Dear Ana,
Today you turn thirty-three months old, or as your Dad told you over breakfast this morning, you are “two and three-quarters.” You thought this was a pretty cool fact, way more impressive than simply being “two and a half.” So at the playground today when a little boy walked up to you and asked you how old you were, you proudly stated, “I’m two and three-quarters!” His mother promptly turned to me and asked, “Does she mean three and three-quarters?” Then it was my turn to be proud as I shook my head and said, “Nope. She’s two and three-quarters…just like she said.”


You get closer and closer to being three years old every day, which I have to admit sort of scares me. Everyone that has younger children has confided in me that three is actually more “terrible” than two. Something to do with developing a sense of self (“No! I don’t want to!) and further able to express their emotions (“I don’t like you ONE BIT!”). And I have to say that there have been days lately where we have seen a glimpse of that independence. Last night, for example, you and your Daddy had quite a rough bedtime. He finally got you calmed down and ready for bed, which is when I come in to read you a bedtime story. I read you a Dora princess book, gave you a drink of water, kissed you on the forehead and turned off the light. About a half hour later I happen to walk past your room, imagining you sound asleep, I was utterly shocked to see you had turned on your bedside lamp and were sitting up “reading” a book in bed. I was initially outraged by your obvious disobedience. But just as quickly my outrage vanished as I remembered all the countless nights I spent hunched under my covers reading a book by flashlight. Maybe not at two years old (or 33 months, as the case may be), but as far back as I can remember. I just love catching little glimpses of myself in you. And you become more and more like me every day. I had to put my flattery aside and slip on my “Mom hat.” I walked into your room, explained that you needed to go to sleep and since I understood that you were very excited about this particular book, we could quickly flip through the pages together…just this once.

Needless to say, it worked. Ten minutes later you were out cold.

When you aren’t busy testing your boundaries, you are totally consumed with being a princess. It’s princesses, princes, kings and queens all the time around here. You are constantly playing dress-up, acting out your favorite scenes in the Disney movies with your Barbies, or role playing with some of your friends. I have to say, this has done amazing things to your manners. Suddenly you are all about “yes, sir” and “no, ma’am” and all sorts of other expressions befitting of only a princess. I keep trying to explain to you that you use “sir” with men and “ma’am” with women, but for now, I will take whatever manners you want to throw as me.


Over the course of the last month, we wrapped up all of our summer classes through parks and rec. The last of these was gymnastics. While at the time, I didn’t think you really got a lot out of the class, you have certainly proved me wrong. When we were in the midst of class, I was constantly trying to keep you on task, pointing out your correct form (“Lower your head. No. Your head. Not your bottom, your HEAD.”), or asking you to stop hugging your friends, to the point that I was at my wits end. But now that class is over suddenly you know how to do all sorts of things: somersault, log roll, and walk on the high(er) balance beams. It’s amazing the things you learn from these classes when I’m too busy focusing on following the instructions.



You aren’t the only one who has been taking classes. Two weeks ago I signed up for Stroller Strides in an attempt to get back in shape, if for no other reason that to be able to keep up with you, my dear! I decided I needed to work on getting healthy and the first step was to start working out again. We went to our first class, and I have to admit I was fully prepared to hate it and I was certain there was no way you would stay in the stroller for an entire hour, but sure enough, I was surprised by both of us! While the workout was far from easy, I actually enjoyed myself. And you had a great time too. Each morning you ask, “Mom, are we are going to Stroller Rides today?”

You are my constant driving force during the class. Just when I stopping pushing myself to the limit, you chime in with, “Go, Mama, Go!” or “Faster, Mama, faster!” and give me that motivation I need to keep going. I have to keep reminding myself that I am not only doing this for me. I am doing it for you. During one class you even asked me, “Mom, why are all those mommies faster than you?” To which I whipped our BOB stroller around and said, “See? I’m faster than all of those mommies!” We’ve only been doing Stroller Strides for a short while, in fact today was our 10th class, but already I’ve got more energy and strength. Don’t get me wrong…I’m still walking. I’m not a runner. Yet. But with you cheering me on with, “Run, Mommy, run!” or “Let’s catch up to that mommy!” it’s only a matter of time before we can do it. Oh and we will. And I will do it all for you, baby!


But it’s not always hard work around here. We know how to get silly and creative too! In fact, my friend Megan gave me this awesome beehive cake mold for my birthday and you and I set out one afternoon to make the most amazing Lemon Beehive Cake. We made the cake from scratch and I let you help me every step of the way. I have to say that your favorite part was adhering the tiny sugar bees to the “honey” frosting. And who could blame you? The decorating is always the best part!




It has been a long crazy summer and I am all set to ease right into fall with you. During the summer the days are too long and there is so much pressure to fill every minute. I can’t wait until we are back into the more relaxed swing of things where there is more time to cuddle up on the couch and read together. Where we can have girly dates at Starbucks, sipping Caramel Apple Cider or Pumpkin Spice Chai and nibbling on pastries. I am looking forward to all of our fall traditions: the Lakeview Farms pumpkin patch, playing in the leaves, our pumpkin carving party, dressing up for Halloween. I love all of it and the only thing that makes this time of year more amazing is getting to see my excitement mirrored in you. You make everything better and for that I will always be grateful.

All my love,
Mama

Dear Ana,
Yesterday you turned thirty-two months old. While we were driving in the car, I remembered that it was the 9th and mentioned to your Daddy that I needed to write your letter. You overheard me and asked, “Write a letter to me?” To which I replied, “Sure. I write a letter to you every month.” Then you surprised both Daddy and I when you said, “Awww!” And I am very glad that you (for now, at least) feel that way. It makes it more special knowing that you appreciate the things I do for you.


Yesterday was a busy day all around. Aside from being your month-o-versary, you and Daddy participated in the Providence Bridge Pedal. It was a six-bridge “family ride” that took you over the Hawthorne, Ross Island, Marquam, Burnside, Broadway, and Fremont bridges. It was about 14 miles and you and Daddy did it together. He loaded you up in the Burley (along with Baby Amalia, your new bride Barbie, a water bottle, and enough snacks to feed a small army) and you two rode all around Portland in places that bikes are only allowed one day each year. I could not be more proud of you both for completing this amazing accomplishment.




There were also several other “firsts” this month. You went fishing for the first time with your friend Beckham (and his family, of course, since he is also only two years old). You were so excited to go fishing once you discovered a pink Barbie fishing pole at Target. I let you get it because, unbeknownst to you, we had already made a date to go fishing with our friends. You were so excited, and would walk around the living room pretending to cast your line, and then reel it back in. I explained the whole process to you, but I don’t think we really talked about what happens after you caught the fish. You were a little shocked to see a wet, wriggling, creature pop out of the water. And you were more than a little traumatized when we removed the hook from the fish’s mouth (it swallowed the hook and bled quite a bit when we pulled it out). To this day you will sometimes say for no reason at all, “Remember all that blood in my fish’s mouth?” Yeah, sorry about that.



But you had another first this month that wasn’t nearly as traumatic. In fact, I was not expecting it to go as well as it did! I took you horseback riding and you simply loved it! We went to this adorable place in Wilsonville called Once Upon a Horse and you got to ride, brush, and feed the horses. The horse you picked was named Sugar and now anytime we even mention the word “sugar” you instantly pretend you are doing something pertaining to horses. Whether it’s turning your shoelaces into reigns and yelling, “giddy-up!” or galloping off around the room. I think we may have found a new obsession for you, my dear!


After our horseback riding outing you were so exhausted you slept in the car and so you didn’t want to take a nap like you normally do after lunch. You laid in bed for about a half hour talking and singing before I finally gave in and let you get up. About an hour later, after a snack and playing with your toys, you informed me you were going upstairs to play with your Dora dollhouse. I didn’t think anything of it, since this is something you do quite often, but about 10 minutes went by and it was really quiet upstairs. That is not normal; when you play there is pretty much always a steady stream of commentary. I snuck up to your room to find you had removed all your decorative pillows, tucked yourself into bed, and actually went down for your (albeit delayed) nap. Let me say this again: YOU PUT YOURSELF TO BED. I could not believe it. And since that day you have done it a few more times, so it wasn’t just a fluke. I have to say I lucked out because you are the only two (and a half!) year old I know who puts herself to bed!


As always, I have been keeping you busy in parks and rec classes. Even though it’s summer, I wanted to keep our routine pretty normal (i.e. busy). The other day I got to see your Munchkin Sports Class for the first time. The class is on Saturday mornings and so you get to go with Daddy. However, I didn’t pick the best day to watch. It was one of the hottest days of the year and I don’t think the gym was properly air-conditioned. Then to top it off, you were playing tennis and basketball, which were clearly not your favorites. According to Daddy, you really enjoyed the days you played soccer or on the scooter boards. We both knew you would be interested in soccer, but our rec center doesn’t offer a focused sport until you are three years old. Until then, you get the “sample” of sports. I thought this would be a good way to expose you to a variety of different sports, particularly those that Daddy and I might not lean towards personally, in an attempt to see what you really like, not just what we want you to like. Well, it was very clear how you were feeling on this particular day, and I have to say, I didn’t blame you one bit.


You are also in a Pre-Gymnastics class. Back before the class started you and I had the following conversation:
Me: “Ana, you are starting a gymnastics class next week. Aren’t you excited?”
Ana: “But I’m too little.”
Me: “No, you only have to be two. You are two so you can go to gymnastics!”
Ana, pausing to think, “Oh…” then you sadly added, “But I’ll be three in December. Then I can’t go!”
Me: “Sure you can. You just had to be at least two. You can be two…three…four…”
Ana, shocked: “Oh I just can’t believe it!”

I have to add that I was totally shocked by your ability to reason through the conversation we had. Now that I mention it, some of the talks you and I have, I didn’t think I would be having for YEARS down the road. Another example is your latest favorite expression that makes me smile every time you say it: “Excuse me, guys. Can I add something to your conversation?” Seriously? Are you sure you are only TWO years old?!


During some of the really hot days we had this month, we took a little escape from the heat and went to Seaside. It’s times like this that it is really nice that we still have a lot of family living on the coast. We get to drop by whenever we want and we always have a place to stay. It’s nice having once been a local in a tourist trap because we know all the back roads to get around, how to avoid the crowds, and where to get the best food. But it sure is fun to come back and play tourist! We built sandcastles (which you would destroy with evil glee) and ran in the ocean until you couldn’t run anymore.



Another one of your favorite activities lately is playing doctor. You are quite literally obsessed. You will play any and every chance you get. There are some of your friends that when you get together for a playdate you will spend the entire two hours taking turns being the injured patient and the doctor. We have two, no wait, three medical sets because of course no one set contains all the tools that you “need” to have. So we now have an assortment of stethoscopes, blood pressure gauges and cuffs, thermometers, syringes, tweezers, and bandages so you can heal even the worst injury.


Looking back over the last month, we have done so many new and exciting things and you have taken it all in stride. I am quite impressed. Many children I know are afraid of new things, preferring to be creatures of habit, seeking solace in monotony. But not you. You wake up each morning eager to start the day, asking, “Where are we going today, Mama?” I love the zest for life that we somehow managed to teach you and that, even more impressively, you grasped with such fervor that it radiates through you. But it doesn’t stop there. You inspire others. You make me want to try new things, to get out there and just DO something in a way that nothing else ever has. And as long as we do it together, I know it is going to be the most amazing adventure I have ever taken.


All my love,
Mama

Dear Ana,
Today you turn thirty-one months old. And what a busy month it has been. Now, more than ever, we are just go, go, GO-ing all the time. I strive to keep up with your permanently high energy level. While I rely a little on my morning coffee, your enthusiasm energizes my soul in a way that caffeine can’t even touch. Seeing your eyes light up and a smile spread across your face are all it takes for me to take your hand in mine and set out to conquer the world together.


You love to be on the move. And whenever our weather is comfortable enough (not pouring down rain or scorching hot), we are outside soaking up the Vitamin D. We go for bike rides (you behind Daddy in the Burley), walk to the park, or simply let you cruise around the cul-de-sac on your scooter.


But of course, all this takes place between all your classes. Ballet class has started back up again and you could not be happier. What little girl doesn’t love dancing around, wearing a crown–excuse me, a tiara–and waving a magic wand? You spend a lot of the class twirling around the room and checking yourself out in the mirror, but you still manage to learn some techniques along the way as well. Skill level aside, I’m just happy to have found an activity you continue to look forward to week after week. After all, this is our third session of ballet class and you still love it.



You manage to find ways to be a princess outside of the ballet studio as well. In fact you have taken to climbing rocks (or anything you can pretend is a rock, for example, your overturned Pottery Barn Kids Anywhere chair) and re-enacting the scene from Little Mermaid where Ariel sings “Part of Your World” on the rock. Belting out the “Ah ah ahhh, AH AH AHHH!” just like Ariel does when the Sea Witch takes her voice. Always the little drama queen, you take your performances seriously.



In an attempt to keep your princess time in check, I also try to balance our overly girly activities with some more dirty, farm-friendly ones. We have gone berry picking several times in the last few weeks (strawberries and raspberries) and while you don’t mind getting dirty and even occasionally help me pick berries (rather than just eating them) you simply love the farm life that tends to accompany our local produce. While driving to Smith Berry Barn last week we drove past cows, horses and even stopped to roll down our windows at a deer wandering through an apple orchard. Then once we actually arrived at the farm they had chickens and goats that you very enthusiastically got to feed.


You also have several friends of the opposite sex to keep your interests rounded. Case in point, your friends Ayden and Everett recently had a joint 4th birthday party with a pirate theme. Everyone ran around flexing their (temporary) tattoos, shouting “Arrr!” and raising threatening hooked hands. You had an amazing time and even allowed all the pirate garb to join your princess costumes in the dress-up box.



But I just can’t seem to keep the girly stuff from you for too long. In celebration of the 4th of July, we painted your toe nails OPI’s “I’m not really a waitress” red. Now I’ve been painting your finger and toe nails for awhile now (since you were the flower girl in Aunt Darcie’s wedding to be specific) but I have only used sparkly clear nail polish. Mostly because I cannot stand when nail polish chips and there is NO WAY to keep a 2 year old from chipping her nails. (The clear basically fades away.) But you have recently become obsessed with my red toe nail polish and tell me practically every day, “when I get bigger I can have sparkly red toe nails.” So one morning last week we sat down (I took many calming breaths) and painted your toes. You were so excited you showed everyone your toes for the next several days.




We went to Seaside for the 4th of July this year. Partly because it was on a Saturday and was feasible but also partly because it was going to be in the 90’s here in Portland and your parents do NOT like the heat. So we escaped to the beach and enjoyed the balmy 70 degree weather. We kicked off the celebration with the Seaside Parade. You knew what to expect at this parade, having been to the Rose Festival’s Grand Floral Parade recently, so you enjoyed the fire trucks and marching bands, but you were tickled pink by the fact that this parade threw candy to the watching crowds.


Later in the afternoon on the 4th of July we went down to the beach and staked out a spot for us to watch the fireworks. You had the best time playing on the beach. You have recently gotten over your aversion to sand (slightly to my dismay) and decided that it is The. Best. Thing. Ever. There isn’t anything I can do to keep you out of your friends sandboxes, so being entirely surrounded by sand was like a little taste of heaven for you.


And then we took you down to the ocean. Oh man, the smiles I saw on your face made me forget about how the sand was now going to be glued to every little crevice on your body. Watching you skip down to the water line, your curls bouncing behind you, and cautiously step into the crashing waves, then run will pure glee from the water that was lapping at your ankles, made my entire week. I loved the way you would squeal with delight every time the waves chased you down the beach.



Once you were finally soaked from the ocean we went back to our spot and built a nice bonfire to dry you and your clothes. Then we decided to make some s’mores. You savored your little beach treat; nibbling gently on the graham cracker and licking at the ooey gooey toasted marshmallow. You got about half way through the decadent dessert before the sugar started to kick in. I’m convinced that s’more alone kept you awake to see the very last firework that night.


I was so amazed by your utter lack of fear with regards to the fireworks. The first (illegal) ones that went off sent you running back to our blanket with your hands over your head like it was World War III, but upon seeing that no one else was frightened, you quickly adjusted to the loud bangs and pops. Before I knew it, you were ready to hold your own sparkler and even pretended to write “A-N-A” in the air.

I am so blessed to have you as my daughter. To get to spend my entire day with you, playing and having fun, making memories that will last forever is more wonderful than I could have even thought possible. I know that at your age, these aren’t memories you will retain (even with the steel trap of a memory you have) but I hope that these letters together with the pictures I have taken will help you understand why these are the best days of my life.


All my love,
Mama