When I wake up in the morning, I’ll be a dad to three year old twins. My world since November 2021 has simultaneously been fast and slow, chaotic and tender, so let me start it off with the first of two birthday tributes to Mr. Older-by-a-Minute…
Kai Dot Guy.
Nobody walks the line between chaos muppet and adorable teddy bear as quickly as you, and so one of my strongest memories of your third year will probably be of you wreaking havoc on a ramen shop in Portugal, then very softly and sweetly saying “bye noodles” as you walk out like nothing happened. As your dad, I’m required to soften the edges, but you know I dig that style.
I love how cuddly and affectionate you are. I mean it when I tell you that you’re a delight, and I’m glad you believe me enough to reply, “yeah, I’m a delight.” I love that you somehow have even more dad vibes than me, and live life like Jimmy Buffet in toddler reincarnation. Also, as much as I tell you not to throw things in the house, you’ve got quite the arm, ace.