Dear Squeaky,

It was wonderful to have you and the rest of the family here for thanksgiving. You are such a delight to be around. I especially like your mellow mood...when you aren't hungry, in pain or need a diaper change.

You are growing and developing so fast that grandma and I are amazed at how much you change between visits. We are also so glad that you take after your dad and not your mom. We will see you soon when we come down to visit.

Papa loves you.

Dear Squeaky,
What a joy to have you visit this past weekend. You were truly a lady. Except for when you were hungry, I don't think you put up any stink. Well, let me rephrase that. Except for when you were hungry and you put out a stink, you were smiling, fun and amazingly able to occupy yourself.

Perhaps when you come back for thanksgiving you can give meditation lessons to your big cousin, Joseph.

Papa loves you.

Dear Squeaky,

As you get older it will be harder and harder for me to remember how you look today. Actually, it is harder and harder for Papa to remember how he looked last year. That's why the family takes pictures, so we will remember. It may not mean much to you now, but one day you will enjoy reminiscing over old photos. You will see pictures from times you will not remember, like now, and also see pictures that recall wonderful memories of times the family has spent together.
As it turns out, Papa and Grandma already enjoy the pictures because they remind us of your recent visits. So here is one picture I enjoy. I hope you will one day enjoy it as much as I do.

Papa loves you.

Dear Squeaky,

Grandma and I are still tired from your visit, and it was a joy to have you here. I could not believe how much you had changed. I saw you sit up and think you will soon be crawling.

Your smile is more beautiful than ever. Your Dad has no chance against it (you will know what I mean when you are older).Papa loves you

Dear Squeaky,
It was nice having you here this past week and seeing how much you've grown. You actually get prettier each time I see you, and your smile is a jewel. I bet you're anxious to see your daddy when he gets home this weekend. When you are older I am sure he will tell you all about Germany and Denmark.

Tell mom that I hope she feels better.

Papa love you

Dear squeaky,
It is July of 2009, and I just met you and mom for lunch at the Olive Garden in Illinois. I must say, you are more beautiful each time I see you. And how fun it is to see you beginning to hook up your central nervous system and relate to the outside world (read: me). What I mean is that is exciting to watch you grow.

I look forward to seeing you crawl, then walk and, finally, drive your mom and dad nuts. And, if they ever yell at you, call Papa or Grandma. We will back you up.

Papa loves you.

Dear Squeaky,

Sunday is fathers' day, so give your daddy a big hug and squeak something nice to him. He loves you so much and would do anything for you.

And remember,
Papa loves you

Dear Squeaky,

You and mom just visited, and it was great to see (and hear) you both. Grandma and I were amazed at the amazing sounds that you are already able to make at your young age. Two in particular deserve awards.

In second place is the rumble-blaster that sounds a bit like a cannon and usually occurs shortly after you take in a bottle of milk. It is, I suppose, a helpful sound as it leads one of us to take action that results in positive actions that help preserve your hygiene. Then, there is the squeak.

In first place is the plethora of squeaky sounds you make while asleep. While endearing and cute in of themselves, they wake Papa up every time you make them. I guess that, in my sleep, I hear you and think you are getting up. As a result, morning finds you rested and hungry while I look like I've been sleeping under a tree. Anyway, as far as I am concerned, your new name (of endearment) is Squeaky.

Just remember,
Papa loves you.

Dear Ady,
Your visit was amazing, and I loved having you here and holding you. What I don't understand is how you could have slept 98% of the time and still manged to exhaust 3 adults. Any way, I love the little squeaks you make when you sleep...even though they wake me up.

I just saw the pictures mom posted. They brought back fond memories of your visit here and when grandma and I visited you there. Stay well and remember...

Papa loves you.

Dear Ady,

Welcome to the world, and welcome to the family. As I write this, you are about 10 days old and sleeping most of the time. It is a Monday, and you have just spent a weekend with grandma and me up here in Milwaukee. The joy your presence has brought us is immense. You have no idea how a new life affects a family.

From time to time, I will leave notes or you on this site. As you get older, you may want to read them (when you can understand them). If you chose not to, that is okay as well. You see, you have your own life to create, and you shouldn't let anyone "should" you. Yes, there will be things that mom and dad will not allow you to do because they are unsafe or unwise. But, as you grow older, there will be decisions for you to make, and only you will be able to make them. Don't let others decide what is best for you. Get advise from people you trust and make your own decisions.

Wow, I am really getting ahead of the time. For now, just remember what I always say to you and your cousin, Joseph:

Papa loves you