Because it was Father’s Day, I got to sleep in until the luxurious hour of 7:05am. At that moment I was roused by a noise of some sort. Perhaps it was a squeal of joy or a cry of protest. I may never know. By the time I staggered into the other room, the moment had passed and a new one had begun. My entrance triggered a chorus of obviously rehearsed (though clearly heartfelt), “Happy Father’s Day, Papa!” from the two small people who know how to say such things, and a waddling, smile-infested sort of half hug from the one who doesn’t.

Shortly thereafter, I was presented with three cards, which I’m happy to share with you now.

This lovely composition is from Alden.

This, of course, is our family, with the addition of my mom (known to Alden as “Baba,” who arrived for a visit today. In addition to the obvious love bursting from the hearts of those pictured, the sky is literally raining down Father’s Day treats for me: according to Alden, there are “candy hearts, candy flowers, candy diamonds, and presents.” Apparently, the presents are not candy. They’re just presents. I clarify in case you are tempted to eat them.

And here’s my card from Kato.

It is another family portrait, of course. I am on the left. Robbi is on the right. It may surprise you to learn that the rather large figure to the left of Robbi is Baby August. I’m assuming that Kato is playing with depth and perspective. The oddly splayed figure to the left of August is, apparently, “Iggy lying on her back.” The strange thing is, that’s almost exactly what Iggy looks like when she lies on her back.

And here is my favorite card (don’t tell the kids), from the person most responsible for making me a father in the first place.

I don’t think you need my help deciphering this one. Here, Iggy gets to look a bit more dignified, Baby August is appropriately proportioned (yes, he’s almost as big as Kato now), and Lily makes a visit from the grave to wish me a happy Father’s Day.

It’s so nice to see us all there together. As many of you know, it’s pretty great to be a dad. I think I’ll sign on for another year.