Dear Joseph,

Papa wanted to share this picture with you. I took it at the museum when you, dad and I went there. I keep all these pictures to help remind me of wonderful times and to remember how you looked at the time. You are growing so fast that it is hard to remember how you looked just a few months ago.

I hope you enjoy it.

Papa loves you.

Dear Joseph,

Papa had a really good time with you last week. I especially enjoyed the time we spent with Dad at the museum. You looked like you were having fun.

This seems to be an important time in your young life. Soon you will go to pre-school. Of course, you need to first learn to use the potty, but I know you will do fine.
I am putting up a picture of the Thomas The Train Trip we took with Mom. Hope you like it.

Papa loves you

Dear Joseph,
It was fun watching you on the computer screen with Grandma. You were going nuts. I mean, I never saw such energy. Maybe it is time to put it to good use, like for hiking or swimming or paddling/rowing a boat (soon I will explain to you the difference between paddling and rowing). I will see you soon. Meanwhile, here is a picture of Papa paddling in a kayak.
Papa loves you

Dear Joseph,

You sounded great on the phone yesterday, even though your mom says you have been sick. She has been sending me your pictures by phone, and they are wonderful. I miss you. You are growing so fast it is hard to believe. You are already running the place, but you will soon be old enough to realize it.

I'll be seeing you soon when I come to Ohio to visit you. Plan some good stuff for us to do. And, when you visit here next time I will put up the tent in the back yard (weather permitting).

Papa loves you

Dear Joseph,

Your last visit here to see Grandma and me left us both exhausted. We forgot how much energy two year old children have (you mom was just like that). I have a picture of you holding the straps from my car while I unload my kayak. Next time you are here, and if you want to, I can let you sit in a kayak. I will stand right there in the water with you so you will be safe.

I am jealous that Grandma and Aunt Tammy and Squeaky are going to see you this weekend. I will ask them to give you a hug from me and to take some pictures so I can share the experience. Meanwhile, you stay well and keep exhausting mom and dad. After all, it's your job.

Papa loves you

Dear Joseph,
Papa is far away in San Francisco, California. It is my 68th birthday, and I am here to do my cardiology teaching seminar. All things considered, I would rather be home with Grandma and You, Squeaky and your moms and dads...especially since Sunday is fathers' day.

Don't forget to give your dad a big hug. He loves you so much, and he is a good man.

And remember,
Papa loves you

Dear Joseph,

Happy birthday, again, and thanks for the great pictures. You are one good looking dude. I have to say that my favorite pic is the one of you next to the piano as you hold up your hand. It looks like you have just finished playing some sonata or something and have stood to acknowledge the thunderous applause of the audience. Or maybe the photographer told you to hold your hand up. No matter, it is a great shot.

Already 2 years old. My how time flies. My how you've grown. My how you continue to bring joy to so many live.

Remember,
Papa loves you.