Topsy, the Magic Elf

Dear Zachary,

Today we celebrated a quiet Thanksgiving together. A few days ago, I reminded you that "Topsy" the magic Elf on the Shelf would come to visit us on Thanksgiving night.

I wasn't sure if you would remember Topsy from last year, but you certainly did. You were excited all day for Topsy to come and visit, and asked me many times when he would arrive.

We played with your new "marble run" toy you got as a gift from our adoption reception. We played almost all afternoon. And, without a nap today, you got sleepy, early. You told me today that you wanted to do something nice for Topsy, and decided that you would find some toys for him that you didn't want anymore so that he would have something to play with.

As you sorted through your toys, I could tell there were a few things that you just couldn't part with, even for Topsy. But finally, you settled on some stacking cups that you've had for awhile and a little toy car.

"Do you think he will like these, dad?", you asked me with concern. I told you I thought they were perfect. And you smiled.

It was soon after that the door bell rang, and you came running up the stairs with excitement, knowing that Topsy had arrived. You were so excited to see him, and after we read the book, you rushed downstairs to get him the toys for your collection that you set aside especially for him.

You put the toys next to Topsy and smiled, then you said, 'I got these toys for you to play with while you're here."

You're quite attached to all your toys, but you were willing to share them with a magic Christmas Elf. It's another reason why you're my son, and my hero.

Love,
Dad

Dear Zachary,

Today, you had your annual check-ups at both the eye doctor and the dentist. Because Dad didn't know quite how long it would take to get there, we were 20 minutes early. Despite that you had nothing to do, you played quietly the whole time with your Batman toy....the only thing we had with us. You waited patiently while I completed paperwork.

When we got to the first doctor, you read the letters on the chart without any problems. When the nurse got to the part of the exam when they blow air into your eyes, I was almost sure you'd freak out. Instead, you did better than dad does with that! You even let them dilate your eyes and didn't conplain at all. Both the doctor and his assistant said how well-behaved you were and that you did better than even some of the older kids they see.

Then, it was time for the dentist. They took x-Rays of your teeth without any problems- even though the whole time another little boy probably at least your age or maybe older was clearly pretty scared in the next room over! Then, when it was time to clean your teeth, you sat still like you had done it a million times before. Finally, when the dentist's assistant wanted to floss your teeth, you said, "Let me try" and took the flosser right out of her hand and insisted on flossing your own teeth. And, you did a great job for your first try.

While waiting for the dentist, you and I talked about the prize you got from the eye doctor and played quietly while we waited our turn. There were several kids that were very scared, and you just waited patiently without one ounce of fear or hesitation. When the dentist finally got to us, you didn't like her blowing air on your teeth, but you let her do it anyway. She seemed busy and wasn't very patient with you, so that probably didn't help.

After we were done,  the dentist's assistant said that you were one of the very best kids your age that they had seen in a long time, and that her job would be easy if everyone was as well-behaved as you.

So, you're only four, and you're not afraid of the dentist or the eye doctor. It is another reason why you're my hero. It's easy to be your dad. I love you.


Love,

Dad

Dear Zachary,

You looked so cute in your Halloween costume. People would ask you who you were, and you'd say, "Plex, the robot." We found out pretty quickly that not many people are Yo Gabba Gabba fans. That's okay... because I knew what you meant.

Halloween was cold this year, and you earned every piece of candy that your cold little hands could carry. The next morning, you wanted to eat some candy with your breakfast, and I told you, "Okay, just this one time." And you were so excited because I was pretty sure you thought I'd say no.

When I told you that you could only have two pieces, you held out your hand and said, "Here Dad, I'll share with you."

That's my boy. The four year old that wants to share his candy with his dad. Another reason why you're my hero.

I love you.

Dad