I totally ripped this idea off from Dooce, who writes a monthly newsletter to her daughter, Leta. If I write these things some time during the first week of the month I figure I'll be doing good.

Dear Brenden:

You are a month old, pretty much. You, your father, and I are of course adjusting to life together. I knew it would be tough as in time-consuming, but I don't think your father understood it until now. I hope he still tries to be a stay-at-home dad, and hopefully we can find some help where you won't have to be put in daycare.

You seem well; I'm vigilant for signs of athsma/allergies or anything else but so far you are healthy. I am still hoping you inherited your dad's immune system and not mine which catches bugs the way Willie Mays caught pop-ups.

You are growing at an amazing rate. I had to move you into a larger crib all ready. Besides, I think you were getting bored of the same white walls and now you can look through the slats. You do seem entranced by the little stuffed kitty I hung from the railing. Good taste, kiddo. Get used to cats.

Just to make sure I do my job of thoroughly embarrasing you when you're old enough to read this, I want you to know I have been sorely tempted to post pictures of you naked. You're little body is so adorable but there's too many whackos in the world plus I don't want to be thrown in the hoosegow for kiddie porn. But I will tell you this: both your pediatrician and a nurse separately complimented you on how good your circumcision looks. I haven't seen many circumsised baby weenies so I couldn't tell you. All I know is I'm glad the doctor didn't slip.

And last: Every day I'm amazed at what I feel for you. I guess it's what they mean by 'bonding'. I was sure I loved you in the hospital but what I feel now makes that time pale. You are a sweet baby and only really cry when you need me to wake up and take care of you NOW, dammit, and sometimes you get gas real bad and there's nothing I can do but wait until you blow it out. Sometimes I get overwhelmed but if your dad is here we tag-team. If he's not then I cry it out, suck it in, and drive on.

To use a cliche, you're a miracle, kid. All I want now in my life is to be able to watch you grow up.


And now for something completely different: I have this pre-ordered. Click on the pic and read the top right blurb in the ad.