It has been several days now that the family has been gone for their annual vacation to Florida. While I appreciate the quiet around here and the ability to do anything I want around the house, I do miss them but especially I miss Madeleine.

She is at an age now that every moment with her is special because she can talk and think for herself but in a way that is somewhat endearing, funny and also inspiring.

When she was an infant and toddler, there were some fond memories to be had of diaper changes and baby throw up I guess but the ages between 2-4 will always be the special ones, the years I always looked forward to . Seeing the sparkle in her eyes when she pronounces a new word, the questions she asks when she explores her environment, her dragging her favorite doll around , dancing to Hannah Montana. Magical memories. Of course there are less fond memories from this time as I endure a head splitting tantrum when she does not get her way like watching some television show or sampling our food or drink but I will smile through it all for she is everything to me.

When I became her father, I swore I will be her teacher, her guide through life. I will be her protector when she runs into the bedroom when she hears an unfamiliar sound. I will be her support as I perch her on my shoulders so that she can see the floats go by during the Christmas parade. I will be her comfy pillow as she nestles beside me as I read to her filling her imagination with stories of princesses in faraway lands of a faraway time so that when she dreams, she will dream of being that princess and that her life will be a story where everyone lives happily ever after.

She is my precious one and these innocent learning years will be the ones I will recall whenever I am asked, “What is your favorite memory of Madeleine growing up?”. No doubt, I will say in turn “When she was my little princess”.