Dinosaurs

G Baby,

Check ya boy out. Spinosaurus, Dimetrodon, Brachiosaurus, Argentinosaurus, Carnotaurus, Pteranodon, Pterodactyl, Dilophosaurus, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, Ankylosaurus, Velociraptor, Tyrannosaurus Rex, and last but not least Indominus Rex. I can bring this list of long gone piles of bones up out of the old hippocampus pretty easily at this point. A few I remember from when I was a kid myself, fascinated by these giant beasts that could swallow a man in a single bite. But I only recall them now because of you. 

Of all the interests you have established in your short lifetime, nothing has grasped your attention more than dinosaurs. Not Buzz Lightyear, not Spiderman, not Halloween, not even cake. Nope, dinosaurs are kings of the earth again (at least in your heart). You talk about them ALL the time. You want every dinosaur toy you see, the scarier the better. You have traded out Buzz and Woody for Rex and Trixie. You want to watch nothing else on our various screens. If it has dinosaurs, you’re paying attention. You watch this Youtube show called T-Rex Ranch, where a group of kids and adults working in teams manage a dinosaur ranch like a farm. I don’t know how the dinosaurs came back to the world of the living, but you don’t seem to care. The show is present in your thoughts even when there are no devices around. “Daddy, run!! There’s a T-rex behind you.” We play this game around the house, at the park, at Target, really anywhere you see fit. Imagination on a hundred thousand trillion. 

And I couldn’t be happier for you. Watching your eyes light up with excitement as if there really is a velociraptor chasing us, it’s intoxicating. We are at a point now where your sister frequently joins in. We’ll start running and Lottie will give chase, roaring as loud as she can without needing an explanation or an invite. She actually said dinosaur (e-no-sor) for the first time the other day. If ducks didn’t exist, dinosaurs may very well be her favorite too. She loves what you love, but that’s another letter entirely. 

With your dinosaur passion at an all-time high over the last few months, you have accumulated quite the collection of toys and experiences. You went to the dinosaur exhibit at Stone Mountain Park. From what I hear, you didn’t quite enjoy that one as much as we would have thought. I think the sheer size of the animatronics spooked you a bit. You don’t scare easy 😏😂, but the moving necks and tails and eyes proved to be a bit much. Your mother and Lala then thought it a good idea for you to watch Jurassic Park. I quickly shut that down. You may be done with dinosaurs (and peaceful sleep) completely if I hadn’t stepped in. No harm, no foul. They were just showing interest in something you loved because they love you (and didn’t remember how intense a movie Jurassic Park is). Most recently, you saw the dino fossils at Fernbank. Your jaw dropped so hard that we had to go to the basement to pick it up. This look was one of amazement, not fear. You have dinosaur pajamas, a dinosaur night light, and so many dinosaur toys you’ve had to split your collection up between 2 different houses.

As your dad, I am always looking for an opportunity to allow you to expand your imagination while expanding your vocabulary. I want you to learn about your interests while also learning life lessons. An opportunity presented itself to me to do just that at the beginning of the year, and well, carpe diem. We were on a Target run, strolling like shopping men do when we come upon the toy department. I generally avoid this area for obvious reasons, but you had been very well behaved on our adventure this day. I’m going to buy you something nice...a Hot Wheel of your choosing. Hey, I would have sprung for a $3 special edition if you had asked; I’m feeling generous and Bitcoin is booming. We stroll down the aisle. The Hot Wheels are up on the left, but before we can reach them something has caught your eye. Indominus Rex stands there in his packaging, two feet long and a foot high. You immediately call him out by name. No idea at the time how you even know about Indominus, but your pronunciation is spot on. That was enough for me to give it a bit of attention as a potential purchase. I quickly assessed that Indominus is $40, so we continue walking very much against your wishes. You hadn’t been THAT good.

You then proceed to show your true colors, crying and calling for Indominus like he was your actual father and I was kidnapping you. For weeks you brought up this dinosaur at every turn. “Grayson, what do you want to eat? I want Indominus. Grayson, do you have to use the potty? Yeah, but Daddy I need Indominus. Grayson, put your shoes on. We’re going to the park. Daddy, I want to go to Target and get Indominus. I NEED HIM.” At the same time, your mother and I are struggling to get you to clean up your existing dinosaur toys. 💡 I tell you, “Grayson, if you want Indominus Rex so bad, you can earn him. Start by cleaning the playroom.” Literally, spick and span within minutes with a bit of direction. No one gave any physical help.

For the last 3 week or so, I have been making mention of earning Indominus and you hop to it, doing whatever it is I have asked you to do. I’m not a monster, so a week ago I went and bought him at Target. He sat stashed away until your most recent clean-up job. I tell you beforehand how great a job you’ve been doing and that today is the day. “If you clean-up the playroom, you can have Indominus TONIGHT!” You don’t even blink. After a few minutes and without any instructions, you clean up what was quite the disaster area. As you’re nearing the completion of the task, I sneak away and grab your well earned dinosaur and sit him by the table out of your current line of sight. You finish up, we high five, and I point you to the prize. I will never forget the smile that appeared on your face. Pure joy.

It’s been a few days since you earned Indominus. He has yet to leave your side. You let Charlotte join you in playing with your new toy. That’s so far from the norm, it’s kind of hard to believe. Sharing did have earning potential over the past few weeks, so it makes sense even though it is unexpected. When I have asked you to clean up since, you do so without hesitation and only seek a high-five when you’re done. You’re content. I know that won’t last forever, but I think the lessons will. If you want something, find a way to earn it. When you do, you’ll love the reward that much more.

You are an amazing kid Gray, and I love you very much. Charlotte, I haven’t forgotten about you. I love you to the moon and back, but that potty is looking for you. Never too young to start earning.

With joy in my eyes,

Park Ranger Daddy