Off to Philadelphia

Due to some unfortunate scheduling I had to cut my Father’s Day with Kylie short (dropped her back off at Mommy’s house around Noon) as I have to leave for a DR test in Philadelphia which starts tomorrow morning at 8am. My flight leaves at 1:45 which means I have to be to the airport by 1 the latest. I tried to get a later flight out so I would have more time to spend with Kylie, but the price went up by an additional $600 for the later flight, so sadly I am not able to postpone the flight any later. The only thing that makes it anywhere remotely ok is that Kylie has been with me since Thursday night, so I have had a good amount of time with her the last few days. So off I ago once again to Philadelphia, at least it is a city that I really enjoy being in.

Happy 5th Birthday Kylie!

I can not believe how fast time goes by! Today, Kylie, you are 5 years old! I look at you and see how big you are getting and it just amazes me. I still remember the day you were born, giving you your very first sponge bath right after with the nurse, holding you and looking into your beautiful eyes. I never knew how happy I could be until you were born. And now, five years have passed. Everyone told me it would go by quickly, but I just didn’t realize how fast it would truly be. I wish I had a way to slow down time and spend even more of it with you, building memories and having fun. I hope as you continue to grow you realize just how much everyone loves you and cares for you. Ever since your first day you have been a very happy and loving little girl, and I hope you continue to be happy, upbeat, and positive as you grow. The empathy and sympathy you display for others at such a young age always amazes me and makes me proud. I hope we can continue to provide you with all the opportunities and chances to explore all your hearts desires, either to continue with something you already know (like ballet) or to learn something completely new. Though I can’t wait to see what the next five years brings for you, and I greatly look forward to watching you grow, learn, and explore the world around you, I hope it doesn’t go by as fast the first five have.

Speaking of new things, today is the day you embark on learning something new. For the past few months you have shown increasing interest in Mommy’s violin, so Daddy got you your very first violin! A 1/8th Suzuki Violin complete with bow and hard case. You were very excited when you opened your eyes and saw the case in front of you. Soon you will be starting private lessons once a week which Mommy will help enforce during the week as you and her play together. I know Mommy is very excited to share in this experience with you, both to see you grow and play the very same instrument that she plays and to help her get back into playing as well. I hope that over the years this will be something the two of you can share and bond with. And, of course, I am very much looking forward to hear you play such a beautiful instrument!

On top of all this, today is an extra special birthday (for me at least) because it is also Father’s Day! A day that without you I would not have been able to celebrate for the last five years! This is something that only happens every few years and for me it is a very special treat! Today, like every Father’s Day, we went out to breakfast together, just as I used to do with my father. Today, though, instead of going to McDonald’s we went to Ihop and had some very yummy pancakes and eggs. On top of that you even got a free ice cream Sunday because you told the waitress it was your birthday! You thought it was very silly that you were having ice cream with breakfast, but you enjoyed it immensely.

This morning, with you, was such a blast! Happy Birthday Little Bit, We love you, whole bunches forever!