That's Our Boy

Dear Jack,

Mama got a baby doll a long time ago from your Great Aunt Rita. It has followed me from house to house and ended up living in our playroom. Before your sister was born, you would occasionally hold it, or throw it on the ground if it was in your way. Once Emma came into our family, that baby doll suddenly started playing a bigger part in your world. Emma was only a few weeks or months old (those first months with Emma were pretty exhausting, so forgive me if I don't remember when exactly) when you decided to name that baby doll "Baby Ali." I'm positive you started this whole thing because Mama had a baby to take care of, and you thought you might as well have one too! For a few days you carried Baby Ali around in the house. You made sure I prepared a bottle for her- and believe me- you were not satisfied with just a bottle of water. That bottle needed to look just like Emma's, so I sprinkled in a little of the million dollar formula. Just so you'd feel like you and I were using the same stuff with our babies.



On a walk one day you even took Baby Ali with us to the playground. I will never forget watching you sit on the rock wall/climbing thing and feed your baby her bottle. Other kids and their moms came and went, and you watched as they played, but stayed where you were and took care of your baby. The other moms smiled at me and even said, "how adorable is that?" and the other kids looked at you kind of funny and then went on their way.



You soon tired of Baby Ali and it was back to monster trucks and puzzles. This weekend though, you rediscovered Baby Ali and she has pretty much been with us nonstop for the past 48 hours. She sleeps with you, goes to Target with you, out to dinner with you, on walks with you, plays with you, and tonight went to the grocery store with you. You've done an amazing job of making sure you had her bob (that's what we call bottles around here), her bib, and her burp cloth at all times. You carried all of that- plus Baby Ali- in your arms wherever we went. I can think of a few Mama's and Daddy's out there who probably wouldn't be thrilled with the idea of their son carrying a doll around with them. They might think it makes their boy look like a sissy, or look a little weird. Well, Jack, you don't have to worry about your Mama and Daddy thinking that. No way, Jose. We are beyond proud of you for showing your compassionate and nurturing ways for all the world to see. We know that your love and concern for Baby Ali is possible because you are a loving and protective big brother to Emma. We know that your interest in bringing Baby Ali with us is possible because you know your Mama and Daddy encourage you to love whatever it is you want to love at that moment.



I know Baby Ali won't always be joining us on family errands or at the grocery store. Maybe next week it'll be your Big Manny from Ice Age that comes along with us. Whatever it is, Jack, I just wanted you to know that your Mama and Daddy are loving this current interest in Baby Ali. We're pretty sure it means you'll be an awesome Daddy yourself one day.



We love you buddy. We're so glad you're our boy!

Love,

Mama and Daddy-O