Dear Ana,
Today you turn thirty-five months old. Before I go any further I need to apologize for missing the “Thirty-four Month Letter” but October was just one crazy month. You happen to turn thirty-four months while we were in Disneyland (more about that in a minute) and I swore I would just write it once we returned home. Then when we got back I was catching up with all the things that happened while we were gone and time just slipped away from me. I’m sorry to miss your letter, but the fact that I have continued to write these monthly letters for as long as I have is pretty impressive, so I am forgiving myself…just this once. I hope you understand. If not, well, I took you to Disneyland, so consider yourself one lucky little girl regardless.




Now before we catch up to October, there were a few important things that happened in September. The first was that you were a flower girl in your Uncle Jesse and Aunt Nicole’s wedding. They asked you to be their flower girl months prior and leading up to the big day the only thing you would talk about was weddings. Anytime we left the house you asked if you needed to wear your fancy “flower dress.” When you played dress up, you were always the bride. So I knew you would happily handle your responsibilities when the time came. And sure enough, you were amazing. You posed for pictures, handled yourself like a little princess, and even gracefully flicked flower petals as you walked down the aisle. Everyone was so impressed with your attitude and I was approached several times by wedding guests commenting on how well-behaved you were during the ceremony. All I could do was look at you in wonder and say, “I know. She’s amazing.”

Near the end of September we also started up our parks and rec classes again. You are once again back in the Toddler and Me swimming class. I didn’t sign you up for swimming over the summer, partly because we were so busy already, but also because I figured we would be spending so much time playing in the water anyway, it just wasn’t necessary. But I thought you needed a little refresher because by the time the next session starts, you will be three years old and able to take the class ALL BY YOURSELF. Isn’t that exciting? Of course it is. And do you know how I know? Because you are already in a THREE’S class. Your ballet instructor, Teacher Katie, gave you (along with your BFF Lauren) special permission to move up to the Three’s Tip Toes class because you were doing so well! I could not be more proud of you and there isn’t a single day where you have made us regret the decision. You were really ready to be in a class with no parents. While I love that you are independent and confident enough to attend classes without me, it saddens me that there are certain things in your life that you don’t need me for already. Not only that, but it is such a strange feeling for you to learn something that I didn’t teach you (or something that I myself don’t know). But I love seeing the happiness and sense of accomplishment that it brings you.


And that brings us to our Disneyland vacation. Your daddy was speaking at a conference in LA and the timing just worked out perfectly for you and I to fly down to Anaheim at the end of the conference and have ourselves a little vacation in Disneyland. We knew there were going to be some restrictions because of how young you were, but to be honest I think it was nice. All the rides with the really long lines/wait weren’t rides we could even go on with you. Things were short and sweet…just like you. We had a little bit of a plan going in, but mostly just went with the flow and did whatever you wanted to do. Your only request when it came to rides was that we go on “It’s a Small World” each day. But we were more than happy to do so because the ride allowed us to sit down in a nice air-conditioned room for a much needed break! It was great to not have any pressure or expectations, because you didn’t have any. You had no idea what was going to happen, so everything was a bonus. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. The only thing that you specifically requested was princesses. And we were more than happy to find them for you every chance we could. To make it easier, we booked a Princess Breakfast at Ariel’s Grotto. We knew this would guarantee you FIVE princesses. Plus, we were able to sit at our table enjoying our meal and THEY came to us. No waiting in line. No fighting with other children. It was prefect.




The only princess we didn’t see at Ariel’s Grotto that you really had your heart set on meeting was Belle. This is where it came in handy to have someone on the inside. My Uncle Don, your Great-Uncle, works at Disneyland and really came through for us. Having seen you prior to our breakfast, dresses head to toe in your Belle costume, he knew how much you loved her. He ran into Belle and sent me a text picture on my iPhone with the caption, “Look who I found!” Upon discovering that she was on her way to Ariel’s just after we left, he sent me another text which read, “She wants to meet you. Go back to Ariel’s around noon. Ask for Rick.” So we did as we were told and when we arrived, discovered that he arranged for you to have a private meeting with your very favorite princess. You and Belle got to chat and she even danced around the room with you. It was the most amazing moment and you were the happiest little girl at the Happiest Place on Earth.

Another one of your favorite things in Disneyland was the face painting. The first day you and I were there alone, you woke up from your (rather short) nap in a bad mood. Trying to think of things to cheer you up, I took you to the face painting booth right next to Pixie Hollow. You were so excited to “wear make-up” that you instantly forgot that you were cranky. It was such a simple thing, yet it made you so happy that we took you back for a different design–all of your own choosing–each day we were at the Park.




That brings us to October, the grand kick-off of fall. Anyone who knows me, knows this is my favorite time of year. I love everything about it. The weather, the smell, the decorations, the food, the pumpkins… My list could go on and on. Since I embrace all these things so wholeheartedly, and you really don’t know it any other way, you do as well. One of our favorite traditions is a trip to the pumpkin patch. To really drag it out for all we could, we actually went on three different occasions. (Granted, only two pumpkin patches, but still.)




And then there is Halloween! Luckily we had several parties to attend, so we were able to wear a variety of costumes! You were able to get all girly as a fairy, get fancy as a princess, and still be my adorable little toddler as a silly monkey. We had a great time dressing up with you (when the occasion allowed) and you worked up intricate back-stories and plots to our elaborate game of make-believe. You also went trick-or-treating this year, and after a couple houses really started to get into it. I wasn’t sure how long you would last, but you kept saying, “Just one more house!” until your little banana treat bag was full! We had a great time and, for once, the weather actually held out and make for a truly enjoyable evening.




You have an imagination that rivals most children twice your age. You love pretend, make-believe, and role playing. Your Daddy has discovered he can get you through the entire bedtime process without a single tear if he is King Triton and you are Ariel. All he has to say is, “Ariel, it’s time to get out of the bathtub.” and you reply, “yes, King Triton!” and stand up without any hesitation. When you wake up in the morning you call out, “Beast! I woke up!” and your Daddy says, “I’m coming Belle!”


Lately you have stepped up your pretend play. Instead of simply becoming whichever princess you happen to be at the moment, you have taken to involving yourself in the role play as well. For example, you will be walking around in your Cinderella dress and suddenly stop, pose for a picture that’s not being taken, and say “Ana, do you want to take a picture with me? Smile at the camera!” Or the other night I was tucking you into bed while you were wearing your Belle nightgown and you said, “Is it ok if I sleep in Ana’s bed tonight?” Seeing my stunned expression, you quickly added in a stage whisper, “I’m Belle.” Catching on, I said, “Sure, Belle, you can sleep in Ana’s bed.” You looked skeptical and said, “I think you should ask her. ” So I called into the hallway, “Ana? Can Belle sleep in your bed tonight? She can? Oh thank you!” Satisfied with being given permission, you were finally ready to settle down and go to sleep.


I’m seeing more of your personality emerge every day. You are sweet; pausing your play to come over and tell me, “Mama? I love you.” You are hilarious and provide instant comedic relief; your new favorite expression is, “How’s the bacon shakin’?” You are sassy; when I tell you that you are making me angry you promptly retort, “You’re making me angry too…and you’re ruining my day!” But just as quickly you are able to turn it all around; when you see my jaw tighten and you can practically see me begging for patience, you will politely ask, “Mama? Do you have your happy face on?” to which it is almost impossible for me not to smile and say, “Yes, Ana. I do now.”

I know I say this all the time, but I just love my life with you in it. I think back to before you were born and life just didn’t seem to have a purpose. Things I thought were pretty before now sparkle and shimmer as I see them through your eyes. You are my reason for everything I do, my motivation to live life to the fullest, my conscience when I’m about to make a bad decision. You are my everything, and so very much more.

All my love,
Mama

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

Dear Ana,
Today you turn thirty months old, and now we will be telling the truth when we tell people that you are “two and a half” whenever someone asks your age. Although you are always quick to add, “I’m gonna have a birthday! In December! And then I am gonna be THREE!!” Which of course, is accompanied by you thrusting three tiny fingers into their face. The thought of being three excites you to no end, but I have to admit the thought of how quickly you are growing up truly scares me. Can’t you just slow down a bit?!


The big news this month is that we finally got around to painting your “big girl” room. And we could not have done it without your help! We moved your Daddy’s office downstairs a couple months back, knowing that there would be lots of things to do to get you moved out of the nursery and into your new room. The most daunting task of all was the painting. See, the office was red and we wanted your room to be yellow. Not wanting to end up with an orange room, we had to prime everything before painting the actual color. So one week while your Daddy was out of town on business, you and I went to Home Depot and bought all the supplies we needed, then once you went to bed, I painted the ceiling and primed the entire room (your Nana even helped one night!). Then once Daddy was back, he didn’t have any excuses to help us paint and we all worked hard and got it finished over Memorial Day weekend!


Hearing horror stories from our friends and family about moving their toddlers from their crib to a bed, we had no idea what to expect with you. But as with everything else, you were amazing. You were so excited from months of us talking up your big girl bed, that you just climbed right up, told us good night and went to sleep…without escaping once! In fact, for the first week or so, you didn’t even climb out of bed once you woke up, but rather called out to me, “Mama! I woke up! I’m in my big girl bed!” until I came and got you. Now you realize it’s ok to get out of bed (once it’s time to wake up, of course) and have startled me on more than one occasion as you move quietly through the house and then all of a sudden you are beside me. Don’t you know you take years off of my life every time you sneak up on me like that?!



Since you are two and a half now, and oh-so-very-grown-up, we decided it was time we got you your very own scooter. For months you have been telling us, “when I get bigger I can have a scooter” as you stare longingly at the children scooting on by down the street. So I took you to the fancy toy store and let you pick one out. Naturally, you chose the pink one and fell in love with it instantly. You really inherited your father’s athletic ability because you jumped right on that scooter and took off without waiting for me to offer any instruction.



A couple weekends ago your Daddy took you with him to go hiking around Jenkins Estate. While you had a great time exploring the great outdoors, you kept saying, “I just can’t wait to go camping.” While the two things compliment each other very well, you don’t have to do them together. But since the weather was so nice, we thought why not?! However it happened to be Memorial Day weekend and there was almost no chance anything would still be available. So we did the next best thing; we went camping in our own back yard. We had recently bought an outdoor fire pit, so we even got to roast marshmallows before retiring to our sleeping bags for the night. While you have been camping since you were less than six months old, this was the first time we didn’t have you sleep in your Pack ‘N Play, but rather in your own sleeping bag. You would have done great if we had actually bought you an air mattress, but we skimped and just picked up a pool mattress and you kept slipping off. Around 3am, when you had fallen off for the third time, you said, “I wanna go sleep in my bed.” and we all went inside. Trust me, when we go camping for real this summer, we will make sure you have a proper air mattress since your bed will be much further than 30 feet away.



We have been having an unseasonably warm spring and several times have had the luxury of being able to play in the pool and sprinkler. I am very happy to report that your love of the water is still going strong. I was worried you might need a little coaxing to get into the water, at least initially, but I’ve actually had to resort to bribery to get you out of the water…more often than I care to admit.



When you aren’t playing outside, you are letting your imagination run wild inside. I am constantly overhearing a steady stream of narration as you go about your day. You talk to your dolls, your stuffed animals, your toys, the dogs, and more than everyone else put together, you talk to me. All day long with the talking. Don’t get me wrong, I love it, and it is my largest source of entertainment through the day. Your “Ana-isms” keep me (and most of my friends on Twitter and Facebook) laughing and smiling long after the conversation occurred. Your understanding of the world around you blows my mind and the fact that I am easily able to follow your thought process proves that you are more like me each and every day.



Not that there was any doubt that you and I have lots of things in common. You want to do everything that I am doing and are therefore always helping me with the cooking and cleaning. I figure if we start early enough by time I have another child you should be able to handle most of the cooking and cleaning on your own. I mean, you vacuum more than most men, you can make a mean pink cupcake, and can order carry out like nobody’s business. What else is there?!



While I am totally teasing about you having to run the household, I am sure you would step up to the challenge with impressive skill. You are always amazing me and pushing your limits further than I would have ever though possible for someone your age. You are the best daughter I could have ever imagined. All I can say is you’ve set the bar pretty high, kiddo. Thank you for always striving to be your personal best and making sure that, in turn, I work to be the best Mama I can be. You make me feel like I can conquer the world. And I will, Ana, I will do it all for you.


All my love,
Mama

Dear Ana,
Today you turn twenty-nine months old. (That was really bizarre to write out because that means you are now older in months than I am in years.) You are growing so fast that I can hardly keep up. Before I know it, it’s time to write you another letter. If that weren’t enough, you are constantly telling me that you are a “big girl” and whenever you see something you want (that by some small miracle you don’t already have) you reassure me, “I can have that when I get a little bit bigger.”


One of the more defining characteristics about you this month is how inquisitive you are. You are always studying everything, curious how the world around you works. You have started really questioning things and I am always surprised by the questions you are able to come up with on your own. Then once I provide a satisfactory answer, you always say, “Oh! I see what you’re talking about!” I have recently started trying to turn the game around on you and I ask if you know the answer. You resoundingly say, “Yeah.” Then you pause, thinking about it and whisper, “Can you tell me?”


You are constantly following me around and watching my every move. You sit, mesmerized, while I get ready in the morning and when I ask you what you are doing you simply state, “I’m just watching you.” It’s like you are studying for an important exam and you don’t want to miss a single thing for fear you might get something wrong. But you also use this approach to get out of doing certain things. To stall eating dinner you say, “but I’m watching you.” As if watching me eat lasagna is so important you can’t be bothered to finish your peas. While I’m flattered that you find my every move so fascinating, I am pretty sure you can multi-task enough to do both things at once.



As is only natural, your following me around and bombarding me with questions occurs while I am cooking as well. I have decided to use this to my advantage, and to your delight I appointed you my little kitchen helper. I try to set out and pre-measure all the ingredients ahead of time. This indulges my OCD while simultaneously allowing you to help me in the kitchen. See? We both win!



Just the other day you were helping me make some chocolate chip cookies and I remembered that we had bought you a little apron to go with your play kitchen. So I located your apron and we set to work. It was only then that you realized that I would also need an apron and you quickly climbed down from the stool to dig my apron out of the drawer. It was very fortunate that we were both wearing aprons for this particular baking adventure because shortly after that you accidentally turned the KitchenAid to the highest speed and flour and chocolate chips flew out of the mixing bowl. I looked over to see how you were going to react when to my surprise you burst into giggles. Eventually you managed to squeal out, “That was SO funny!”



We recently started a huge project this month, which has taken up a lot of our free time. We decided to tear down the old play structure in our yard and put up a new Rainbow All American Double Decker play structure. Anytime we had decent weather we were outside taking apart, clearing, organizing, or assembling something. You were there for the entire process. And not just as a distraction either. You legitimately wanted to help out. We always tried to set aside tasks you could handle and whenever we were taking a break or moved on to another project you would pick up our abandoned tools and start working on the harder jobs as well. I gotta say, you have quite the impressive work ethic!




You are an incredibly happy child. You are always giggling or laughing, which is very contagious and eventually everyone around you is smiling right with you. You have a very sweet personality and love to hug and cuddle. Whenever either your Daddy or I are holding you and the other is close by you declare, “Family hug!” and we instantly cuddle together for the best hugs imaginable. While I know the majority of the appeal of the family hug is the affection, I know a small part of you just relishes in the fact that you can boss us around and on this particular command we actually follow your orders.


We got a surprise visit from your Aunt Darcie and Baby Silas last week. Darcie decided to take a drive up to “the big city” and the four of us went out to lunch. We had a great time chatting and you proudly showed off all your new tricks. Then we came back to our house so she could feed Silas and you could take a nap. We practically had to pry him out of your hands. You have such a great love for babies and it’s wonderful to have a little one around. Eventually he’s going to get bigger and stronger and he won’t let you squeeze and cuddle him as much. Before you know it, those soft cooing babies grow into bouncing toddlers who are constantly talking. Trust me. I know this from experience.

But for all the things you aren’t any longer, you’ve replaced them with things that are so much better. Of course I miss rocking you to sleep, but now we read stories together and you are able to remember the words and “read” them to me. Instead of singing you a lullaby to calm you down, you now request specific songs and sing along with me. Now when I dress you in the morning instead of me just picking out the cutest thing I can find, you help me decide what you want to wear, adding, “This is so adorable. Where’d you get this?” I have to remind myself all the time that you are only going to be this way once and to cherish every day we spend together. I know these moments are fleeting so I will gladly stop what I am doing to scoop you up in my arms, snuggle my nose at your neck and whisper, “I love you.”


All my love,
Mama

Dear Ana,
Two days ago you turn twenty-eight months old, or two years and four months, or just shy of two and a half. But any way you look at it, you are right in the middle of being two. And boy are you! You wear your emotions on your sleeve, are constantly on the go, and love to see and do new things. As soon as you wake up you ask me where we are going to go or who we are going to see. I simply cannot pack enough activities, playdates, and outings in a single day. You are always wanting more and I’d be lying if I said I wanted it to be any other way.


When we aren’t go-go-going, you are busy pretending to be like your parents. When you are being a mini-daddy, you climb up to the computer and tell me, “I gotta check my email.” or give a big sigh and said, “I gotta do some work!” But you balance that by being a mini-me as well. You are always taking your baby for a walk in her stroller, changing her diaper, or giving her a snack. You even hand her over to me and say, “Mama, can you hold Baby Amalia for a minute? I be right back.”



All your pretending to be a mommy has been great practice, but you totally prefer the real babies. So we were all very excited when a couple weeks ago your Aunt Darcie had her first baby. As soon as we met Baby Silas all you wanted to do was to hold him and kiss him. You even shush us if we talk too loudly and say, “Shh! The baby is sleeping!” Your daddy and I are so impressed and we know you are going to make a great big sister when the time comes.



To keep our schedule nice and full, I decided to enroll you in another ballet class through parks and rec. It’s a different teacher and therefore a little bit different style, but you still love it. You have such a great time and are constantly twirling around the house and shouting out things like “passe!” or “arabesque!” I guess one of these days I really need to learn what those words actually mean.



In addition to the ballet class you are also taking a “Preschool Exploration” class through parks and rec. When I was getting you ready to leave we had the following conversation:

Ana: Where we going?
Me: To your Preschool Exploration class.
Ana: I’m going to PRESCHOOL?!
Me: Well kind of. It will be a lot like preschool. We will get to do crafts and sing and play.
Ana: What’s my teacher’s name?
Me: I don’t know, hun. We haven’t met her yet.
Ana: Oh, I just love my teacher!

And they you proceeded to run around the room singing about going to school. When we actually got to the classroom you were instantly comfortable, which means you stripped off your coat (leaving it on the floor, of course) and went directly to the paint easel and started finger painting. You were so happy to get to do art projects, play with glitter and glue, check out the different toys, and then blow bubbles and sing. They even did parachute time. You were totally sold on school and every day ask me when you get to go back. Based on the success of this class (and the fact that you don’t actually get to start preschool for another year) I’m looking into putting you in another preschool exploration class this summer, but this one will be one where I drop you off instead of staying to participate. We’ll see how you do with that when the time comes.


From babies to ballet, there is no doubt that you are all girl. You love all things pink and purple. Ponies and princesses. Twirling and dancing. I can’t even relate to this because I was never a girly-girl. In fact, I was a total tomboy. So I am learning about this glittery, tulle-covered world as I go and I have to say that there is no one I would rather experience it with that you.


But as girly as you can be, you aren’t afraid to get a little dirty. We were out geocaching a few weeks ago when there was a break in the rain and I thought it might be fun to take you puddle jumping. I have to say when we explained what you needed to do, I wasn’t sure you were going to be into it. But sure enough, you jumped right in and splashed around like a pro. Now every time you are in your boots you hunt down the puddles and splash around until there in nothing left.



Lately you have been very into meeting new people and are always quick to ask, “What’s your name?” Often before they can even answer you say, “I’m Ana. I’m two. How many are you?” This generally shocks people for two reasons. One, they don’t really expect you to speak so well, let alone in complete sentences. And two, because adults generally aren’t use to people asking them how old they are. But you would be surprised how many people actually tell you their age. I think it’s something to do with the sheer innocence of childhood that they get caught up in the moment and would probably answer any question you asked them. And truthfully at that!


Ana I know I have said this a hundred (a thousand? a million?) times, but you are more amazing than I could have ever imagined. I never thought I would laugh so hard or so often, but the things you say and the realizations you come to on your own are often worthy of stand-up material. Hands down I get more comments on the things you say that I post on Twitter and Facebook than any of my other items. Combined. People are always telling me how smart and funny you are and I just smile, nod, and say, “I know. Isn’t she wonderful?”


All my love,
Mama

Dear Ana,
Today you turn twenty-seven months old. It has been such an amazing month that I sit back and marvel at how much you have grown, matured. Sure, as I write this I can hear you upstairs in your crib singing and talking to your stuffed animals, but I blame the sleeplessness on daylight savings time. Whoever thought that stuff up was clearly not a parent. Change the time just when schedules get perfected? MADNESS. But you seems to roll with it pretty well. In fact, (and I know I am going to jinx it by even mentioning it, but I am nothing if not daring) even with DST thrown in the mix, you go to sleep perfectly. A few weeks ago I finally weened you (I know.) and you handled it perfectly (had I known how easy it would be, I wouldn’t have put it off for so long). Every night I read you a bedtime story, you climb off my lap, walk over to your crib then I lay you in bed and you tell me good night. End of story. You could not be an easier child when it comes to bedtime. And for that I will always be eternally grateful.


Many things in your life are continually evolving, but your love of babies hasn’t changed at all. You have a baby with you as often as allowable and are constantly mirroring all my parenting techniques. I over hear you asking your baby if she needs to go potty, just about as often as you remind her not to climb or jump on the furniture. You reassure her when she falls down and encourage her that she can do it when she tries something new. While it is the more adorable thing ever, I also find it very comforting to know that you are actually listening when I talk to you.


The only twist on your baby obsession is that you have recently started talking about your “brother and sister.” The only logical assumption I can come to is that for awhile there you were only talking about sisters (a lot of your friends have baby sisters) and I wanted you to be aware that they did come in the boy variety, so we would try to mention baby brothers from time to time. But instead of rotating between sister and brother, you just tacked a brother on to the mix. The obsession finally peaked when we were walking through the Dollar Store when you spotted the bin of baby dolls. You instantly ran up, grabbed a baby wearing blue and a baby wearing purple, wrapped them in a bear hug and exclaimed, “It’s my brother and sister!” I heard a giggle from behind us and turned around to see a little old lady who witnessed the entire thing and she smiled at us and said, “I’m sorry but that was the cutest thing I have ever seen.” Needless to say, after that we had to buy both babies and you now have a brother and sister that you like to introduce to everyone that comes to our house.


Another little quirk you have developed is telling us that everything you enjoy is your favorite. You taste something you like and say, “It’s my favorite!” You see a toy at the store and hint, “But it’s my favorite.” Whatever shirt I select for you to wear you reassure me that it’s your favorite. I really enjoy seeing you get so much satisfaction out of discovering things that are important to you and watching you develop your own personal preferences. I also find it very entertaining when you try something you don’t like because you are very quick to tell me, “Mama, this is NOT my favorite.”


Yesterday while we were driving in the car we had the following conversation:

Ana: Mama, I’m mad.
Me: Oh no. Can you be happy now?
Ana: No. I’m not done being mad yet.
Me: Is there anything I can do to make you happy?
Ana: Yeah…
Me: What is it?
Ana: I know…Chapstick!

This conversation sums up a huge “favorite” of yours. You have a serious Chapstick addiction. So much that you would go through an entire tube in an hour, if we let you. Sure, most of it would be smeared across your face and stuck in your teeth, but it would be gone nonetheless. Your father and I finally decided it had gone far enough and took away your Chapstick privileges. We now use Chapstick only as a potty training reward and so far (when we remember to use it) it works out great. But I still have to keep an eye on you because you know where all my Chapsticks are hidden around the house.


While I am always amazed by the things you are up to these days, watching your social interactions, compared to those of your peers, truly astounds me. The fact that you have social skills and conversations at all is impressive in and of itself. You are always saying, “What you talkin’ about guys?” to your dad and I until we stop and include you in our discussion. Where I though you were thinking about something else or playing mindlessly with your toys, you were in fact listening to everything we were talking about and actually taking it all in. I have to think that the fact that we do include you probably has a lot to do with your advancements in this particular area. But you are just so interesting to talk to, I can’t imagine wanting to leave you out of the discussion!


At this age, almost everything we do is a learning opportunity and you thrive on every bit of it. You are always asking me how things work and if you don’t know how to do something instead of making me do it for you, you ask, “Can you show me how to do it?” I am so happy to teach you and watch you absorb all the information around you. The world is an amazing place and I am so excited that you love it every bit as much as I do. But it is also really exciting when you ask me what something is, and then once I tell you, you quickly turn to your father and say, “It’s a ____, Dad!” Because really, knowledge isn’t worth anything if you aren’t willing to share it with someone else.


While you are happy to be included, you aren’t afraid to be on your own. In fact, you can be quite the Little Miss Independent. You are always wanting to do things on your own or by yourself. I really encourage this behavior and if I know you are capable of doing something, I make sure you do it whenever possible. But your independence really took me off guard last week when you were just standing in the living room, gripping the table and I asked you if you were ok. You looked over at me and said, “I’m still poopin’ Mom. I need some privacy.”


I love the fact that I am able to stay home and raise you. That I get to enjoy all the little moments of each day that truly make up the person that you are and the woman that you will one day become. It has been yet another amazing month, and sure there are moments where I stick my earbuds in my ears and turn up the volume so I can pretend that I am someone else, anywhere else, but I wouldn’t even change those moments. Because it’s all the pieces put together that make up the whole puzzle. Where at the end of the day I can step back, look over our day and honestly say that today was the best day ever. And it wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for you. You amaze me and quite simply, you make everything so much better. Thank you, Ana, my precious baby girl.


All my love,
Mama

Dear Ana,
Today you turn twenty-six months old. You are probably wondering where your “twenty-five months” letter is and the truth of it is that I was trying to stop writing these letters every month. It was starting to feel like more of an obligation and I didn’t want it to feel forced. I know. I’m sorry. But I found that I kept thinking of things I wanted to say and share with you and I couldn’t find any other way to work it in. It wasn’t worthy of an entire post to itself and was generally longer than the 140 characters Twitter allows, so I was stuck. Then it happened: I realized I really missed writing to you each month. So here I am…again with the monthly letters. I hope when you are older you will have the same satisfaction in reading them as I do in writing them.

I guess the biggest thing to happen lately is that you are suddenly into all things princess. You discovered the Disney Princess empire and you embraced it with wide open, satin covered arms. We exchanged one of your birthday gifts you already had and I let you pick any toy you wanted. When you spotted that Cinderella Barbie it was like you two were meant to be together. You only had eyes for her. We left the store and you couldn’t open it fast enough. We brought that doll with us everywhere for an entire week. Then you realized there were more princesses. Cinderella was your gateway drug and she lead you to Ariel, Belle, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White.

More than just playing with the dolls or watching the movies, you love to dress up like a princess. The timing could not have been more perfect when a friend of ours gave you all her old dress-up clothes. You still need help getting them on, but once you are dressed you easily embrace your princess role and ask the nearest person, “you want to go to the ball with me?” and then you spin in circles and “dance” around the room.

Right about the same time the princess phase was developing, the ballerina phase began as well. I’m not entirely sure where you learned about ballet, but one day you informed me you were a ballerina and off you went twirling and jumping around the room. I decided to investigate my options and was thrilled to find a “Tip Toes” ballet class for two year olds through parks and rec and instantly signed you up.

Your ballet class is quite possibly the cutest thing I have ever seen. The way your teacher is able to hold the attention of TEN two year old girls is beyond me. But you simply love it. You run, jump, and spin all while wearing a tiara and manage not to trip over your tutu along the way. Then at the end of class you take turns hugging your teacher and all your new ballerina friends then frolic off to look at yourself in front of the mirror…err…I mean, to “practice on the barre.”

As well as ballet, I also signed you up for another round of swimming lessons. Since this is your third swimming session, I wanted to spice things up a bit so I signed you up for an evening class that you can do with Daddy. The two of you get so excited every Tuesday and Thursday as you get ready for class. I thought it would be a good idea for you and Daddy to have more things you do together. I love spending time with you, but I often feel like I am taking all the fun stuff and leaving Daddy with the leftovers. So swimming lessons will hopefully be the first of many daddy-daughter outings.

Now that you are two whole years old, we have been trying all sorts of new things lately. A couple weeks ago we went bowling with our MOMS Club. With the aid of ramps to push the ball down and metal “bumpers” blocking the gutter, you did quite well! In fact, there were a few times where your score was ahead of mine (I didn’t get to use the bumpers)! I was very impressed watching you carry the heavy (6 or 8 pound) ball from the ball return and place it on top of the ramp. You didn’t care how many pins were knocked over but you sure loved watching the ball “pop” up from the ball return. It was standing there that you discovered the fan and I soon lost your rapt attention and more frequently found you hoovering over the fan letting it blow air in your hair. Oh well, what was I to expect of a two-year old attention span anyway?

Since your art class ended, I have been trying to occasionally do some crafty sort of things. It’s hard for me, getting all messy and creative, so I apologize for not doing it more frequently. I try really hard to keep from inhibiting your creativity and try to just let you have fun…it was just easier to do when it wasn’t at MY house. So we have done lots of coloring and very recently introduced play dough. You didn’t quite understand the appeal at first, so I picked up some “tools” and you had a blast squeezing, cutting, pressing, and rolling the dough.

While I know that you are still relatively little, I understand that you are growing up. So a couple weeks back we got shifted and got transition services from https://onestopselfstorage.com/ and now I started digging out all the stuff I’ve been collecting for your “big girl” bedroom. I opened up the under-bed plastic storage bin with your quilt and pillows and you instantly climbed into the box and curled up in the blankets. You thought it was your new bed! While it was adorable (and I had to take pictures) I would never make you sleep in a plastic box. So to explain it to you, I brought you into the office and put your blankets on the “guest” bed in there and showed you where your big girl bed will eventually be. Now, we still have to do some shuffling and rearranging in the house before it will be official (Daddy’s office is moving into the media room so the office can become your big girl room, leaving the nursery as it is). You are very excited about it all, but my heart breaks a little thinking how quickly you are becoming a big girl and are no longer my little baby. Apparently it’s not enough that each time I slip up and call you “baby” you keep telling me, “Mama, I’m not a baby, I’m a big girl.” But no, you have to go out and show the world as well.

All my love,
Mama

Dear Ana,
Today you turn twenty-four months old. It’s hard to imagine it, but two years ago today I was sitting on the edge of my bed, hunched over my giant belly, trying to paint my toenails through labor contractions because I did not want to give birth to my daughter and not have the decency to try and look presentable. While I was concerned with my appearance, your father was frantically running around the house making sure all our electronics (phones, camera, video camera) were all charged so he wouldn’t miss a single thing about the day you were born. Funnily enough I don’t think there is a single shot of my perfectly painted toes. Oh well, you can’t blame a girl for trying.


I know I have been saying this to you all along, but this month your personality really exploded. You have started doing things I didn’t expect for months or even years! The one that first comes to mind is that you have started asking “why?” to everything I tell you. Regardless of what I say, your response the majority of the time is “why?” I wasn’t expecting this phase for at least a year, so way to catch me off guard on that one! The hilarious thing is that if I don’t answer quickly enough you answer, “because!”


Like any child your age, you can be a little demanding and bossy, but more often than not you are incredibly supportive and enthusiastic. You are always encouraging me and saying, “It ok, Mama, it ok.” Or when I tell you about our planned outings or activities for the day you are constantly telling me, “that be fun!” Often you even follow it up by putting your tiny hand up in the air and shouting, “high five!” And nothing melts my heart more than when you are sitting on my lap and reach your hand up to reassuringly pat me on the cheek.


But your mothering instincts don’t stop at being my own personal cheerleader. You are always trying to take care of everyone around you. The other day I was in the kitchen and I kept hearing you say, “I get off all the poopies.” Assuming you were just recalling your most recent diaper change, I didn’t think anything of it. Then after hearing you say this over and over a few more times, I peeked around the corner into the living room to see you had emptied the better part of a box of baby wipes “cleaning” your baby doll’s bottom. There you go again, always being a little mother!


Aside from developmental milestones, the big news this month is that you are now an international traveler! Your Daddy was asked to speak at a conference in Milan, Italy and he invited us to come along with him. We decided to extend the trip to include Rome, Florence, and Pisa. Not knowing how we could adapt to dealing with a toddler in a foreign country, we brought your Grandma Nana along so she could lend a helping hand. But for the most part, very little help was needed because you were such a hit in Italy. Those Italians sure do love babies! Everywhere we went they were always picking you up to give you a hug or kiss, stopping in the middle of the street to say, “Ciao, bella!” or even slipping you extra pieces of candy with dinner.


But it wasn’t just the hospitable Italians. I have to give credit where credit is due and admit that you are one SUPER TROOPER. You were always on your best behavior, despite being in a foreign land, where you didn’t know any of the places we stayed, recognize any of the foods we ate, or even understand the language they spoke. You were naturally curious, and occasionally shy, but always polite and used your manners more than I could have ever imagined. The people we met were consistently shocked to learn that you weren’t even two years old, as you told everyone you met, “I’m Ana…I be TWO in Dis-ember.”


I readily admit that we took full advantage of your generous attitude. We packed too many sites into the handful of days we were in Italy. We rarely ventured back to the hotel for your afternoon nap and as a result, you often fell asleep on your father or I. This came in handy several times as you were known to fall asleep in the (dull) museums and us adults were then able to wander through at our leisure. You would occasionally open your eyes and upon seeing that we were looking at yet another old church (or statue or monument), would allow your eyelids to close once again and slip away to a peaceful sleep.


We haven’t ever really messed with your sleep schedule too much, aside from daylight savings, so we weren’t really sure how you would adjust to the change in your schedule (not to mention jet lag). You have always been a pretty consistent sleeper, napping just like clockwork. So on one of the first nights we were in Italy when you started to fall asleep at the dinner table, you could understand our shock. You were in the process of putting a cracker in your mouth when your eyes rolled backwards and your head started to lull to the side. Your Daddy thought you might be having some type of seizure or stroke because this was something we had never witnessed before. Once we realized you were falling asleep, I just encouraged you to finish the food in your mouth then slid you off your chair and onto my chest where you slept for the remainder of the meal.


That wasn’t the only sleep-related first we encountered in Italy. Upon waking up one morning in Milan the first thing you said to me was, “what happened?” since nothing had happened I just reassured you that you were sleeping and everything was ok. You then told me, “the doggy got wet…on hims glasses.” Since I KNEW that obviously didn’t happen, I quickly realized you were dreaming and told you so. To which you replied, “I was watchin’ a movie.” I giggled to myself and realized that to a two year old that’s probably the best way to explain a dream when you have no idea you weren’t awake but were actually sleeping.


While our time in Italy was packed with cultural and historical things that held no significance to you, we also tried to find activities that would interest you as well. We discovered several parks and playgrounds in Milan and gave you a few opportunities to try to break through the language barrier and make some adorable little Italian friends. We even visited the Museum of Natural History to let you look at all the animals, where you spent the majority of the trip with your nose pressed up against the glass in amazement and awe. Because of you we balanced our stuffy museums with urban parks, our strong cappuccinos with creamy gelatos, and our brisk walks with leisurely cab rides. You allowed us the opportunity to actually sit back and enjoy the country as it was intended.


It has been an amazing two years, my sweet girl. You have changed my life in the best possible way. You have completed our family and brought me happiness I never imagined possible. There is no one I would rather devote my time, my energy, my life to than you. As I watch you grow up and slowly unveil just a hint of the spectacular person you are to become, I can’t help but glow with pride and a sense of accomplishment, reveling in the fact that I made you. You make me so proud EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. And while I may not always say it, because sometimes words and stress and life get in the way, please know that I am always thinking it, and I don’t ever want you to forget. Happy birthday, Ana!


All my love,
Mama