Dear Dad,

Since you've been gone this week...

I've walked into your bedroom every morning and stared at your empty side of the bed for a full minute before saying hi to mom.

I got my first ever sliver. Its safe to say I was a little nervous with you gone since I witnessed mom trying to get one out once for a half hour, giving up and then you getting it out in 10 seconds. Isn't mom a nurse? She got this one out though, big sigh of relief.

We've been playing lots of leggos just like you and I do, but mom has done some serious damage to our leggo construction trucks. They do not resemble trucks anymore, rather large square boxes. We have some serious building repairs to do when you get home dad. This morning I woke up and said, "I have a good idea. We should make cookies." (I didn't mention the leggos). This seems to be something mom is a little better at.

Mom has had to cut my nails this week instead of you. Its a little Edward Scissorhands but she got the job done. You'll see the bang up job she did when you get home.

All week I've had to take a bath with Max instead of getting my own. And (shh) I kind of like it.

Moms been doing our nighttime routine and she's a little bit of a rookie. Please remind her when you call tonight that the blue toothbrush is mine and Max gets his book read first. Its chaos over her dad.

Lastly, I ask about you every hour on the hour.

Is dad still on the airplane? Is today the day he comes home or tomorrow? Why did dad have to bring his glasses with him? I've found all the little presents you hid for me around the house and now am really ready for you to come back. Unless there's more presents somewhere? No? Ok come home then.

Love, Noah.

Dear dad,

Since you've been gone, I've forgone sleeping all together. Two nights ago mom and I partied until 3 am! She didn't look like she was enjoying the party though.

Mom took me for a car ride to get me to sleep one night. What a riot. We haven't done that one since I was 6 months old. It was still light out at 930 though so I made sure to stay awake and see all the sights. Not sure why mom kept sighing when she looked at me in the rearview mirror though, I thought it was a nice drive.

I've been to the Dr and they put me on 4 new medications. Its a full fledge pharmacy in the kitchen and I have been accessing it 24 hours a day.

When you called tonight and asked me if I've been good I said "No." And smiled. At least I'm honest?

Lastly, when we were at the Dr he told mom that he thinks part of the reason I'm not sleeping is because I'm old enough to know you're gone. And I miss you. I'm going to try for one more all nighter tonight and see if that gets you home. After that I have to sleep or mom is going to ship me off to grandmas.

Love, Max.

Dear Geno,

Since you've been gone I've missed you every hour, minute, and second. I've killed 3 spiders and one National Geographic worthy bug. Clearly the bugs thought they would have free reign while you were gone. I've taken out the trash and changed a lightbulb. Its not rocket science but its these little things that make me miss your everyday presence.

I see now that even when you work really long days, the morning minutes and evening bedtime hour you spend with the boys mean just as much to them as if you were here all day. We've always said the house feels empty without the boys in it but it feels the most empty without you.

Hurry home.

Jess