Competitions

Dear Dada,

Life has continued to move at a rapid pace. Mom recently decided to put all our things in boxes, stack them in piles, get people to put them in their cars and trucks and then rearranged them in this new place we've been staying at for a few days. I'm not quite sure what she is trying to accomplish but I don't really mind what things we have or where we live so long as you, Daniel, Joshua or Mama are there every time I wake up.

I personally thought our old little place was just fine - we could have made it work for longer especially if we had just implemented Daniel's idea to have the whole family sleep on one bunk bed (Mommy and Daddy on top and three boys on the bottom).

Anyways I am trying my best to keep up with my older brothers in this new place we are living and spend most of my time watching them and learning while you're at work each day.

The one key lesson I have absorbed so far is that, at least in our household of all boys, life is all about competition.

One cannot merely eat breakfast; one must always challenge the other in between bites by stating "I'm beating you!".

Putting shoes on... one must declare "I did it first!".

Even going on a walk... actually we don't really go on walks. Yes, you guessed it, we actually always go on races.

Since I can only roll, cannot eat solid foods and haven't figured out how to put shoes on (although I do think that they are pretty tasty to drool over) I have been trying to come up with a category in which I can compete.

Finally I found it - teething.

I'm busting two out on my lower gum and all I can say is "I'm the earliest! I'm beating everyone!".

I'll do my best to remind you of my efforts tonight so you'll be very Sleep deprived proud!

Best,
Joseph

The Plumbing Dr.

Dear Dada,

Today was quite exceptional. Have you heard of the mythical workerman Jared? He actually came to our house. This is the same Jared who is so strong he can fix anything, dig any trench, fell any tree... There's no problem too big for him!

Needless to say we were agape at his exceptional plumbing abilities today. We got to eat our breakfast at the worksite a.k.a. our front porch.

We did our best to help and advise him throughout his time here with helpful comments like:

"Maybe if that's too hard for you my Daddy can come home and help you. He's an engineer."
"It's just like a lego, but it's a hose!"
"Do you need a glass of milk to do that?"
"Maybe it will work if you just screw it on."

I'm pretty sure he would have been at a loss as to how to proceed without us. We also cheered him onward when the task seemed daunting - with every twist of his wrench we would alternately yell "Wow! Good Job!" and "What are you doin?". Joshua even threw a pool ring in the air about 10 times asking "Is THAT cool?" to help boost morale.

Above all we put safety first. Safety as in - eye protection and masks to protect our... hair.

In short, we have completely altered our career goals. We want to be like the legendary Paul Bunyan, I mean Uncle Jared, when we grow up too!

Love,
Joseph

3rd Child

Dear Dada,

I've heard many people say that it can be unfortunate to be a third child. The rumor is that there is less time for parents to adore you, you wear all the hand-me downs and even that they take fewer pictures of you.

I for one cannot believe this is true.

I mean, Mommy does photo shoots with me!

I always have the best of care - especially when Mommy is trying to shower.

I also get primped just like all the others were.. I mean I bathe... at least once a week...alongside two rowdy older brothers!

I do frequently clean up my own spit up... I'm just a responsible guy...

I guess the only concern I have is that it's taken nearly three months to produce two e-mail messages to you whereas other children I assume have corresponded more frequently...

I guess I'm just a man of few words. I assure you that has nothing to do with being your third child.

Love,
Joseph

First (Practice) Day of School!

Dear Daddy,

Today was our first day of school! Well actually the first trial run while Mom had an inservice. Daniel really prepped me so that I would go in ready for action. He explained about how preschool had stations with various fascinating activities. 

I figured my baby class would be structured the same since Mrs. Wasserman was in charge and boy was I right! There was a drooling station, a nursing station, multiple sleeping stations and even a pooping station! It was quite thrilling. Today I spent all but five minutes in the sleeping station (aka ergo baby carrier) and the last five in the Mommy's arms station. 

When I got home I was so exhausted I fell fast asleep on your bed.

I can't wait to go back! Maybe next time I'll try to be more interactive...

Love,

Joseph

Jumping - Advice for Baby Park

Dear Dada,

You might wonder why this particular skill warrants its own entire post as Daniel and I tackle necessary advice topics for Baby Park...

Let me just say that it's waaaaaaay easier to jump and do flips and cartwheels before you're born. Out here in the real world it takes a lot more skill, class and sheer velocity (when you're a tike of my size) to accomplish the same feat.

I thought I'd share a few pointers for Baby Park to practice. You know, next time right after Mom has eaten and she's trying to take a nap or sleep in the middle of the night - your typical gym time.

Maybe it has something to do with the weight displacement to my midsection...


Sound effects really do help....distract your audience from an embarrassing belly flop.

I'll keep working on this and get back to you and Baby Park.

Until Next Time,
Joshua

Favorite Songs - Musical Baby Advice

Dear Dada,

In this second installment of my sage advice for baby Park Daniel and I tackle a beloved topic: Music.

We all know Baby Park is going to be expected to be a musical prodigy. I mean Mozart began composing music at the age of 4 or 5? Pheesh. With our help, Baby Park is going to blow past those record holders.

Let me share a few catchy favorites so that Baby Park will be jamming with all the right hand motions even before he's out of the womb!

1. My God is so Great.



2. Deep and Wide. (This one is really difficult for the directionally challenged! I can never remember when exactly to motion up and when to motion to the side...)



3. Classical Music. I've already written extensively about the highly technical challenge and musical refinement one must attain before you begin writing your own musical pieces. I would refer you to Daniel's past composition for that.

4. Lastly - pretty much every night sometimes Daniel or I wake up in the night and this is a great song to sing as a goodnight lullaby.


Perhaps we will be able to have some Park-Trombly musical collaboration in the future!?!

Can't wait,
Joshie

Our Registry Picks

Dear Dada,

So apparently there is going to be a new baby in the family. Contrary to popular belief (mainly held by Daniel) that baby is NOT going to be able to live at our house.

Way to kill some great news, with depressing details right?!

I realized that as Uncle Eric and Auntie Kristina get ready for this little one to come they would really appreciate some tips as to how to be prepared.

First installment: Daniel and my registry picks.

1. Blankets.

So Baby Park doesn't have to steal his parent's bedding when he wants to make a fort or wear a cape. Oh and I hear it snows where he lives... could be nice for keeping warm too.

2. A smallish big boy chair.

This small tool is really vital for the engineering type, which we can all assume Baby Park has no choice but to become. Turning on and off lights and opening locked doors are all a cinch with this item!

3. Pals.

At night some of us really prefer to have a few teddy bears and other friends to squash while we sleep on top of the pile  cuddle. They're really fun to practice your utensil skills with as well.

4. Truck Books - I personally recommend at least 20.

Perfect for ideas on what baby's first five words should be: Truck, Excavator, dirt, Tractor, Wow.

5.  Salad Tongs.

When imitating aforementioned vehicles it's always nice to have several different options for your "claw" to pick up bark, rocks, dirt etc.

6. Credit Cards.

If Uncle Eric is anything like you, Dad, he'll know just where to find these treasured items. They're great for stuffing in your cash register and behind your dresser!

Some final notes:

- So many people register for items that simply aren't necessary! I personally see most clothing as optional - running around with or without a diaper is really the way to go. I would just register for a few outfits for church so baby Park can dress up like his Dad.

- Whatever you do, do NOT register for a snot-sucking device. It's a torture implement from mid century China. I'm serious. I read that it's made in China.

- Tools for chopping solid food are also totally overpriced and not needed. I created a short tutorial on how simple duplo blocks will more than suffice.

That wraps up this segment of advice for Baby Park!

Love you Dad,

Joshua