dear stella // almost three

dear stella vivienne,

to my double-stroller riding fanatic and lolli-loving princess.  to my baby who's not so much a baby anymore, but a real big girl.  a girl who will tell you she's big now, but who still wants to be held and cuddled by her mama once or twice a day.  to my girl who, on her own accord, goes on her big girl potty now and wears big girl princess panties...who knows the lyrics and choreography to "let it go" and wants to be just like princess elsa when she grows up.

...to my girl who changes clothes on the upwards of fifteen times a day, layers tutus regularly, has a sleeve of temporary tattoos cascading down her skinny arm, and who almost always has an array mismatched fingernail polish complete with a fuzzy, disheveled top knot on the crown of her head.

to my stella bear and my almost three year old.

you are nearing the sweet age of three and you could not be sweeter or more hilarious.  your days start off with an ardent request for cereal and to "watch a show".  with your pink blankie dragging behind you and your footie pajamas zip up tight, you climb your yellow highchair for breakfast and some peppa pig.  soon after licking the carton of vanilla yogurt and slurping a bowl of "letter cereal" as you call it, you can be found making collections of your things like aerial  from the little mermaid or requesting to go to the park to see your friends.  every little person there is your friend, for you love meeting people and running about the playground with anyone who will oblige.  you are such a darling like that.

every now and then you demand a cape whereupon i take delight in fashioning your blankie in a tight knot around your shoulders so you can "fly" about our home.  you enjoy doing painting projects, warm bubble baths, getting cozy with daddy on the couch, and singing "your songs" of which you have about ten.  the other night after we put you and your brother to bed your dad and i retreated to the living room to watch some netflix.  about an hour or so after tucking you in, i randomly belted the lyrics to "hey brother" (your current favorite tune) without thinking about the repercussions of my actions.  before i could get any more words out you announced your presence to us by saying loudly from your bed, "don't sing dat.  dat's stella's song" and you flung open your bedroom door.  and here we thought you were asleep!  silly girl, you gave us quite a surprise and many long bouts of laughter.  sometimes we see if you are actually sleeping in there by singing a few lyrics to your favorite songs.  if you are awake, you'll come right on out and give us a little sass saying, "no, like this. like this" and sing a lyric or two.  we love it.

this letter would not be complete without a compilation of things you say and how you say them.  you call crocodiles "shock-a-diles" and demand "double lollies" if you go potty in your toilet like a big girl.  you correct us if we swear, which i shall admit is far too often, and you call milk "milky".  if you get a boo boo you request a "ban-jade" and you want us to "wook at it to see if dare's any bwood".  on the way up or down the stairs you always utter "don't get me mom!" as if giving you a little chase will make your day.  i always do.

stella, i feel as though i could go on and on about things you do and say that astonish us.  some days your sincerity and thoughtfulness catch me off guard and leave me there in a teary puddle of thankfulness.  i am beyond grateful that you are my daughter and i get to be your mother.  when i look into those big brown eyes of yours i see so much joy.  so much adventure and beauty.  i am proud of who you are and who you are becoming.  your kindness.  your spirited nature.  your independent will to accomplish anything and everything on your own.  i love it all.

you are nearing three, my dear, and want you to know that at this young age you have taught me more about life and myself than i have learned from any school or lesson.  you have helped grow my wings, shown me grace and patience, and given me countless moments happiness.

i love you,

your mama