Dear Emma,
Every week day we drop Tessa off at school and do errands together. You are such a trooper and don't mind shopping at all. Even grocery shopping, which makes your sister wail "HOW MANY ITEMS DO WE HAVE TO GET?" if we even so much as turn the car towards a grocery store parking lot.
I'm glad we get to spend this uninterrupted time together, since you've been splitting your mommy time with Tessa since the day you were born. You like to snuggle up with me in the rocking chair and read a book, watch Elmo or just look at pictures on the computer. We cover up with an Elmo "binket" to keep warm.
My favorite thing about you right now is how cuddly you are. You love hugs and kisses and like to be held and rocked. You say "huckgz!" and if I walk into another room you follow me yelling "Mama, are you?" which is your way of saying, "Mama, where are you?"
You also say "I hold you" when you want to be picked up and carried. You walk all the way to Tessa's classroom in the morning, but after we drop her off it is "I hold you" all the way back to the car.
Daddy calls you Little Moon Pie and I call you Lovely Bear or Sweet Girl. Fuss Budget is a popular favorite nickname as well. Oh, and Runty (smallest in the family). Also, Elmoid.
Still in love with Elmo? Check.
Nap time is really fun these days. All I have to say to you is "Are you ready for your nap?" and you run to the carpet and flop down, calling out for "tickles". Since we added tickling to the before nap routine, suddenly naps seem like a good idea to you. I feel so lucky to have stumbled on this idea. A true golden mothering moment.
There was a little girl who had a little curl
right in the middle of her forehead.
And when she was good she was very, very good.
And when she was bad she was… oh, never mind.
You've been having less temper tantrums lately, and for that we are grateful. However, last night when we got into the car to go to a party you decided that would be a perfect time to see if you could make a noise with your mouth that is even louder than a leaf blower. You know, to see if my ears would actually bleed. I've been trying to get a tantrum on video, to laugh at in future years. Also, as proof of the loudness you were capable of producing at such a young age and without the aid of a megaphone. When you are having a tantrum we like to refer to your mouth as the "pie hole of doom".
Thanks for helping me unload the dishwasher every day. I appreciate the help. If you'd refrain from licking the dishes before handing them to me, I'd appreciate that also.
Ah, sleeping girl. How precious you are.
I love you just the way you are.
Love,
Mama
P.S. I'm six months behind on these letters to you, but never fear… I have plans to catch up on them soon and also post about your Elmo birthday party and the Elmo cake I made for you.
