Two Much to Say

Hello Princess,
I am really late in writing this post because you have been keeping me so busy! And maybe because I don't want to admit that you are a little girl now and not even remotely still my baby... You have had a few health issues of late, including a whole four days of fever while Daddy went out of town. You were such a sweet girl, only a little crabby and tired. We watched way too much TV and lounged around at home as much as we could. Thankfully, you rebounded just in time for Daddy and have been all smiles since.

Your birthday has literally been a month long celebration. First we had your early party in Abilene at the zoo, which was so much fun and easy to enjoy. We ordered cupcakes and just relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful weather. You are starting to learn so much about the animals. It is always nice to be out somewhere and remember that you are getting old enough now to have a bit of independence from Mommy and Daddy. It is great to have older, sweet cousins that will hold your hand and take you off to do big kid things.

Then we had your party on your actual birthday at the house, when our new home was overflowing with friends and family that love you. You were so adorable, just going on and on about how excited you were to have your friends come over. I look forward to watching you all grow up together and spend time with each other's family. I know how much I loved having Christian friends to hang out with outside of school, and I can already attest to the difference it makes to have that support network of your extended family.

And to top everything off, you were surprised with another party over Thanksgiving weekend by your Grandpa and Gigi! They invited lots of family and friends to come on a special hayride and have a cookout. You even got some belated birthday presents (tons of baby dolls, some books, and several cute new outfits!) and had your own cake. I guess waiting a whole month to spoil you on your birthday meant that they were even more excited to see you!

In every way, you are so much more than I could have dreamed of. You are off-the-charts brilliant, and are so kind and loving (when you want to be...) You love to read books, play with your baby dolls, pat on Joe Dog, and especially be silly with Daddy. You like to sing songs in the car, and are amazingly good at matching colors, shapes, and letters.

But enough sugar coating. I have to be honest and say that you are at times a bit frustrating. You are really starting to exert your independence and you want to do everything by yourself. No matter how slowly. Or how much Mommy says she needs you to hurry. You have made the last few mornings a bit of a battle because you don't want me to help with putting on your diaper, putting on socks or shoes (even if you have no idea how to tie them) and especially with brushing teeth. It is suddenly necessary to declare an official state emergency in the bathroom if I take the cap off and put the toothpaste on for you, and Lord help us if I flush the toilet for you instead of you doing it. (Usually, you have to flush it again just to prove a point.)

No definite progress on the potty training thing, but you are getting better about going potty first thing when you wake up. I think I am going to really start using stickers as rewards since you get pretty pumped about them. Your teachers are requesting that we send you more Pull-Ups ("Big Girl Diapers" as you call them) instead of your regular diapers. Maybe they will do all the work for us!

But we love you so much. Every day, all the time. Especially when we cuddle in bed and watch cartoons. Especially when you give big hugs and kisses. Especially when you smile and laugh at silly jokes. Especially when you run over, excited to be picked up at the end of the day. Okay, all the time.

You are my best girl,
Mama