For Starters

Aodhan,

This is the first in a set of letters I have decided to write to you.  I decided to write these letters to you with the hope that perhaps when you are older, they might be able to show you that I was once a regular guy like yourself, not just the cranky old guy who gives you crap about being out too late on Friday night.

Since this is the first letter, I suppose I should offer a little background on how you arrived on the scene.  Don't worry - this isn't that kind of letter.  I'll spare you that particular talk.  I'm sure by now, your mother has told you the story about how the two of us met while attending American University in Washington, DC.  Since your mother has edited some of the events, I think it's time you heard my version.  Yes, your mom and I met while volunteering on a Habitat for Humanity build.  What is not common knowledge, is that I showed up at 5am, still intoxicated from revelry the night before.  Your mother was impressed that I stuck it out all day, and while she would probably never admit it, I think she was impressed that I kept my word, despite the circumstances.  This brings me to an important point - while alcohol is not inherently bad, I don't recommend drinking a lot at one time.  A couple drinks around a table with friends can make for a good time, but a few drinks by yourself makes you an alcoholic.  A few drinks behind the wheel can make you dead.  More on this subject in another letter.

Back on subject, your mother and I became close friends at school over the next few years, and became more than friends a few years later.  We fell in love, got married, and prepared for your arrival(I will talk about your actual arrival in another letter).  No worries there either, I won't get all gross about it.

It's been 2 months since your arrival, and everyone pretty much agrees that you are the cutest baby ever.  Just don't let it go to your head.  You cry sometimes, but you probably got that genetically from me.  You are very inquisitive and always look around as you try to figure this new world out.

In future letters, I will tell you more about what I was like at your age, along with stuff I wish people would have told me - not that you'll listen any more than I did.  That's genetic too.  You're welcome.

I love you,


Dad