Carter-

You are now 11 months old. The big ‘1’ is quickly approaching.

In just under 2 weeks you’ll be experiencing a variety of “firsts” as we are taking a trip to Disney World with Grandpa and Grandma and your aunts and uncle.

I’m nervous for the plane ride. I hope your ears don’t hurt too bad. I’m also nervous to see your Mom in Disney World. She loves it so much she literally will cry during the opening ceremonies each day. I picture that kind of emotion mixed in with her child’s first birthday and the universe may not be ready for what is brewing.

Your Mom suggested that instead of writing about stories over the past few weeks I tackle what kind of parent I want to be and what kind of son I want to raise. I thought about it for quite a while and two things really stuck in my head.

I apologize in advance if this sounds like the Wear Sunscreen song, but there are two things I really want to get across. And yes, that was seriously a hit song when I was a teenager.

1. My biggest hope for you is that you turn out to simply be a nice* person. It’s going to be tough. It’s not necessarily a quality that is appreciated in kids and teenagers, but as you get older and wiser you’ll find yourself gravitating towards those kinds of individuals.

* Nice in my mind means the following: golden rule, always uses blinker when changing lanes, tips well in restaurants (even when just getting carry out), honest in personal life and business, holds the door for people, stands up for people when necessary, nice to those in retail, please and thank you

2. If there is one thing your Mom and I plan to be, that is supportive. Whatever your goals in life turn out to be you can count on us being there for you. Keep in mind this excludes anything involving whales (your Mom is terrified of them – we’ll get to this some other time) and insects (this one is me, and yes, I know it’s pathetic). Sharks and snakes are fair game.

The next time I write you’ll be 1. Crazy, crazy, crazy.

Slow down!

Love,

Dad