Better Late Than Never - Dear Kid Saturday

Yeah, I know it's Tuesday. As usual, I'm running a bit behind on my blogging. Obviously, I was supposed to (or had planned to at least) do this on Saturday, and henceforward, I promise to do my level best to get this posted WEEKLY and ON TIME.

I've been in love with this "dear kid" concept ever since I first discovered Cutest Kid Ever. The first post I read was a week-end roundup and I hope to follow that format here. Of course, that will require me to a) exercise my ever-deteriorating memory and b) write things down all week, so I can't make you any promises, but here's what I've got for this week. I don't think it's too shabby.


Dear Princess Ariel (Or is it Tinkerbell today? Sorry - you know I do my best to keep up...),

First and foremost, allow me to say what a super cool kid you are and how proud I am of you each and every day. You're going through what boring adults like me might call a "rapid development" phase, which means that you're learning lots and lots of new stuff really quickly. You forever amaze me and Daddy with your observations about the world around you and your awesome sense of humor.

On Monday, you and I got to hang out with your baby cousin all day. I know, I know - she's not much of a baby anymore, and you're starting to get a little concerned that she might steal all the attention and toys around here. Don't worry - you're still my best girl and I appreciate your help with the little one so very much. She absolutely adores you and wants to be just like you, and soon you'll be very good friends. (We need to come up with a pretend name for her too, actually. You'll have to help me with that one...)

Tuesday was preschool day and, as usual, you let me know in no uncertain terms that I'm not allowed to know what happens when I'm not with you. You silly thing. But you did let it slip that you chased your "boyfriend" on the playground and that he is "feeling better," which I'm very glad to hear since I know you were worried about his recent hospital stay... or did you make that up?

On Wednesday, we were babysitters again and we kept it super low-key. The babykins was sort of grumpy and missed her mommy, so you made up a funny game and the two of you chased the dog in circles for what seemed like hours. You had lots of things you wanted to talk about and lots of questions that day. I was distracted by the baby's crying and feeling impatient, and I snapped at you. You informed me that I was being "rude." You know what? You were right. Mommy's not perfect and I appreciate it when you tell me how you feel about the things I do and say. I hope we can always admit to each other when we're wrong and learn together from our mistakes.

Thursday you had school in the morning and your cousin was soooo happy to see you when we came to pick you up! Once again, your lips were sealed, but I did happen to notice that you came skipping out the door holding hands with a new friend. When we went to the indoor playground, you took such great care of the baby, rolling a ball back and forth with her and making sure the bigger kids didn't run her over. I loved the way you introduced yourself to the boys there - with your first, middle and last name, and your age - very thorough. You also did an awesome job of putting together a game of hide-and-seek and counting all the way to 100 before you went to find the other kids. Maybe next time, if you only count to 10 or so, the other kids will still be hiding when you're ready to start looking. We can always count to 100 later.

Friday was "Girls' Day" and we had a blast. At gymnastics class, you did a somersault and straddle roll all by yourself for the very first time! Back at home, we had a tea party, and this time you made the peanut butter "finger sandwiches" with only a teensy bit of assistance. Mmmmmm... raspberry tea. We discovered the "Tinkerbell" movie and you're officially hooked. Later, you and I went for a virtual run with your very favorite thing, the Wii Fit. I love watching you run around like crazy, laughing like a loon 'cause your character runs faster than mine. You tried some yoga too, but we collapsed in a fit of giggles after every pose made you toot. Tooting is apparently the most hilarious thing in the world right now.

You got to spend Friday evening with Grandma, you lucky girl. When she came to pick you up, you were still napping. She found you sleeping in your tent with your fairy wings on, your tiara, your high-heeled princess shoes, and your purse on your arm. You just like to be ready, right?

Know what? You rock. And I love you. Can't wait to see what adventures you have in store for us this week.

Sincerely,
Mommy