"Once there was a boogie singer …"

On the way back to work today, I was flipping through the AM dial, trying to see if anyone was airing the White House press briefing. Somewhere around the 700s, Radio Disney was playing “Play That Funky Music, Chipmunk.”

I hope you continue to prefer real music.

Best of 2006

Since we’ve just closed out a year, I thought I should probably compile some of your favorites of 2006 for posterity’s sake.

FAVORITE MUSIC

“Fidelity,” Regina Spektor – You went through a phase a couple of months ago where you detested riding in the car. This song usually stopped your crying immediately as soon as you heard the first notes. Your mommy really liked singing the “better better better… “ part.

“Set the Fire to the Third Bar,” Snow Patrol feat. Martha Wainwright – Another car soother. If “Fidelity” was the tranquilizer dart that put you down, then this was the sedative that kept you down. For weeks, these were the only two songs that played in the car if you were in it. That is, until you expanded your tastes to include …

“Fireflies,” Rhett Miller and Rachael Yamagata – “Zzzzzzz,” says the baby.

“Money Maker,” Ludacris – Now that you’re OK with the car again, you’re really into hip-hop. You’ll listen to just about anything, but as your mom says, “He really likes the beats.”FAVORITE READING

Goodnight Moon – It’s not cliché, it’s a classic. Don’t let anyone ever tell you differently.

Esquire magazine – Yes, you have a subscription. It was a gift from Greg. In all honesty, though, when it comes to ripping up magazines, you seem more partial to Entertainment Weekly.

“Book” – I’m not sure what it’s called, but it’s eight pages long, machine washable, stuffed with crinkly material, and it squeaks when you squeeze it.FAVORITE MOVIES

Forrest Gump – OK, so it’s not a 2006 movie, but you love it. So far, you’ve never been one to sit down and watch the television. However, within weeks of your arrival at home this movie had you mesmerized. I think you started watching during the Vietnam scenes. I’m not sure what held your interest, but here’s hoping you love shrimp!

Baby Bach – This is one of the few Baby Einstein movies we’ve gotten around to watching with you although you have many of them. This one featured a girl that used to get you very excited. We called her your girlfriend. It wore off, though. I think you figured out she’s not real. I hope you keep this ability to see through fake women.FAVORITE EATS

Famous Dave’s – Garlic mashed potatoes, Drunkin’ Apples, and corn on the cob.And those were your favorites of 2006. I don’t think anyone can begin to predict what 2007’s list will look like.

[UPDATE! I accidentally left out your favorite TV shows, probably because you're not big on sitting still and watching TV, unless "Wonder Pets" is on. You'll also give attention to "The Backyardigans" and "Little Einsteins." Basically, if it involves animated characters helping other characters or exploring while expressing themselves musically, you'll buy in.]

No credit at all

Hey, it’s a new year!

Your mom and I were able to leave you with your Nana last night so that we could spend the evening with our crazy friends at Melissa’s. Don’t think that you missed out on anything; you were asleep at 8, and you slept better for her than you ever have for us. You were missed at the party, however. There were several “Where’s Ollie?” and “Where’s the baby?” comments from those in attendance. Melissa’s Granny Cil was the most disappointed. Rumors of your stunning looks and charming demeanor had already reached her.

“I heard his eyes take up half his face,” she told me.

“I don’t know what Courtney and I did to have such a pretty baby.”

Granny Cil pointed toward the heavens as if she knew exactly where God was sitting. “He’s good. Don’t you go taking credit for that.”

First things first

First things first. I owe you an apology. Actually, by the time you read this, I’ll probably owe you several, but let me explain.

I told myself before you were even born that I would keep a journal for you. I was going to write something every day for a compilation that I would give you when you turn 18, when you graduate high school, or at some other significant moment. But I didn’t.

Every time I sat down to write the first entry, I found it absolutely impossible to describe how completely your arrival changed my life. And I could never keep it together enough to accurately capture the tragedy of your Papa John’s unfair passing. I have confidence that I’ll get there in time, because it’s important that you know these things. But I can’t do it yet.

So here we are, six months and twenty days after you were born. A weird time to start this, I realize, but it feels right. We finished the last of our Christmas celebrations today at your Great-Grandma Vaughn’s house. You’ve been showered with enough presents and affection these past few busy days to cement your status as spoiled rotten. But your mother and I have been taking down the decorations today and in the back of my brain has been the notion that it’s time to move on, and that doing this for you is part of that. So it might not be daily, but I figured if I set this up, I’d be more likely to write to you on a semi-regular basis.

While you were cavorting on the floor yesterday, showing off for everyone, your Paw-Paw told me, “Bob, there is not another boy in the world who’s loved as much as he is.” Later he took me aside and said, “Bob, I really think this has been the best Christmas ever.”

I think he was right on both counts.