A shadow...

Dear Nicky,

Last night at dinner I got a call from the rehab hospital that your Yia Yia had to be taken to the emergency room. I had to call to let Papou know. He was there all night, and I spent most of the day worrying about them both. Kind of a sucky day, and frankly a sucky note to end the trip on. But I'll be happy to get home.

Love,
Dad

Fancy dinner...

Dear Nicky,

Another nice day today, with plenty of water play. Later a babysitter came to watch you and June while Mom and I went next door to this fancy restaurant with another couple. The place was weirdly designed and the food didn't drive me crazy.

Love,
Dad

You fall asleep...

Dear Nicky,

This evening after an afternoon of water play, we went off the island to this restaurant, but you fell asleep on the drive over and stayed that way, so we ate quickly, then went to a Walgreen's for some stuff. We came home and put you to bed.

Love,
Dad

Water, water...

Dear Nicky,

This morning we spent a lot of time in the water, first in the pool and then at the beach. It was slot of fun, then we had some lunch, then put you and June in the kids klub. Later we gave you a bath and got a babysitter while Mom and I went out with this couple we know for a nice meal, that was made even nicer when they picked up the tab. When we got back you guys were sound asleep.

Love,
Dad

Great success...

Dear Nicky,

Today we went to great lengths to brief you on the kind of behavior that we expected you to display in the kids club and happily, you got what we were talking about. Your behavior was very good and erased or at least educated these people that work the kids club about who you really are and what you're capable of. For dinner we went to a place that was little too fancy for the level of food they were serving, but it was okay. It was nice to be with you, and the day was a good one.

Love,
Dad

It begins...

Dear Nicky,

This morning our vacation began in earnest, with a nice breakfast for you, and all of us actually. Then we hit the pool for quite a while, which probably tired you out and accounted for your somewhat poor behavior in the kids klub, which necessitated them calling your mother's cell phone while she and I were on the beach. This was kind of upsetting forMom and me. Later we out to Target only to discover that it was closed for Easter. So we went to a Walgreen's to get some stuff we needed, like a way to make a stepstool for you when you use the potty--and some aloe vera and vitamin C for my sunburn. Then we went down to a bookstore, came back, had a bath, then dinner, then bed.

Love,
Dad

We arrive...

Dear Nicky,

We arrived safely and successfully on our latest trip to Florida. You and June were just great on the plane and well behaved the entire journey from the airport to the car rental place to Target to the hotel. By the time we got here we were so tired and hungry we basically just got something to eat and went to bed pretty early.

Love,
Dad

Back to Florida...

Dear Nicky,

You have this coming week off, so we're heading down to Florida for a few days to get some sun and time in the water. June is a little sick, but she shrugs colds off like nobody's business. I just hope you don't catch anything. Hopefully it be a lot of fun for us all and no catastrophe will occur with my mother in rehab.

Love,
Dad

Indy...

Dear Nicky,

Your mood was good this morning and afternoon. You were cooperative and cheerful and as a result got to play some Wii. Your choice was the Indiana jones Lego came. And you were quite good.

Love,
Dad

Too much Maul...

Dear Nicky,

I'm talking about too much Darth Maul, that is. Your sister is just crazy about him all of a sudden, calling him her favorite bad guy. This evening you ate some spinach pizza and a banana, had a nice bath, and went to bed easy. Last night, you snuck in bed with us and were awake at four o'clock.

Love,
Dad

Blue face...

Dear Nicky,

This afternoon during a coloring session you got blue marker all over your face, hands, and the couch. Fortunately, it was Crayola washable marker and it came right off. I was a little cross with you and you were on the verge of tears, but I told you I forgave you and you bloomed like a happy flower. For dinner you ate all of your chicken nuggets, but no fries. You guys wanted to watch Star Wars Episode One yet again, but I said it was time to go to bed, and surprisingly you and June complied rather well.

Love,
Dad

Unspectacular...

Dear Nicky,

You woke up super early this morning because your diaper leaked, but we snuggled you down for another two hours of sleep. You went off to school a little grumpily, but that's just how roll, basically. Wasted most of the day today waiting on the plumber and the phone repair guy. The plumber basically did his thing but the phone guy couldn't do much. The noise on the phone line is rendering the phone nearly useless. You came home in a good mood and played some Wii, then we had dinner, which you ate very well: bowtie pasta and meatballs and a banana. Good job. Mom came home early and gave you a bath then put you to bed.

Love,
Dad

Like a rooster...

Dear Nicky,

This morning you were wide awake well before six. We tried to get you to go back to sleep but you'd have none of it. You went to Sunday School, then later went out to Granny's, where apparently Junie acted silly. When you guys came home, you were sound asleep. I wasted my afternoon playing video games.

Love,
Dad

Winter returns...

Dear Nicky,

This morning Mom took you to your swimming lesson, which you loved, while I took June to her tennis lessons, where she's getting good and having fun. It was extremely cold and windy and we couldn't wait to get home, where we wrapped a present for some kid's b9rthday party. She had fun, and you helped me with emptying the dishwasher. We did some laundry, had some laughs. Then when Mom and June came home, we went out to Chimney Rock, then we came and had a bath.

Love,
Dad

Model behavior...

Dear Nicky,

Today we went on your Toys R Us photo shoot. It was a little tricky to find, but once we got there it was fun and easy. There was a whole crew devoted to you: wardrobe, hair and makeup, handler, photographer, etc. Your behavior and personality were just awesome and everybody was impressed with your cooperation and sunny disposition. I wouldn't be surprised if we heard from these guys again.

Love,
Dad

Bedhog...

Dear Nicky,

Very early this morning, like one or two, you came stealthily into my room and wanted to get into bed. Because you are so adorably squishy and cuddly, I can never refuse bringing you in, but last night you hogged the entire king-size bed by lying perpendicular to any position I was in. Also, you kicked a lot, and started smacking your lips around 4:30 this morning, so I didn't get much sleep last night. Thanks a lot.

Love,
Dad

Amazing burgers...

Dear Nicky,

This evening I made these hamburgers from some meat that had been sent to us frozen as a gift during the holidays. We've sampled their steaks before, and tonight it was burgers, and let me tell you, both you and June went bananas, they were so good. We all had a nice if simple meal of burgers, fries, and carrots, followed by bananas.

Love,
Dad

We get the call...

Dear Nicky,

This morning I got a call from a lady that wants you to be a model for a Toys R Us catalogue. On Thursday we drive into Union City, just north of Hoboken where we used to live. I think everyone will go crazy for how adorable you are.

Love,
Dad

Early riser...

Dear Nicky,

Early this morning, like really early around two a.m. I woke up because I detected your little presence near my head on my side of the bed. I made to pull you into the bed with me, but then I noticed your clothes were soaking wet. Your pullups must have come loose or something while you slept and you had peed in them. So I got up, stripped you down, put you on the potty, and put on a fresh pair of pullups on you. I didn't put any new PJs on because I knew you'd be quite warm--snuggling next to me. You're the cuddliest. You're like a living, breathing human Teddy bear. Also, today you had another swim lesson with Miss Patty, whom you adore and do so well with.

Love,
Dad

Some cleanup work...

Dear Nicky,

Today Mom took you to the gym for a while in the morning while I took June to her tennis lesson. Then Mom went to this fundraiser type of thing at your school for a while. Later the three of us went, and there I traded you and Junie off to Mom while I stayed and helped clean the joint up. Afterward, we all got together and went to Chimney Rock, where you surprised us by eating a lot of broccoli. I myself ate a whole pizza and found it delicious. When we came home June expended some energy outside for a while, then Mom gave both of you a bath, while I assembled this tiny little toy chest we acquired the other day.

Love,
Dad

Bloodwork...

Dear Nicky,

Today I picked you up at Stones as soon as all you guys returned from your field trip to Kidz Village in Kenilworth. From the way everybody was raving about it, it sounded like a great time was had by all. After all that fun, it was time for some trouble, and by that I mean blood test.

So June and picked you up and we went to St. Barnabus together. We checked in, went to the lab, and had to wait quite a bit, but I must say you kids behaved fantastic. You were adorable, curious, and well mannered. You really made me look good. The nurse/receptionist even commented on how calm I was. Anyway, they needed a urine sample too, which wasn't easy to get, since you didn't really want to go, but you tried to please, and we got enough. Then there was the blood drawing itself, which frightened you and you struggled in my arms, but the phlebotomist was skilled and the process was brief. Afterward we came home, had treats as a reward for your bravery and June's, and played Wii. Later Mom came home from her trip and our little family was together again.

Love,
Dad

Lentil soup...

Dear Nicky,

So this was last lunch I made for you today, since tomorrow you'll be having a pizza lunch on your field trip. I hope you have a lot of fun.

This morning you ate nothing, which probably accounts for why it looks like you ate all your lunch. This evening it was pizza bagels. Tomorrow, we'll see.

Speaking of tomorrow, we might go get a blood test as St. Barnabus hospital. Hopefully, it won't be so bad for you.

Love,
Dad

Where's the DVD...

Dear Nicky,

You got up super early today and woke my poor butt, too. You came home asleep but woke up for Wii and some steak. Gave you a bath, then bedtime.

Love,
Dad

Same ol routine...

Dear Nicky,

It feels like we are at that point again where we rehash how tired we are. I'm not gonna bother you with that!

Love,
Dad

The three of us...

Dear Nicky,

Mom's out of town all week, so we must work together and take care of each other.

Love,
Dad

Swim, Nick, swim...

Dear Nicky,

Took you to an afternoon swim lesson today. You loved it as usual and I think you're starting to come along in terms of progress. I wish June were as fearless as you when it comes to swimming. You ate a nice meatloaf dinner this evening, with mashed potatoes and milk and a Tastykake. Then Mom gave you a bath and we called it a night.

Love,
Dad

Dinner, and my mommy...

Dear Nicky,

Laurie came over and Mom and I went out to dinner. The food was really great, but just as I was about to start dessert, I get a call on my cell that my mother had pulled her feeding tube out and needed to be rushed to the emergency room so it could be reconnected. They told me my father went up there as well to help keep her calm. This was around seven. By the time all was said and done and my mother was back in rehab it was past midnight. Very stressful and frustrating.

You guys did a lot of outdoor play. Although you have a tendency to throw things, we encourage you to get outside and get plenty of fresh air, and you got a lot. And when Laurie came over you guys had a decent dinner and then dyed some Easter eggs. Fun!

Love,
Dad

Camp application...

Dear Nicky,

This summer we're going to try a day camp, and today was when we had to apply and get you interviewed. Mom took you over to meet the lady in charge and I guess she was suitably impressed that she agreed you can go. Afterward you went to a playdate, then came home and had a peanut butter sandwich and went to bed. Sometimes life is just so exciting and filled with wondrous variety.

Love,
Dad