Trying "Daddy" On For Size − 1 February, 2007

About 3 months after Heather and I started dating, we took Micaela bowling one Sunday afternoon. We had been there for about 15 minutes and out of nowhere, Micaela called me "Daddy". I was floored to say the least. Heather was out of earshot when she said it, so all she saw was me turning blue as the blood drained from my body.

By the time I asked Heather to marry me, Micaela had settled into calling me "Jason" all the while sprinkling "daddy" in every once in a while just to watch me squirm. She knows how to push my buttons already. In my mind, I was certain that she would start calling me dad once the engagement was official. So when she continued to call me "Jason" in the months following, I was a little hurt. I didn't push the issue though, but I don't think anyone really knew how hurt I was (until now).

I have been in her shoes before, and although I can't remember when I started calling my stepdad "dad", I can't remember a time when he was just "Ray". I adopted him pretty quickly.

Over the last few days, Micaela has begun to test the "daddy" waters. It usually comes out when she wants something; cue the pouting lips and batting of the eyes. "Daddy can I have..., Daddy can I stay up late..." What's great is I can tell she's using it to see how people react; trying it on for size to see if it's going to stick. It gives me goosebumps every time she says it.

Others have joined in on the fun. Heather now refers to me as "Dad" when talking to Micaela. The first time I heard Heather say "go ask your dad..." I looked behind me to see if there was someone else she was talking about.

My family has always been connected more through marriage than blood lines, giving the family historians a run for their money in keeping track of who belongs to who. It also means that blood doesn't mean a thing when it comes to true family.

So I'm hoping the trend continues as Micaela and I try "daddy" on for size. So far, I love the fit.