eight

Eight years ago on Halloween, two weeks before my wife’s due date, we got a trick-or-treat surprise.

Eight years ago today, my baby girl was born.

Eight years ago today, I became a father, and my world has never been the same.

I have watched her grow, learn, try, cry, fall, smile, and laugh. I have rocked her to sleep as a baby and carried her, sleeping, to her own bed after falling asleep in mine as a big kid. I have held her, encouraged her, yelled at her, been frustrated with her, apologized to her, tried to understand and support and validate her. I have witnessed her be a loving sister, a good friend, a curious and creative and knowledge-loving student. I have been amazed by who she is, has become, is becoming. Just as parents shape their children, her mother and I are who we are today because of her.

Happy eighth birthday, our Pumpkin. We love you.