Dear E,
This afternoon when you woke up from your nap and bounced into our bedroom you were so full of cheer and good humor that Dad and I couldn't help but stop all we were doing and soak you in. After our free afternoon comedy show you looked at us eagerly, your little eyes waiting for feedback: laughter, a returned pun, applause. I looked at you and said, "E, do you know how much we love you?" and you coyly replied, "No... how much?!" Dad and I then stretched our arms out as wide as we could and you erupted in laughter. You countered by showing us how much you loved us and I suddenly realized that your little arms are stretching further and further each day. You're growing up all too fast. And the whole experience really made me stop and think about whether or not all I do shows you all I love about adorable three and a half year old you.
Just last week Dad and I were talking about how awesome you are. Dad said, "Isn't it a good sign that hanging out with our kid is so enjoyable?" Then we both spun into a long conversation detailing the amazing things you do. I don't ever want to forget them and when you grow up I want you to be able to peek at what you were like and know how terrific you've always been.
In absolutely no order, here are some of Dad and my favorite things about you:
- Your vocabulary - You regularly, and appropriately, use the following words: hilarious, interesting, consequence, absolutely, polite, patient, delicious, incredible, delightful. Conversation with you is never dull.
- You're in a doughnut making phase right now. At least, you call them doughnuts. And to be more precise I should refer to them as "doughnuts". You ceaselessly ask if you can make "doughnuts" which has made them a great reward for you. The actual "doughnut" making process involves you getting a mixing bowl, dumping in some whole wheat flour, adding whatever measuring cup of water you deem necessary, and proceeding to add all the herbs and spices I'll allow. You carefully pull down each bottle from the cupboard, open it, sniff it, ask me what it's called, and then if you find it palate pleasing, it's added to the "doughnuts". When you've added enough spices we cook them in a frying pan and somehow you always eat at least one entire "doughnut". Dad and I always eat one bite and then we try to sneakily discard our remaining "doughnut". You made some for us at lunchtime today that included Christmas sprinkles, dill, and curry. They were delightful.
- You inherited some of my quirks. Dad laughs and I love how you randomly line up your toys and books. Dad may never quite get it, but I understand. Oh, how I understand.
- You have a terrific sense of humor and love to make us laugh. And let's be honest, it's not hard to laugh with you because you're non-stop hilarity. Even when you're upset, you're funny. On Sunday you were frustrated that I wouldn't let you put our special occasion alphabet stickers all over your cardboard Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car. You sulked off to your bedroom and loudly exclaimed, "I don't love you anymore Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!" A perfect example of how even when you're mad, you're funny.
We went to the zoo and were feeding sisters in the car before we went in. You were bored, but kept trying to find things to do. When sisters were done and I looked behind me you weren't anywhere. Then I called you and you popped up from Allie's car seat wearing her headband!
We stocked up on cereal and had the boxes waiting outside the pantry for us to put them away. You stacked them up, retrieved your dress-up alien eyes and called Dad and I to the hallway. When we turned the corner you yelled, "Aliens!" and we all burst out laughing.
One night in August you came up to me in the kitchen and said, "Mommy have you seen your car lately?" I said, "No, I haven't gone anywhere. Why?" You shrugged your shoulders, muttered a little "huh", and moseyed off to play. The next morning I went in the garage and found you'd lined safety cones along both sides of the van. I burst out laughing. It was sneaky, hilarious, and I couldn't believe you had resisted the urge to tell me what you'd done right then or urge me to go to the garage straightway.
- You're very sensitive to the emotions of people around you. You love making everyone smile, hugging a child that's hurt or upset, singing to sisters when they cry, and everything in between. It makes you a great friend and a very likable kid.
- You're very comfortable with yourself. You think it's hilarious to strut around the house naked while declaring, "NAKED E!" You've recently started going potty standing up and you've been so self-assured about the whole process. You even wipe the seat.
- I love that I turned you into a cuddler. Sadly, you weren't terribly snuggly as a baby, but I've always wanted you to be, so I told Dad that I had a plan to snuggle you a little each morning while you were groggily starting your day. It worked! You're a fabulous cuddler now and let us know some nights that you simply can't fall asleep without "some family to snuggle."
- Daddy and I both agree that you are the most phenomenal big brother. You got so much one-on-one time with us before A and M were born that I was a little worried about how you would handle the transition when it came time to share us with someone else. Then someone else ended up being two little sisters and I was nervous. I tried to prep you a bit, but I think the plain truth of it is that Heavenly Father sent you to us because there isn't any other boy who could be the loving big brother you are to A and M. You've loved them from the minute they arrived and continue to be all too anxious to help. Lately, you tell us that you can't wait to be "big like Mommy and Daddy so then I can lay sisters down in their cribs."
You helping Daddy feed sisters cereal for one of the first times.
Over the summer we were going on a nighttime family walk and you were bummed that you couldn't carry A or M in a front carrier. Then you ran to your room, brought out your baby doll and said with great enthusiasm, "Look! I can bring my baby!" You were elated that we had an extra front carrier in our 72-hour-kit and we figured out a way to get it tightened around you and holding your baby semi-securely inside. The neighbors all got a good chuckle and told you how darling your baby was. You proudly answered all their questions about your baby.
- You're developing your own unique interests. Right now you love photography. You work hard to earn camera time and I'm often awed by what I find when I empty the memory card.
This one makes me laugh because it's so indicative of our life. Wet wipes.
Really?!?! Look how artistically you laid out your boots for this picture. I have a good mind to crop, color and print this picture for your room so you can be proud of your handiwork.
It would be impossible for us to list all the wonderful things about you, but everyday we find ourselves more in love with you and we hope our actions and outstretched arms show you that.
Love,
Mom and Dad
