Dear Violet,
It’s very common for parents to say they “can’t believe” their child is now whatever age they are turning. But I don’t feel that way. Every week, it becomes clearer to me that you, my first baby, are turning into a little girl.
It’s not just because of your size either! Although topping the charts in the mid-90’s certainly plays a factor. But mostly it’s because little by little, your not-so-little personality is coming out. And little by little I can imagine the person you will become.
Your teachers call you a “social butterfly” which I know to be true. Every day you ask me to play with friends and it makes me smile because I remember being the same way.
Your grandma told me that you’re a kid that loves fun. And I love that about you. You get so excited about the littlest things. Whether it’s pretending the shopping cart is a choo-choo train, the flowers we see on the side of the road or just planning out what you’ll have for lunch, you get a true sparkle in those big baby blues.
You’re sensitive, too. Your teachers tell me you’re the first one to let them know if a classmate is hurt or sad. You also hate being in trouble, which can be troubling for me when I need to stand firm.
You’re an expert negotiator. You try to sell your way throughout the day—always trying to sneak more fun in. Wanting something more to look forward to.
As you are getting older, you are also becoming cuddlier. In my busy part-time working, heavy volunteering, mom-life, I always try to make the most of these moments that I know too soon will start to fade.
Many people believe that becoming a parent is saying good-bye to adventure, but for me, having you was when the real adventure began. Thank you for making (most) of my days brighter, for showing me that life is bigger than myself, for helping me grow, for awakening my softer and sillier side and most of all for teaching me how to love.
Favorite memories from year 3:
Pool days
Llama Llama MAADDDD at Mama
Violet the Pirate phase
Coming home to you after being away for your brother’s heart surgery
The phase where every older woman with dark hair was a witch
Watching you play with your cousins
Disney World- one of my favorite parenting days- to date
You not wanting to leave the ocean
Halloween-you as Ariel, your brother as Sebastian
Baking Cookies
Nighttime Dance Parties
Christmas Day in your Minnie Mouse Helmet
You realizing your Elsa dress sings “Let It Go”
Trip to Tombstone and Cowgirl Violet
Picking flowers on our evening walks
First Easter Egg Hunt and catching you and your friends eating all of your candy
Favorite Sayings:
“Tomorrow…” How you start your negotiations
“It’s a good deal.” How you try to further your negotiations
“It’s a great idea, mommy.” Again, how you further your negotiations
“Sleeping dooty” (Sleeping Beauty)
“Christmas apple sauce” (Criss-cross applesauce)
“Silly old bed” (Silly old bear – although you adamantly deny this one.)
“Is it a pizza pie? No! It’s a pumpkin pie!” (whenever we have pizza)
