There’s a chill in the air, you’re wearing a coat to school most days, and we’ve changed out most of your clothing to Fall/Winter gear ... and so passes another month and I’m still not sure where the time goes. You’re growing so much each day, physically, mentally, and emotionally. You are still one of the sweetest children I’ve met. Your first instinct is to give a hug or a kiss. This month one of your notes from school read, “Anna made friends with our new little girl today. She gave her toys to play with when she first game in. How sweet!” My heart just smiled when I read those words, I know that most of it has to do with your larger-than-life heart of gold, but I can’t but thing maybe we’re doing something right.
I feel like you’re really coming into your own, finding your voice and developing an even more amazing personality. You’ve pretty much moved from two naps a day to one and will move up to a new room at school next month; no more cribs, a more set schedule, and lots more learning. You’re a fairly good eater, but have your days. You love fruit and I fear you may turn into a mandarin orange one day soon. The hardest part about being a parent for me is the lack of consistency and constant change, and boy, do you like to keep us on our feet. For a week straight you’ll gobble up a certain food and then all of the sudden it repulses you to the point that you throw it off your plate. The good news is, that means you eat a decent variety; the bad news is that we sometimes go through three dinners before we find one that sticks.
You have a healthy curiosity, but are equally as cautious in new situations and around new people. That doesn’t mean that you still don’t try to run into the street after glancing back at us when we’re outside. You’ve turned into a little bit of a daredevil and we’re working on teaching you everyday safety. Like not blindly walking toward a flight of steps, that diving head first off the couch isn’t the smartest thing to do, and that you shouldn’t run with eyes closed, even if it is because you’re having the time of your life being chased by your Grandpap or Dad. It doesn’t help that you inherited your Father’s lack of depth perception and in y’all’s world walls and tables that have been in place for years all of the sudden jump out and block your path. You’ll get there and one day you’ll be a dainty princess, but for right now you’re lovin’ life and are a girl on the R.U.N.!
You love to read and one of your favorite places to take in a story is my lap. You’ll also retreat here when in need of comfort or if you’re trying to “hide” from someone chasing you. It makes me sad that in a few months there won’t be nearly as much room on my lap and sitting Indian-style may no longer be an option for me; that’ll be yet another bittersweet milestone.
Speaking of that lack of lap space, we “announced” this month to all of our friends and family that you will be a big sister in March. I often stop to think about how the heck I will manage two amazing kids at one time. But, those thoughts only last for a split-second and are overshadowed by the pure excitement I feel when I think of you being a big sister. You love other kids, your first instinct is to hug your friends and strangers alike, and you’re great at sharing; you’re going to rock this new role. Lots of people are wondering if you “understand” that you’re going to be a big sister, and I don’t think you will until the day arrives and a new bundle arrives at home with Mommy. I’m sure there will be some confusion, some jealousy, some lap battles, but I know at the end of the day you’ll rise to the occasion and your little brother or sister will be the luckiest kid on earth to have you as their protector in life.
You’ve become a big hugger and kisser this month. It’s not uncommon that we’ll spend a good 15-20 minutes of our evening routine where you are running back and forth between your Dad and I, giggling the entire time, planting kisses on our cheeks and giving us awesome bear hugs. Sometimes you’ll stop to pet or hug one of the cats or a stuffed animal. Sometimes we hold you in our arms just a little too long and you remind us that you have places to go and people to see and you wriggle out. I love that I can (for the most part) say “give me a hug” or “give me a kiss” and you’ll do it, and boy, do you give the best hugs and kisses in the entire world!
You’re SO smart and have a steel trap for a memory. I’d say you understand about 95% of what we say and are slowly learning new words or ways to tell us what you want. You get frustrated at times, but I would too if I knew what I wanted to say, understood what was being spoken to me, but couldn’t get the words out so that those crazy adults would understand. You’re adding a soundtrack to your life and I just love it. You love to say “weeeeeeee” when sliding or swinging (or when doing the same for your stuffed animal friends or Little People school bus), understand and say “uh oh” all the time, and love to say “ooooooohhhhhh” when something intrigues or excites you. Last week your Grandparents came into town and watched you on Friday while your Dad and I went to work. At some point you had your hands washed and a bubble stayed on your teeny tiny hand for a few minutes. Well, let me tell you, that bubble was something amazing in your world. It’s all we’ve heard about since and we’re going on over a week. Even this morning and breakfast you looked at that spot on your hand, pointed to it, looked at me, and said “bubble?” ... everything that is a circle is now a bubble to you.
You’re also turning into quite the dancer and will bust a move whenever a song that strikes your fancy starts to play. We went to the pumpkin patch this month with Gigi and you were on the dance floor shaking your groove thing to country tunes like nobody’s business. It was hysterical. You’re Dad is still recovering from the fact that you love country music.
I can’t tell you how much I love the little person you are becoming. You grow so much each day and the most consistent comments we hear from family and strangers alike are how funny and sweet you are at such a young age. I hope you always keep those characteristics. To be able to laugh at yourself is invaluable and you’ll need that skill in life given the gene pool you’ve inherited. And, I hope you’ll always remember that even when it’s tempting to join in the crowd and be mean to or make fun of someone, that the really kind person is the one that’s never forgotten. You’re going to grow up to be memorable for SO many reasons, but the one I hope that sticks with you throughout all of your years is the fact that you were kind. You’re one of a kind to me and I will never stop loving you, even during those teenage years when you maybe aren’t so kind to me all of the time : )
Love,
Mom
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