Dear Julia's Belly Button,

I want to thank you for the obvious comfort and overall cuteness you have provided to my daughter over the past four years. She certainly adores you. You've provided the cutest navel in the world. Any time she experienced any angst, you were there to calm her. She's never needed a security blanket... just her belly button. Thanks.

While I appreciate your efforts, it's time for you to make a few less appearances. Please, could you schedule your appearances for bath time and occasional windy days? Our house is not an episode of I Dream of Jeannie. It's time to hide the umbilical scar and that protruding adolescent belly.

I understand Julia has an infatuation with rubbing you. It's her little Buddha-esque way. Please understand, she's four now. Besides, those Buddha-belly ways are so 2008. Plus, she's not Buddhist... she's Murphy. And while I love crickets and karma, I'm a bit flustered with the constant belly button flashing.

Thanks for all the memories. May you continue to remind Julia of her placental attachment to her parents. And may lint and the occasional grain of sand find a warm place in your inner dwelling.

I bid you farewell dear belly button. I better not ever see you during the ages of 12-22 yrs old while at the beach. And if you even consider a piercing... well... let's just assume such isn't even an option.

Sincerely,

Dear old dad.

'nuff said