Happy Half Birthday, My Love

Hey Baby Girl,

I have been pretty bad about being consistent with your letters. I'm trying to do weekly for your brother until he is a year old, and monthly for you. I mostly hit that goal, but I still miss so much! 

Let's see... sweet words you say in your own special way:

~ Flick chalet (chick-fil-e)

~ tempatature (temperature)

~ Lift down (instead of bend down)

Some poignant things you have said recently:

~ It Is really important that my papa is alive so he can play with me and hear my songs

~ Mommy, I wish after you died you could come back.

You are taking gymnastics and we are thinking about dance. You enjoy it once you get there, but never really want to go... until I tell you that you can wear your leotard... and occasionally that there might be ice cream after. :)

We took you to Nashville shores. You Loved it and went down the bigger slides they would let you go down, by yourself, with no fear, even though two were completely dark in places. You AMAZE me!  I love your fearlessness. I never want to squash that, but I want to always make sure your are careful with that gift.

You are an AMAZING big sister. You continue to amaze me. You've only yelled at Max to stop crying twice, and that was because you were super tired and frustrated yourself. You love,  protect, and take care of him. It makes my heart happy.

Mostly we are down to a little screaming, occasional yelling, and the very rare hitting episode. Mostly, we can talk through everything in the thinking chair, or you are willing to work it out quickly so you don't have to go to the thinking chair.

You do really well sharing with your friends... with a few incidents here and there that we have to talk about. The most interesting thing is that when you get your feelings hurt, your inclination is to get mean. You either yell at them or grab something from them. We are working on that... I totally get it. What I love is that Instead of retreating you push forward to confront it, but it is now my job to teach you a healthier way to deal with confrontation or hurt feelings. We will get there.

I've heard horror stories about three-year-old children. I was braced, but it had been great. I feel like it has been fine and we have and new kid in the house... that is saying something about you kiddo!!!

I adore you and I love how you challenge me to be a better and more creative parent. Right now when I tell you I love you, you say one of two things..."me too" or "I love you more"

Guess what??? I love you THE MOST!

Mama (what you have decided to call me)