34 Months: Maddie

My Sweet, Lovey Girl

In just two short months our baby girl will be three! Or as you put it yesterday, "I will be big in January." As if you're not big now. This past month has been pure joy with you. If the first few months of 2 ushered in a contrary side unlike we'd ever seen, the past few months of 2 have shone with a pleasant and agreeable nature. You have always been sweet but these days you are especially kind and helpful and thoughtful and so loving. You are growing into such a grown-up girl.

As a matter of fact, we hardly recognize the long-legged creature that comes bounding into our room each morning. We often joke that you require no "transition time" whatsoever. You wake up ready to play. You walk into a brand new situation with confidence and in anticipation of something great about to happen. There is no warming up or preparation needed. You just roll with it.

Last week I took you for your follow-up flu shot and about an hour before we were to leave I mentioned we had a doctor's appointment to attend. You asked me if you were going to be receiving another shot, which I confirmed, and you said, "Well, I'm going to be very brave. I won't even say ouch." [Author's note: The first flu shot appointment you went to sit on the doctor's stool, it shot out from under you, throwing you to the floor, where you busted your head open on the brass trim along the hard tile. As blood poured out of your head, you smiled at the nurse as she presented you with a princess sticker for bravery while getting your shot.] Back to the second shot: you laid on the table, your face a mix of concentration and uncertainty. When the needle came, you winced, said "Ouch!," and then laughed, "Oops, I guess I said ouch!"

You make friends everywhere we go. People are charmed by your innocent and pointed questions ("You got a moustache?" "How did you get that owie?" "You've got no hair on your head!") You fit in with kids your own age as well as a room full of adults. You love to find a friend on the playground and spend the entire time inventing new games to play together. Whenever we have to leave you make a point of saying goodbye.

Your great loves at this point are art, dance, music and dress up or imaginative play. Nearly every day at preschool drop off you run straight for the art easels and your folder is always brimming with new paintings and projects. I can keep you busy for hours at home with creative art supplies. You and your Daddy spend hours dressing up and dancing. You love to stop in the middle of what you are doing and break out with a new "move."

You are enthusiastic about school. I took the above picture one morning before leaving (this is an outfit of your choosing, by the way) and the anticipation on your face is hilarious. Your teachers are so great at making you feel special and welcome each morning, like you are the only student they have been waiting for. I can't imagine a greater joy than seeing you run off into that classroom, ready to take on the world.

You are especially kind and thoughtful and helpful when it comes to Sam. He beams when you pay attention to him. A few weeks ago, I looked back to see you two holding hands between your carseats in the back of the car. You love to hand your brother snacks across the divide and you will also make sure he has a toy to hold while we are out and about running errands.

You almost never demand your own time but are always making sure Sam is included in our games, our plans, our trips out and about. You love it when he comes along to pick you up from school, acting as if the two hours away were much more and showing pure delight at being reunited.

And then there is the matter of dress. Or dresses, I should say. You are obsessed. I might have to hid your summer dresses and shoes so you stop insisting on wearing clothing that is far too cold and breezy for the Fall temperatures outside. I've made clothing "rules" that involve tights or leggings with every outfit, plus a warm layer on top. Most of the time you are fairly amenable to my interventions but there have been times where you leave the house looking like you jumped off the page of a Fancy Nancy book.

We couldn't be happier with the girl that you are and who you are becoming. Your intelligence and desire to learn makes us delighted and keeps us on our toes. Your creative nature and love for music and dance give nod to both sides of your extended family. Your joy is infectious. I love you so much sweet girl.

Love,

Mama