Because Your Daddy Loves You

Yesterday both kids were cuddled in my lap as we read Because Your Daddy Loves You.  Great book.  Teachable moments.  Enjoyable text and pics.  Kid friendly and just plain old true.  The book tells the story of a Daddy and his little daughter, and all of the patient and caring things he does because he loves her.  And the Daddy's spoken words are in blue, which will be a handy teaching tool later on.

In response to each totally realistic toddleresque moment (imagine lost shoes, balls that blow away at the beach and dropped ice cream cones), the book lists a series of things the dad could do or say, and ends with the words "but he doesn't."  (Then it shows the Daddy doing and saying the most perfect, thoughtful and kind things... because he loves her of course!)  This pattern repeats throughout their day together, and as I read Addison began to fill in "duzn't" for me each time I read that phrase.  Until, at the very last page... The little girl is being tucked in for the night by her Daddy, and he could have said...

See you tomorrow or sleep tight or sweet dreams.  But he doesn't.  

He says, "I love you."

Yep, that's cute enough.  But now imagine a sweet little red-headed baby girl, whispering, barely loud enough for me to hear, "I love you..."  Right along with the book.  Just like her Daddy says it to her.  Every.  Single.  Night.