Vacation...

Dear Nicky,

One week ago today we returned from our vacation in Florida. You kids were just great coming and going on the plane. We were there five nights and it rained three days, which kind of sucked. For us parents it was an okay time, but you and June really seemed to enjoy it. You both had strep the week before. I had it the time we were down there. While there you ate pancakes for breakfast, fries for lunch, fries for dinner. It was all right. But we were all glad to get back.

Love,
Dad

More congratulations...!

Dear Nicky,

Well, you didn't eat much dinner, but you sure were in a good mood this evening. And when I put you on the potty before bedtime, you made an excellent number two. I cheered you on like a cheerleader. I gave you two thumbs up. I did the happy daddy dance. I was delighted. I was so proud. Another successful potty event. When we were all ready, I read you and June the story of Spotty the bunny. It was actually quite sweet. You went to bed eagerly and happily.

Love,
Dad

On a roll...

Dear Nicky,

This afternoon when you came home, you took off your shoes and socks and said very clearly "Potty!" and made the sign for "potty." You then went willingly to the bathroom. I'm so proud of you, buddy! You're getting the hang of it at last! This afternoon we went outside and you and June played with the neighbor kids for quite a while, then we came in and you barely ate anything for dinner (a banana and some milk). Then you got another bath because you were both hot and sweaty, then bed.

Love,
Dad

Congratulations...

Dear Nicky,

This afternoon the district psychologist came over for a while. You cooperated for a few minutes, then shut down. We went on the swings for a bit, got some air and sun, then came in for dinner, after which we had a bath. But prior to your bath, you did something amazing, something I'm very proud of you for doing: you made a really excellent poop on the potty! Good for you. Junie and I both gave you two thumbs up, and you seemed really proud of yourself. Outstanding! Keep up the good work.

Love,
Dad

Happy Easter Weekend 2010...

Dear Nicky,

Yesterday was so nice, we went to Pt. Pleasant for the day to walk on the boardwalk and have fun. As we were getting ready to leave, you and June spontaneously decided to brush your teeth. When we first got down there, the weather was actually quite cold. As the day went on it got warmer but never really warm. We had some fried dough and pretzels, played in the arcades for a while, then went on the rides, which you enjoyed. We grabbed some pizza, then returned to the rides. You and Junie and Mom went on a tilt-a-whirl, and you and Mom liked it, but Junie sure didn't. We came home after that. We all had a fun time.

Today was Easter Sunday, so we went to church. When we came back, you guys hunted for Easter eggs. Afterward, you had a huge pancake breakfast, then we went out to the girl cousins' house for dinner. It was a nice spread and you and your sister and cousins all had a lot of fun. You barely ate anything. Before we left, you made a nice pee on the potty. (By the way, on Friday night you made an excellent #2 on the upstairs hallway potty. Your progress has been slow and, I suspect, deliberately contrary in this regard, but real progress seems to be occurring at last.) On the way home you fell asleep in the car and we put you straight to bed. Lately you've been waking up way too early. All in all it was a very nice weekend.

Love,
Dad