A Happy Easter

Day 117:

While it's true your extended family may live all over the country- places like Arkansas, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware- of the family we have right here in the state of Virginia we couldn't ask for a more loving and fun crew, Conor.  Your Great-Aunt Helene, Great Cousins Alicia and Patsy, their significant others Paul and Graham, and of course all your Cousins - Rebecca, Tess, Natasha, Brianna, Liam, and my Godson Devin... There is more than enough love to go around, Boy'O... So much so in fact, we were all passing around babies like most people pass dishes at Easter dinner!  One after the other, everybody held a different kid today!  Such fun, Son.  From Easter egg hunts to lessons in becoming a restauranteur - as instructed by your 4 year old twins Tashy and Bree, it was quite the afternoon.

Your Great-Aunt Helen prepared a feast!  More food than any of us could possibly eat, but darned if we wouldn't try!  And with all the kids dressed in their Easter Sunday best... Well, let's just say between stuffing our faces with so many goodies, loving on all the little guys, and playing a million and one games outside, everyone is significantly worn out, Boy'O.  And here's where reality sets in, Conor.

Tomorrow the Lion Heart starts Day Care.  Now, I realize millions of parents take their kids to child care facilities of all kinds all over the country and all over the world.  And I know in my heart it's all going to be alright... But none of that makes it any easier.  Turns out that for every ten "firsts" you can fall in love with being a parent, there's an eleventh; In this case, the reality of being a working parent and relying upon paid help to take care of you.  Gonna be a rough morning, Boy'O.  But I'll only be right up the road from you, Son.  And can be there in a flash if you need me.  I promise.

I love you, Boy'O.
-Dad