From the annals

When my daughter was little, I used to sing to her when putting her to bed. It was the usual stuff. But, I'd sing little "ditties" that I'd make up. Usually a two line poem put to a melody. Well, as time went on, I started stringing together the "ditties" and eventually came up with a song. The next step was to make a music video out of it. I happened about this video while looking for something else, so I thought I'd share it. My daughter is around two in the video, and she's almost nine now. So, it's a little old. Still, I think it's cute. My song for my little girl, Jamie. Daddy's Little Girl:

Another girlie story

I had to work a 12 hour day yesterday. We have an annual show many of our clients participate in, and it's hell week. Lot's to do, little time to do it. Anyway, when I finally got home I was able to spend just a few minutes with my daughter before putting her to bed. She asked why I had to work so much. I told her, and that it only happens every once in a while. She was concerned for me and asked if they (work) provided dinner. I thought this was cute in that she was not only looking out for my well being but that my efforts should be rewarded, in the very least, with something to eat. Truth was, I had a late Taco Bell lunch and wasn't hungry until I got home. None the less, this didn't sit well with my daughter. She said she would make me a lunch to bring to work.

This morning I woke Jamie when I got up as she had a little homework yet to do. She got up and promptly grabbed her folder. I took my shower. As I got dressed, I noticed she was busy in the kitchen. I thought she was making herself some breakfast. Nope. She was making my lunch! Unfortunately, because our fridge has been on the fritz, we didn't have to offer. So, I got a cheese sandwich with chips and some pudding. Nice! She also wrote a note, but I can't read it until lunch so I can't tell you what it says.

Anything. Anything she wants.

World's Best Daughter

Today was one of those days . . . busy from the start. The wife took off early with her sister to see Benjamin Buttons. Three hour movie! AFter which they did lunch and whatever else. I'm often not sure.

Anyway, I didn't plan on too much football watching today as I knew it would be my girlie and me. I still managed a number of things. I made lunch for us. Cleaned the kitchen. Folded and put away wash. Watched very little of the Raven/Dolphin game. Went with Jamie to the sister in law to play on their Wii for a couple of hours. Came home and played Zooreka with Jamie while watching the Viqueen/Eagles game. Fixed dinner. Then watched a little TV with Jamie (Wizards of Waverly Place) before bed. A full day.

Right before dinner, I get this envelope with a card in it:

Thank you for being a great daddy. Playing with me. Playing on the Wii with me!! and reading to me. But, the most thank you's I want to give you for this is a lot . . .
just being my daddy!

How many times have I said she can get anything she wants?

The Show Must Go On!

No, not the Oscars, my girlie's birthday party! This weekend my girlie, who is now 8, celebrated her birthday in decadent style. She wanted a chocolate-themed birthday party . . . and sleep over! If you follow this blog you know this was supposed to happen last weekend, but thanks to my daughter's curse, she was sick and we had to post pone until this weekend. Well, everyone originally invited saw fit to squeeze Jamie in to their busy little schedules and so it was on. My girlie and 7 of her best buds . . . I mean, BFF's were about to get their party on.

So, I get sick. Really sick. Fever sick.

I think anyone who knows me knows that I take my daddying very seriously. So not being able to be a part of the preparations and potentially the celebration of my girlie birthday is heart wrenching. But, you gotta take care of number one first if you're to be of any good to anyone else. So, I had to sit this one out a bit.

Now, anyone who knows my wife knows there is no "half way", no "cutting corners", no "scaling down", no "do it the easy way". Nope. Nope. Nope. Doesn't matter if it's our wedding anniversary party or my daughters 8th birthday party, you go all out and make it special. Not that I disagree with that. But, when I do up a football party it's a bit different from how my wife does it. Yes, in most cases, thankfully so. But there are times when taking an easier approach to things doesn't lessen the enjoyment people get out of it.

She'll dispute that. And she'll be right. People notice the little things and it does add to everyone's enjoyment. One of the many reasons I love her to death.

Anyway. So, along come 8 girlies looking to party on. My wife had everything ready. All I had to do was enjoy it and at one point read a story. The girls did crafts, went outside and played in Jamie's playhouse, built a chocolate house, played some games, and ended the evening with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. They stayed up a bit past midnight just so so we could say it was the next day. They all slept like cute little rocks until about 7:30. Then, my wife made pancakes, they did chocolate fondue, and ended the morning learning the Oompa Loompa dance from the DVD. It was wonderful.

All the girls are a part of my wife's Brownie Troop so we both know them pretty well. Still, they were a great bunch of girls. No fighting, bickering, nothing. They all had fun and were a pleasure to have.

First today I'm feeling better and can help out by cleaning up a little. Very little. Jackie did most of that, as well.

I'm a lucky guy to be blessed with two wonderful girls in my life. I love you both very much.