of Valentine's Day, but it is a very special holiday.  Don't expect it to be a holiday where you will be able to get out of school, instead you will have a lot of fun while in school.  Expect to receive a lot of Valentine's Day cards and candy from family and friends.

Mommy's crafty work

Valentine's Day is a day which reminds everyone to take a second to think and thank all the loved ones in their lives.  To me this includes you and your mother.  Of course there are other people such as your grandparents,aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, however there is no better feeling than the love I receive from you and mom.  Son, at times people may take their loved ones for granted so it is always nice to be reminded to do something nice for the people you care for such as giving flowers, chocolate, or gift baskets.  Mason, since the day you were born, everyday has been a "Valentine's Day" to your mother and I.  We love you.

Dad

Mason's favorite restaurant

Dear Son,

Today your mother and I figured out your favorite restaurant.  We went to go eat with your Aunt Tiara, who chose....Bone Daddy's!  This was everyone's first experience at the restaurant.  Well the food was pretty good but you really enjoyed the scenery!   You sure couldn't stop smiling.  You were very popular with the staff at the restaurant so we thought it would be a good idea for you to take some photos with the waitresses but first I had to give you a diaper change.  

You were the main attraction @ Bone Daddy's

Since Bone Daddy's did not have a family restroom I changed your diaper in Mom's car.  You did a #1 and a #2 so it took quite sometime to change you.  Apparently, Bone Daddy's doesn't have a trashcan outside so being the law abiding citizen I am, I left your soiled diaper in Mom's car instead of littering.  You and I went inside for about 15 minutes and you took your photo, which you loved!  We came outside, and well your diaper sure left a strong odor in the car!  So Mommy said she would take care of the diaper, she took it and came back empty handed.  I asked her where did she dispose of the diaper?  Guess what she said?...SMH.  When you are older and read this, you can ask your mom where she placed the diaper. 

Love,

Dad

Sock Monkey

My little Sock Monkey.

Here you are laying on your Great Grandmothers bed being silly. I love you Mason. You have no dea how much you mean to me. Everything I do in life is for you.

Dear Mason...you have just experienced your first Christmas

Son,

We had a busy and fun-filled Christmas week this year.  On Thursday we took you to go look at the lights at Interlochen located in Arlington. Once you get older I am sure the lights at Interlochen will still be a tradition, but in case they aren't, I will elaborate.  Interlochen is a residential community where everyone gets together and decorates their homes/yards for the public to view.  The drive takes about an hour just to view it, thankfully we live down the street from it. You slept through first half of the drive but you seemed to enjoy the second half once you woke up.  Here are a few homes we saw....

On Friday, our family (including Shorty) drove to Arkansas.  Thats where we saw your Great Grandmother, all of your great aunts and great uncles, and cousins (and 2nd cousins).  You received a lot of attention and everyone held you in their arms.  I was lucky enough to take photos of you and your Great Grandmother.  She is almost 80 years old and I want you to get to know her as much as possible.  She said you were a big boy and she wasn't able to hold you for too long.  

I love this photo of you and Great Grandma

She is definitely someone you should look up to...

:)

On Saturday morning, yourself and I (along with some family) went to the Thai Buddhist Temple at 7:00 am in the morning.  You were tired and slept through the trip but I was able to take a few photos of the experience.  Two of the senior Monks prayed for you and said you were a big baby.  Just to let you know, your mother and I are not the most religious people in the world.  But we want to expose you to different religions and let you choose the "right" one for you.  We will support you in your decision.

The view from the Temple's window

Praying

Blessing

Later that night, which is Christmas Eve, everyone gathered at Grandma's house, had Christmas Dinner, and opened presents.  It seemed as if you really enjoyed opening your presents, due to the sounds the gift wrapping paper makes.  You received a lot of toys and some clothes.  Your mother and I discussed how it was interesting that you received a lot of toys/gadgets which will help get you to sleep longer at night; we will see if it works and I will let you know.

Great Grandma's tree

That's not even half the people that were there

One of the sleeping gadgets

Another one of your sleeping gadgets

Shorty helped with the torn wrapping paper

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  Your mother and I hope you enjoyed your first Christmas as much as we did.  We love you.

- Dad

Mason's First Thanksgiving!

Mason's first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 

Fort Smith, Arkansas.  

Son, 

Today is your first Thanksgiving and there is so much I am thankful for.  First off, I am thankful for your beautiful mother who has been by my side through many years.   She is such a hard worker, going to class and clinical numerous hours a day, and then coming home to care for you while she studies long and tedious hours.   She also gave me the most wonderful gift in the world, you!  

Our Family Thanksgiving Photo

Dear Mason...the word at the moment is "Generous"

Son,

A few days ago we attended a pre-holiday, Thanksgiving luncheon at the office of Midtown Apartments.  While there, we saw a special someone who adores you, Joanna.  After meeting her you could easily define the word Generous.  

Its so easy for you to bring joy into someone's life

Dear Mason...no one is perfect, except you.

Son,
It is about 4 am and you woke up our entire family....again.  So to make you feel better, your mother and I changed you, fed you, burped you, and laid you down to sleep.

Afterwards, we had a long discussion about taking precautionary measures to ensure your safety.  Neither one of us want any harm to come to you so we discuss ways we can be better parents.  We both know we cannot always be with you every minute of your life, but there are things we can prevent to ensure you stay out of harm's way.  It is critical we have some sort of plan put in place to keep you out of danger.  Your mom and I only want what is best for you.

Mason @ one week old

As you get older you will realize no one is perfect.  However, I believe you have been the perfect child for the past 14 weeks and no nothing will change my mind for the next 18 years or more.  You see, you are our son, and your mom and I have a lot of learning to do on this long, fun, and life-changing journey of parenting.  All of us will make mistakes, overlook things, or hit a bump in the road.  But remember it is important for our family to come together and help one another.  Life is a not fair, nor is it easy; no one can get through it alone.  So do not forget, you will always have your mom and myself here to assist you in anyway possible.  We both love you very much.

Love,
Dad

Baby Einstein's Jumper

Dear Mason,

Today we all went to Babies R Us and purchased Baby Einstein's Jumper.  We opened up the box and discovered there were over 20 parts to this toy.  Mommy didn't think dad could put it together, however dad proved her wrong.  It took him a while, but eventually it was completed in an hour.  The jumper is recommended for 4+ months, but we wanted you to get a head start.  The jumper is supposed to grow with you, however even on the lowest height setting, your feet still won't touch the floor.  So dad figured something out (see photos below). You seemed to really enjoy the jumper, we can't wait for you to become even more active and really enjoy it.  We love you son.

Mom & Dad

Mason watching dad put together the new jumper

"Mom, I don't think dad knows what he is doing"

Dad completed it!

Mason testing it out

Almost there, but not quite yet...

Our little man still wants to try it out.

Dad is so smart!  Thanks!

Worn out

Dear Mason...today you visited the police station.

Dear Mason,

Today I took the day off from work to go on "baby duty."  Mom has a very important test in a few days and needs to concentrate on studying.  She needed some peace and quiet and asked me to take you out for a few hours because you are obviously distracting.  This is how our day went...

First I took you to the East Police Station where you met a few Officers, Sergeants, and Detectives.  You were a big hit and Detective Heisel, who is pregnant was finally able to meet you.  One day you will get to meet her son, Wyatt.

Next we drove to the North Police Station.  Here you were able to meet a few dispatchers which included Jaime, Cherie, and Michelle.

Finally, I took you to Kroger where we bought Salmon and other groceries.  We drove home and I cooked everyone dinner.   Mom asked me to take some photos from our father/son day out.  Thank you for behaving and not causing a ruckus.

Love,
Dad

Dressed and ready to go

Your Birth Announcement in Detective Heisel's Cubicle

Jaime

Cherie

Michelle