1. When I look at you I see my life's purpose. I never imagined I had this much love to give until I had a baby. You have taught me that my heart and my capacity to love is not fixed, it grows and grows and grows.
2. It’s okay to let go of your penis. It’s not going anywhere. I've noticed that you hold your penis, talk about it, remind us you have one, and thrust it when dancing constantly. I just want you to know that it will be there forever and you have your whole life ahead of you to play with it.
3. I will be happy to buy you a pink ball, a pink balloon, or a pink toothbrush if you so choose. I understand that through your eyes the color pink is just that, a color. It really makes no difference to you – and therefore should make no difference to me whether you want to wear a pink superhero cape or wings.
4. Your nose is NOT an appropriate place for the following items: crayons, beads, marbles, cheerios, pasta, peas, carrots, french fries, legos, q-tips, or your finger. Period.
5. Play. Draw. Paint. Create. Be willing to take risks and create things, even if they aren't perfect.
6. Farts are always funny...but as you get older try to keep them quiet...your wife will thank me someday.
7. Take your time summoning your inner genius. Learning should be fun. There is a competitiveness that seems to have taken hold of every elementary school and playground in America. The pressure to learn more – faster, quicker, better than your peers. Never mind that mumbo jumbo. Although in many ways you learn quickly are very adept, for others learning takes time and everyone does it differently. Help others who need and never be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
8. Explore the outdoors. Get outside as much as possible. Breathe the fresh air. Play tag. Ride bikes. Skip. Hop. Jump. Run. Climb. NOW.
9. Accept others for who they are. Be a good friend, help the weak, be-friend those who are lonely, and appreciate the differences all around you. G-d made all things and they are all beautiful in their own way.
10. Always keep look forward. G-d has plans for you and gazing behind you for too long keeps you from moving forward. It is okay to reflect on the past to learn but don't dwell. There is so much ahead of you.
11. You are Superman. You defy gravity...You move chairs, climb walls, jump from trees, and practically fly...all without a scratch. You have super human powers!
12. Love letters are legacies. Tell people you love them in written words. Being able to keep love letters is soothing to the soul!
13. It’s okay to cry. Crying is a natural emotional response to feelings. We all do it. Men cry. Women cry. Children cry.
14. Always be proud of who YOU are. I don't care if you are the captain of the football, homecoming king, in the band, or student council...just be YOU!
15. No respectable girl wants to see your penis.
Since you will be growing up in the technological age of iPhone and texting, you’ll inevitably come to learn the term “sexting.” Let me tell you now that sexting is a big, big, BIG mistake. Never ever, ever, ever, ever send a picture of a private body part to anyone. Ever.
16. I hope I teach you well enough from a young age how to properly put on pants. One leg in, then the other, pull ‘em up at least to your hips, zip, button, buckle. Done.
17. Think before you ink. Tattoos are permanent.
18. Learn to be helpful. Cleaning, cooking, doing dishes are tasks for men too! Do them well. Your wife will be so thankful.
19. Travel and see the sites while you are young, but be responsible.
20. Find your passion. G-d gave you a purpose and a calling--go make it happen.
21. You will be my son forever.
22. Take care of creation, G-d make it and gave us stewardship over it.
23. Be a brother. Be a friend. Be a protector.
24. Take the road less traveled. Make the right choices, be a leader, and have courage in the face of adversity.
25. Wherever you are in life, you can come home. I will be here – always.
26. There are rules in life that make life easier and more rewarding. Respect others and their possessions. Pick up after yourself. Be willing to work hard. Be the first to volunteer and the first person willing to go last. Patience develops virtue.
27. Love and Serve G-d above all things. He loves you above all things.
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28. Be a good communicator and a good listener. Listen before you respond. Really hear who is speaking. Then formulate a response and do so out of love. "A kind word turns away wrath." Proverbs 15:1
29. Don't get caught up in having things. You can get trapped in the pursuit for MORE. Be thankful for what you have and all G-d has given you. You are blessed, even with Less.
30. Marry a woman who wants to be home with your babies and love them. There is nothing more rewarding. Make sure you don't over commit financially so your wife can raise your children. It is worth the sacrifice.
UPDATED----3 MORE!
28. Be a good communicator and a good listener. Listen before you respond. Really hear who is speaking. Then formulate a response and do so out of love. "A kind word turns away wrath." Proverbs 15:1
29. Don't get caught up in having things. You can get trapped in the pursuit for MORE. Be thankful for what you have and all G-d has given you. You are blessed, even with Less.
30. Marry a woman who wants to be home with your babies and love them. There is nothing more rewarding. Make sure you don't over commit financially so your wife can raise your children. It is worth the sacrifice.