Dear Kiddos: Daddy/ Papi Loves You Too!

I just wanted you to know that Daddy/ Papi loves you too! Your mom has written several messages to you over the years, but I thought it would be important for you to hear from me too. I know you have all heard every threat from me like eating you for dinner, to you're sleeping in the dog house (all still could come to pass if you are naughty) but I do love each of you. Each of you have been a blessing in my life. You add stress, require sacrifice, and demand everything at that instant (and it will probably increase over time) but all of that is worth it to have you in my home. I hope and pray that I can be a good father by teaching and directing you, so that one day you can have the experience of being a father in a loving home like we have.

Now, I might be able to beat Papi in a game of basketball, says Little C. Dear Little C, it never will happen!

Ohh Fire!!! - Little C

Little C - I remember when you were little laying on you and pretending you were my pillow. You would get a kick out of waking me up by a moving pillow. I remember asking you "What does mom say?" and teaching you to reply "Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah." I remember you scaring mom with "Magnus Merrah." She is still scared of that today. I love beating you in a basketball game both on the court and Xbox (you have always been my Xbox buddy). You have such influence and power over your younger siblings so remember that and try always to be good. Even when you are gruff with your siblings (which I think you honestly pick up from me) you are a softy at heart for them. It was totally cool that you shared your birthday limo with your brothers - awesome brother! I also loved how when SweetRotten destroyed your basketball cards you couldn't even get mad at her. TOTAL SOFTY!

Good Morning Daddy - Lou

Lou - I remember how that name came to be. I remember when traveling, coming home to your 2 year old face just beaming to see me, and devastated when I had to leave. I remember your testimony during FHE that would not end, but so very sweet. I love how when trying to explain something new to you we always get a response that starts with, "Oh so you mean..." You are super competitive which can be a good thing but holds you back other times. Use that spirit to only do better. And I know you are FAST like your Daddy! You are also a night owl like Daddy too, probably the only one in the family that can stay up without issue like me. You were and are a Daddy's boy when I need it (even though now you are totally a Mama's boy). When you were young it was all Daddy. 

Football buddy Ruckus

Ruckus- Your blog name fits your personality so well. One of the twins, it is interesting how much your little sister is like you. You love sugar! And us having to pay for those 92 cavities is proof. Probably the only kid on the planet that is cool with going to the dentist and getting cavities filled. You don't even flinch when that needle goes in your mouth. I remember when you were a toddler you would get in trouble and I would hold you and in a stern voice say, "Put your head on my shoulder!" because you were in time out. Secretly I LOVED IT. I would smile at Mom after your head was on my shoulder and she would quietly laugh. And those eyes!!! A cartoon app can't even make your face look more animated and cartoon-like (your brother even tried). Speaking of animated your personality/ spirit is just that - ANIMATED!

Totally stole Dad's phone...AWESOME!

Moo - You are a lover of all but so independent. You love your family like nobodies business, but can branch out on your own better than any of your brothers. I think this makes you confident and adaptable to mesh with all the personalities of the family and others. Your oldest brother was a talker and at the time I didn't think anyone would talk more until you started talking. You will talk to anyone and everyone and tell them your life story. I remember when we both had shared ponytails, the bad thing was you were so adorable people thought you were a girl (Lou had the same problem). You are a buddy with my Grandpa (Little Grandpa) which I love because Little Grandpa means so much to me. You seek him out, and him you, when we go to visit. I believe your birth name was specifically picked for you. When coming up with your name I wanted to name you after me, but felt specifically inspired to give you your birth name. Honor your name!  

The 3 Amigos

I'll light up your life

"I'm Cute!" is exactly what she is saying - SweetRotten

SweetRotten (former baby) - Yes I totally picked out your blog name. So fitting of you. You are such a sweetie but so rotten at the same time. Total Daddy's girl! Your mom says you have me wrapped around your finger - and she is right. Your mom says you have softened our home and again she is right! You have all of us smitten. You got into Little C's room and destroyed some of his basketball cards. He was really upset but when he found out it was you he couldn't do anything and said, " If it was SweetRotten I understand, but why her...?" (I think he wanted to yell at someone for it). You know how to work the system too. If Mom or Dad don't get you out of bed then you call for Little C to come get you. Total girly but can roll with your older brothers. You love your dolls, dresses, and shoes BUT love a good ball, car, and wrestling. I hope when you get older your bothers will fend off any suitors. I already have plans that all your dates have to run the gauntlet with your brothers and me standing there with bats; if they make it through they can go on a date with you. And Moo or Ruckus isn't allowed to have friends over when they are older because they are too close in age to you.

Need a baby with that bink?

New Baby - (That is what Moo calls you). You have come to a good home. You are already so loved. I wonder what you will be like when you get older. I think you will be as sweet as they come. Your older sister has some sass but I think you will be more laid-back. You are still getting used to this world and working on figuring out your days and night to give your mama some sleep (at nights I am a heavy sleeper and often don't wake up to your cries). The nice thing is your are peaceful during chaos and noise by sleeping right through it. It is when it gets quiet that you wake. With a house of 6 kids a peacemaker is necessary and so far you have fit the bill and feel you will keep that trait.

Daddy does this to all the babies

Seriously you put that picture up?!?! See if I ever let you post on my blog again. 

Dogglet - You are an amazing woman! You are a wonderful mother and an inspiration to all of your children AND ME. Your desire and drive to be better, to be good, and to instill that in out children is impressive. Too often people ask me how I do it all with 6 kids. I always say its not me its my wife! So TRUE! Thank you for bringing these babes into the world and for being my wife (or like our discussion last night mother of a really OLD kid). Love you!