Month 41

Oh my Valerie, you're on the cusp of being 3 and a half. And just
before you turn 3 and a half, your world will turn upside down because
your baby sister will be here. I can only hope and pray that the
transition isn't too hard for you.

I see myself attempting to care for the baby while you're being a bit
demanding and losing it with you. Please know that I'll do *everything*
I can to make sure that doesn't happen.

Back to you, my dear.

You are so insanely vocal. You like to come into our room most mornings
and wake us up with a kiss. That just can't be beat.

You're also a bit stubborn. You like to finish what you're doing no
matter what we're about to go and do. Often, you are simply too busy to
take a moment and ask us to wait. We're working on that.

This has led to more than a few fits on your part. We're all working on
how best to deal with this.

You still weigh in at around 30 lbs. You stand 37 inches tall, a bit of
a peanut for your age. We like this because you are still small enough
to fit into your carseat rear-facing.

Other parents look at me like I'm crazy when I say my 3 year old big
girl sits that way. But I just don't care, you're safer that way.
Lucky for us, you don't care.

6 weeks ago, you started ice skating lessons. Yesterday, you trotted
out onto the ice by yourself, skater/walked across the width of the rink
all by yourself, waving Andrea off because you didn't need any help,
thankyouverymuch.

You still love gymnastics and dance. I will confess that I love that
they make you happy, and that I also love having a little time to sit
and read a book while you do these things.

We've had a great summer together, doing our activities every day after
school. We'll continue to do those things after the baby comes, we'll
just drag her along too.

You'll be sharing your room with her. You've decided where to put her
crib. Since she's not likely to have an opinion and you are being very
kind about sharing your room, we're fine with this.

We're still as enthralled with you as ever. That won't change. As
always, I cannot wait to see what you do next.