dear maya

Dear Maya

Today you turn three. Which is hard to believe. It can't be just three short years you've been helping make up the center of my life. You're tiny, my Little My Pie, but at the same time everything about you is big. Your emotions, your love, your temper, your ideas. All big.

There seems to be this definite noticeable shift with you. All of the sudden you're taller. I can tell by your short pants. Your posture, your mannerisms all scream that you are no longer a toddler, but a pre-schooler. Even if it will be two more years before you begin school thanks to having your birthday at the beginning of the year.

School will be an interesting experience with you. One I am both looking forward to and dreading just a little bit. Abby, I always knew, was ready for school. I knew that she was going to love school. You, I am not so sure about, but I don't think the issue will be your ability.

You're one smart little cookie. You've been able to identify numbers one through ten for six months or more. This past week you've turned your attention to the alphabet and are now able to recognize most of the letters. It boggles my mind that you've apparently taught yourself this skill. You love to do puzzles and manage to put even brand new ones together in no time. What's interesting when you put a puzzle toegther is there is very little fumbling. You know which piece you need next and discard the others with a firm no as you set it aside.

What I do worry about is how you will handle the structure. The sitting quietly on the carpet, waiting your turn, lining up, having your day broken into pre-determined sections. You like things by your terms or what I let you believe are your terms. I wonder if you'll be the kid that Miss Kindergarten Teacher has to put at the front of the group so you're always within arms reach to keep you focused. Then again you could surprise me. You usually do.

For all my complaining about your temper and the temper tantrums and the battles I wage with you almost daily on a myriad of things you truly are the sweetest child. You have so much love you give so freely to your Dad, Abby and I. You demand Abby hug you when she gets home from school or after any separation. You request kisses from Daddy using your little finger to point out the exact spot he needs to put them. This past weekend as you watched me decorate your birthday cake with your beloved Rocket you told me I was awesome. You know just the right moment to snake those little arms around me neck and whisper in my ear, I wub you Mama. You never fail to say God bless you if you hear one of us sneeze. Even if we happen to be in different rooms. Or ask if we're okay after a cough.

Of course you can also go from zero to pouting in record time. One's never sure what will set it off, but it could be something as simple as a "new" face at the dinner table. Change is a hard thing for you. You're still wearing a winter hat that used to be Abby's before you came along and Lord help the person that tries to put one of the half a dozen new ones you got this winter on you. You have been known to attempt to yank off a new outfit and have gone to the sitter in your jammies because the getting you dressed just wasn't worth the fight at that time of the morning. Luckily once we get you past that initial hump you usually do okay, but boy getting there can be a real drag on your poor Mommy's patience. I used to think I had a lot of it, but you can go through it all pretty quick some days. It's been an amazing journey, these past three years with you. I cannot wait to see what experiences three will bring to us.

I love you
Mommy xo