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