Dear Leon,
You arrived on a Saturday in Lisbon, Portugal. Your Mom and I were completely terrified when they handed you to us, but what parents aren't??
Your first week in the world was spent fighting jaundice in the hospital. You were tough enough to handle it well, even though your Mom and I were nervous nellies the entire time. You did have your first poop in the light therapy room, so that was fun!
The world you're growing up in is so different from the one we grew up in. Not only because you're starting your life in a completely different country than we did, but because the world seems to be moving so quickly (maybe that's how all parents feel?)
As of writing this letter, you're just turning 8 months old. You can sit up, you can crawl (slowly, which is nice for us right now), you are starting to babble, you have 3 1/2 teefs, and you're absolutely adorable. What everyone told us about having a kid is 100% true: you'll never know what it feels like to love your own kid until you experience it yourself.
Your Mom and I are trying to cherish every moment we have with you. We're trying to shower you with love and joy every day, while also trying to think ahead to give you a little bit of adversity like we did when we were young.
The world is small and gigantic at the same time. Maybe you'll want to spend time in the U.S.? Maybe you'll want to stay in our small beach town in Portugal (maybe we won't even be here in a few years)? Whatever you want to do in life, we hope to support you just like our parents supported us. The opportunities you'll have at your fingertips will be immense. It's crazy to think what your life will be like in the next 10-20 years. Things will be so different, but possibly not that different either.
You should know that your parents are probably weirder than most. Your Mom and I absolutely love to laugh, therefore we play tons of silly games with you (this will probably drive you nuts at many stages in your life). We don't follow conventional paths, hello living in Portugal, and we hope to show you that you can do anything you put your mind to.
Oh, your name! Leon was a very early pick for you. Your Mom had quite a list going (100+ names). Me, I think I had like 3? Hah! The singer Leon Bridges is one of our favorites. Our friend A.J. Leon was an incredible influence on us in 2012-2014. And we love the simplicity of 'Leon Zook.' People will pronounce your name differently. You might get made fun of for it. We love your name and can't imagine you having any other.
I can't wait to make so many memories with you. Our first family day at the beach, you trying to eat sand. Our first road trip together where you can sing along to songs we create just for you with AI. Watching you play sports for the first time. Me trying to learn how to braid your hair, oof, that's gonna be tough with my giant hands. Your Mom and I watching you become the person you want to be and fighting every urge to avoid pain/hardship in your life. There will be a time in the future when I can't hold you and carry you around the house (sheesh, it got dusty in here thinking about that). For now, I just want to enjoy every moment we have with you until you're too cool to hang out with us.
I want you to know you have an amazing Mom. She went through a lot to have you, but it was worth every tough moment. She's done such a great job loving you, caring for you, and she will show you how to be way more emotionally strong/intelligent than I ever could. She'll teach you art, how to dance, how to be compassionate, and so many more things that will benefit your life. I'm lucky to have your Mom as my life partner, business partner, and best friend. You better appreciate her as well.. or else! (jk jk)
Oh, last couple of things: Try ALL the foods. Don't get face tattoos (unless technology has advanced enough they're reversible). Be kind to other people. Be yourself and don't be ashamed about it. Don't be too mean to us when you're a teenager, k?
Alright, I have to go make you lunch now. I love you more than I ever thought I could.
