Monk, you are standing while holding onto the couch. This is a new skill for you and you look unsure of what to do. I kneel beside you and look into your eyes. You are deep in thought and I wonder what is going on in your little head. I take a toy and place it further along the couch in hopes of encouraging you to cruise. You seem interested in the toy but you glance at me instead.

I lean in and we touch foreheads. We gently rub our heads together in complete silence. The contact between us is firm, yet gentle and loving. Finally, I pull back to give you a kiss on your forehead. We look into each other’s eyes once again and you open your mouth and lean into me. Your soft lips land on my cheek in a loving kiss. You pull away and we look at each other once more. Again, you lean in and plant a kiss with your soft, wet pucker.

I reach down and embrace you and and hold you close – not wanting you to be confused by the tears welling up in my eyes. I breathe in deeply and smell the sweet smell of your hair. I feel your little cheeks pressed against mine and I think to myself how very, very lucky I am to be your Daddy.