Quarters Galore

It's only been a few days, but quarters are causing you to do what you're supposed to do. I wish you could do things on your own, but this is a start. And it shows, that you are able to do what you're supposed to do.  I don't want to always have to use quarters as behavioral tools, but at least it works for now. It may not always work...

We are going to Aunty Joanne and Uncle TJ's later today. You're going to need to be super good. There are people there you don't see often so it's important that you show them your best. Lots of quarters for you. Right now you even wanted to sleep by yourself to get a quarter. I was gonna sleep with you too. LOL. Anyhow, keep listening to your parents and coaches and you'll get lots of quarters. When you're an adult, you can make bad decisions if you want. We hope you don't...

Spend, Share, Save

Alliteration is so cool. I'm hoping this is a good thing. I was thinking, at the rate of payment, you'll get more than 1 toy a week. Hopefully, making you save and share will slow it down. Although, I was asking mommy, what you're saving for...

Anyhow, you seem to understand. I'm gonna try to teach you about cents, nickels, and dimes too. That way you can earn more. Maybe, we'll charge you a fine when you're bad? Not sure, but at least it something you seem to easily pickup and motivates you. Motivation is important. Hopefully, you'll learn to channel it in a good way for good things...

I Have An Idea...

Probably not an original one, but original to you. How about we start paying you to be good? Sounds bad when I say it out loud, but it's to motivate your simple mind to do what you're supposed to be doing anyways until you learn to do what you're supposed to do on your own. At that time we can transition it to an allowance for chores?

It will also teach you the value of money at an early age so you understand that it doesn't fall from the sky and that you need to work for it. And that you need to save, share, and spend it. Anyhow, I think mommy is on board and I'm glad you only know about Dollar Tree, although I'm not sure what kind of quality you get. Maybe you can try Temu? But then you'd have to wait...

Daddy, Can you ______ me ______?

You just asked me if I can buy you more toys. I think it's because I bought you toys yesterday out of the blue. I thought we did a good job of making your gift binder, but I might have ruined that with my actions yesterday. I'm sorry. It's not that we can't afford to buy you anything you want. You won't understand it until you're older probably. It's because we shouldn't buy you anything you want.

Scarcity gives things meaning. As does the opposite. If you always get what you want, what will happen when you finally don't? They say that "friction" is an important part of your development. Making your life easy can have negative impacts in the long run because you won't be able to figure your way out of complex or difficult situations. It seems like you understand that it's okay to lose, but that applies to things you may not want to lose as well. Anyhow, I'll try to reset your desire for buying things. However, if you want me to print something for you, that I can always do...

Happy Days

I hope that all your days are happy, but that's probably unrealistic. I'll settle for you having more happy days than unhappy ones. I'll try my best to sacrifice my own happiness and do whatever I can to make sure you get as many happy days as possible. The only exception is if your happy days is a bad thing. I'm sorry, but if doing the right thing or giving you a happy day are the choices, I will probably have to do the right thing. Sorry.

I hope you never have to make tough choices in life, but that's probably unrealistic. I hope that when the choices is made, you do the right thing, even if it doesn't benefit you. Principles and morals are hard things to hold true to in this world. I imagine it will only get more complicated for you. Until then, enjoy the happy days.

"Graduations"

The first of many. I don't recall if we had one at Merryhill or not. You did good. Much better than at Cha's 25th anniversary. Anyhow, I'm sorry you don't get to go to Edna Batey next year. It's unfortunate, but it is what it is. Who knows, maybe you don't want to go, but we didn't ask and you're probably intimidated by a new environment. Fortunately, it's only another year. Your cousin Aiden seems to be adjusting well. I wonder if we will or need to enroll you in tutoring. I think you're pretty smart already...three twos is six...#numberofblueberriesyoulleatfordaddynottobesad

I'm sorry you didn't get a graduation bag, but you didn't graduate. I hope you understand that you can't always get what you want. You tell me that it's okay to lose, but I wonder if you only do that when it's okay for you. Same goes, it's okay to not always get presents. If you always get them, they'll lose their meaning. In life, expectations can mess up your reality. I hope you don't let that happen to you. *pray*

Father's Day 2026

Thanks for making me a Father. I have to be honest and say it's not something I expected or ever wanted to do, but you make doing it a little easier (most of the time). I truly believe it wasn't your choice to be here, so I have to give you some grace when you're difficult. But since you are here, and it's partly my fault that you're here, I will make your life as great as possible.

I'll try to work and fit into this shirt better. I'll try to stay alive for as long as you need me. I'll try not to be a burden on you. I'll try to give you whatever you need to be a successful member of society. Being a father and you being a person are both firsts for us. It's important that we work together to help each be the best version we can. Cheers to another Father's Day.