Hey there, THREE-YEAR-OLD!
I have to admit my eyes leaked a bit last night as I was tucked you into bed. I thought about the time we won’t get back in this stage that I’ve really come to enjoy. I’ve also realized that while things don’t actually change overnight, in hindsight they sort of feel that way.
Stop growing, stop right now… Nah, keep going. It’ll be fun to see the next stage of parenting you lead us into.
You are already looking way ahead. You mentioned several times these past days what the future looks like: “I am going to be a woman when I grow up. I will have a baby. I am going to be really, really tall and have long, black hair like Mommy.” That sounds like a good game plan to me.
You’re on your way to growing up. In just weeks, you went from crying for us at your new outdoor preschool, nervous about your new teachers and surroundings, to asking to stay when we pick you up. That’s some fast adjustment. You are improving your dance moves around the house, often in a somewhat restrictive Frozen character ballgown. You often request to go by the name of whatever Disney character you’re dressed as. When you play with your friends, you love to imagine and get occasionally demanding that they stay on track with the story in your head.
I appreciate the moments of articulate English, even if shouting orders. In contrast, the last couple weeks have been more like baby talk… and potty-training regression. Not good. You’re clearly seeking attention and working through some sibling jealousy. How do I know it’s sibling jealousy? The hip-checks and outright shoving of your barely-walking little brother are key indicators. So are the mimicked baby behaviors well beneath you.
Here’s the thing, you’re not ignored. You’re on our minds. We see you when you’re not looking. (We know when you’re awake.) We talk about you when you’re not close enough to listen. You have our attention constantly, even though it’s sometimes shared. You are loved, my kiddo!
Happy birthday. You’ve been practicing holding up three fingers to show people how old you are, and now you can declare it to the world: “I’m three!”
Love always, Dad