I got back in the birthday letter game for KLC’s 8th birthday and then fell off the wagon for both LF’s January birthday AND X’s February birthday.
So here I am, one month late for your birthday, baby girl, but no less excited to welcome you into your 3 year old year. One month in, you’ve achieved the “three” hand sign, a crucial skill that you lacked when your birthday rolled around last month. We had a fun, small celebration at home in Atlanta with your cousins and aunts and uncles, pizza, and a cake with purple icing. We also brought rice krispie treats to share with your classmates at Mustard Seeds the next day.
Your 2nd birthday was celebrated in Atlanta just after the year 2020 rolled over. From them until now, our lives have been dominated by the covid-19 global pandemic. In March, your time at Mustard Seeds mother’s day out was cut short as schools nationwide were closed. We transitioned into mostly life at home, and you missed your friends in class and your teacher Miss Aimee. Much of the pandemic feels like a blur, especially those early days, but you have been a joy throughout.
You loved your class Zoom calls, your new rainsuit and rain boots for playing in the yard, and any and all adventures such as going for grocery pickups. Ha. You did NOT love giving up favorites like our Growing in Grace play group, church, and the AA (AA = YMCA, particularly going to their childcare). In fact, you cried and said “no home!!” when you saw that we were reentering our neighborhood after some sort of brief excursion. You decided to take the time at home as an opportunity to learn to use the potty. Wow, good job baby girl. I know it’s not fair to compare you to your older siblings, but it was certainly a blessing that you took after KLC in this area. She also decided she wanted to start using the potty soon after 2, and you both learned quickly.
Over the summer, we got to travel a decent amount to see family in covid-safe ways and enjoy Clear Lake, Old Hickory Lake, and Base Lake. Then in the fall, we got to re-enter some facets of life, notably that you went back to Mustard Seeds in the two year old class with Miss Dawn. Fairly quickly, you became the class mom, as Miss Kathy calls you, helping remind your classmates of the rules and hand out bags and coats and get them in line. Miss bossy pants, you are very funny. I’m so glad that you love school and interacting with all types of people. We have also been able to start going back to the AA and its childcare as well as occasional in-person church and fall soccer for the big kids.
Perhaps my favorite thing about you this year has been your joy when you see me after some sort of separation. You squeal and run for a hug and to let me know how much you missed me. It doesn’t matter if I’m picking you up from Mustard Seeds, the YMCA childcare, or simply coming home from the grocery store. It’s clear you love your momma, and that is very gratifying.
LF, we are so blessed to be your parents.
Love,
Mommy and Daddy
T and K, etc. 