All by ourselves

Dear Marlie,

So today I went and picked you up at your baby sitter and we hung out for a few hours. Usually Crystal is with me and we all three hang out on and have fun these days, but she had to be somewhere this evening. So it was just you and me, all by ourselves :)

I picked you up from Maryam (she is your baby sitter and she is amazingly in love with you and we love her back) and off we went. I forgot your bag with all of your things at home because I was rushing to a meeting so our first stop would be to get the necessities. You know...diapers and wipes so I can take you to your mom fresh and clean, some food for you so you can eat, and somehow we made out with a bunch of toys and a new diaper bag, too. Don't ask me how, but you chose the diaper bag and you loved the toys when I handed them to you, so I got them. Some would argue that you'd love any toy I handed to you, but that's besides the point.

Anyway, I picked you up and you fell asleep pretty quickly as you normally do. We got to the store and I snapped this pic

Those are your little chunky feet with nail polish on them. So we went in the store...and did some damage.

After that we went across the street to the mall and just walked around. You get so many smiles from people when they see you. You have the cutest cheeks ever and the brightest eyes. And you are just the happiest baby. Always smiling and laughing and grabbing for toys. We strolled the mall and then I just wanted to hold you, so we stopped by the carousel and we played. You loved watching the carousel go round and round and you kept reaching behind you to touch my face. And when you felt me you would turn and smile at me. I have a feeling that this memory will stick with me forever.

All in all today was pretty much amazing. Just the two of us, laughing a lot and sharing us time all by ourselves. I get you tomorrow and you get to spend the night and we are going to see your cousin, Auntie, and Grandmother on Saturday. But today was so much fun and I can't wait to have a sleepover tomorrow.

Until then, I love you from here to Pluto, daughter. See you soon.

Love, Daddy

I see differently now

Dear Marlie,

I was browsing through today's news online a few minutes ago and I ran across this video...and all I could think of was you.

I have always had a gentle spirit, feeling for those in need and wishing everyone could be as blessed as I am. But I saw this video and the thought of you going without food, going without water, flies practically living on you...absolutely broke my heart.

We live such a privileged life. Although we have our challenges, we live a charmed existence and the thought that there are actually people who live in these conditions makes my heart weep. Daddy can get you new toys and new diapers and all of the food and water you need and I rarely stop to think what a blessing that is. As you continue to grow, if there is anything I hope I can instill in you, it is a compassionate heart that hurts when you watch videos such as these. I never want you to fly through your life never realizing how fortunate we are. We have the necessities. We have life without boundaries. We have each other.

I love you so much, Marlie girl and I promise to work as hard as my mind and body will allow so that you will never go without. Thank you for fixing my eyes. I see differently now.

From here to Pluto...

Love,
Daddy