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