At 5 years old...

At 5 years old, you found your first Best Friend, Caroline.

I hope you always cherish and love your friends the way you cherish and love Caroline. Best friends are special and can last a lifetime.

At 5 years old, you asked for a phone.

We were teaching you how to dial your phone number, and you kindly asked when you could have your own phone. It was nice, but the answer is still no.

At 5 years old, you began to ask why others are different.

This is the age where you are recognizing the differences in your friends. Just recently, you asked me why all your friends are losing their teeth and you are not. Just remember, when it is your time, it will happen. Life is full of surprises! Don't try and figure them out.

At 5 years old, you enjoyed doing homework in the summer.

I love to see your face light up when you write your letters, and put the sounds together to make a word. May learning always make you feel this confident!

At 5 years old, you received your first American Girl doll from Nana.

You picked Rebecca Rubin, because she looked just like you.

At 5 years old, we celebrated!

This was the year we arranged a party for the first time outside the house. It was so wonderful to see you share the excitement of your birthday with all your friends!

At 5 years old, we are so proud of the little girl you are growing up to be!

At any age, good girlfriends are a treasure

If we have learned anything as parents, it's that we need to take time for eachother and ourselves. So, many years ago, Joe and I agreed to annual "friend" trips. In recent years, the stars have aligned such that the Chargers and the Ravens have met up in San Diego. Therefore, Joe's annual trips have tended to lead him to the West Coast to watch sports. Me, on the other hand, I enjoy relaxing coastal vacations with the girls.

This year, three of us Moms from the neighborhood headed down to Ocean City, MD, for some fun, sun, and relaxation. As with years past, I never know how much I need time with the girls until I am with them.

We enjoyed our girlie beverages.

Found a cool sushi place (no shoes!).
And indeed, relaxed on the beach. All. Day.

As with all good times and good friends, our time together caused for some good memories...

This is our friend we call MBA: It's meaning is not academic.


The Bruiser: This is me. And, the nickname? Well deserved.

This beloved is Dirty Banana: While she didn't earn this nickname on the trip, we can always count on her to break out in dance to Michael Jackson.

I had such a good time with these ladies. I look forward to next year. We are parasailing!!!

A Letter to My Daughter on her 5th Birthday...

Well, Katie, it's was five years ago today (add a few hours) that we first met. It was the greatest moment in my life. I remember the way you were taken out of mom in an emergency C-section, and how I was worried about the both of you. How pissed off you looked when you were born (like "what took you so long?"). But it was that very exact moment when we locked eyes the next evening, I knew that a special bond that would last a lifetime was made. Instantly.

So now, here we are, 5 years later. 1/2 way to double-digits. One whole hand!!

I couldn't be more proud of the sweet little girl that you have become. You care so much for your little brother (even as you make fun of him for wearing a mermaid towel). You have that charm that will take you a long way in life. You have that sparkle in your eyes that is so welcoming to everyone you meet. You showcase the love you possess for life and your friends every single day. Sometime it's when you wake up. Sometimes it's when you are telling us how much you love your best friends. A lot of times it's when we laugh together when you are supposed to be sleeping (and mom yells at us both). But you know what, Kate?? Sometimes in life you have to just go ahead and laugh anyway. No matter how many people in the house we keep awake. :)


Keep on being you, Kates. You couldn't be any more perfect in my eyes. Live, laugh and love. I love you more than you could ever imagine (and you can imagine, believe me!). Keep on making me the proudest Dad there could ever be!


Happy Birthday, Katie-bug...


Love,

Dad