Dear Eliza

Dear Eliza,

If you're reading this when you're older, I want you to know that while I frequently talk about how I think parenting a three year old has been exponentially harder than parenting a two year old, there are special moments that make me want to bottle you up and not let you grow up. Because I know that I have a tendency to look at the glass as half empty, and I frequently forget to focus on the golden moments rather than the rotten ones, I figured I'd document some of the things that I just love about being a mommy to a three year old.

You have started to say "you're killing me momma!" And I can't help but laugh. When I ask you why I'm killing you, you respond, "well, because...." haha. It makes me laugh every time.

Sometimes the minute I walk into a room you'll look up and say "Momma, you look so pretty." It gets me every time, and is probably one of my favorite things about what a true and genuine heart you have. I know that you aren't trying to butter me up or get on my good side - you speak the truth as you see it.

You are OBSESSED with the video "Thriller" by Michael Jackson. Your Dad put it on the iPad for you and you love to watch it over and over. I thought that you might be frightened by the zombies and monsters but they don't phase you at all. You have started asking us to dance with you and you always want us to do the "Thriller" dance . It is quite comical.

You have started having more imaginary play. You will "talk" on the phone (usually to Aunt Mare or Aunt Kristen) . I often spot you in your playroom with your purse and sunglasses and you will tell me that you are going to Target or Costco (and sometimes you'll tell me you're going to "the farm" to see Grammy and GrandDaddy-- I think you miss them!).

When I get on the on ramp to the freeway, you always look at the cars below us and say "Hello down there." You like it when the car is moving fast and you often tell me to go faster. You apparently like fast cars, which makes me TERRIFIED for you to turn 16 and start driving.

You've started wanting to pick out your own clothes for school each morning and your are a fanatic about matching. We recently had a very serious discussion about how black matches everything and it is OK to wear black shoes even if your dress doesn't have any black in it. You still prefer dresses over pants and you have yet to object to my affection for frilly and smocked dresses. I know this will not always be the case.

You are have recently started to ask if you can have a baby sister (you appear to have no interest in a baby brother). You are also under the impression that baby sisters can be purchased at Target . . . .if only it was that easy.

You are just like your Dad and must listen to stories/music when you go to bed. You have your own little pink iPod loaded up with all your favorite songs and stories. Your current favorite right now is Silly Songs by Lisa Loeb. Scooby Doo, Disney stories and super hero stories are favorites as well.


I love how when I pick you up from school you always ask me how my day was and then you say "I had a really fun day !" Makes me smile.

Eliza, thanks for showing me that life's too short to not cherish the little moments, for making me smile when I feel like frowning, and for teaching me that in the grand scheme of things, there's a lot more to cherish than regret. I love you with everything in me and you will forever make my heart happy! ~Momma