R 33 and 34 months

Dear R,

It is becoming increasingly apparent that Daddy and I are in for some trouble as you get older. Or at least I am, anyway! For now, let me just tell you that you are not allowed to be almost-3-going-on-13! We've noticed that when I am talking, for example, you will try to talk over me. If I'm trying to tell Daddy something from the other room, you will start talking and steadily increase your volume the longer I keep talking.

You've also taken to telling me, "No, you don't talk now! I'm talking to Daddy! No! You don't talk! Stop talking!" when you wants to have Daddy's ear to yourself. Or if I talk to you--usually asking you a question of some sort about your day at school--you will say, "Don't tell me that!" (Translation: Don't talk to me about that!)

When I pick you up from school, I usually ask your teachers some variation of "How was R's day today?" and I often get a head shake and a knowing smile with "She was R." We understand each other in these moments: you gave your share of attitude! When you don't want to do something you're not shy about telling the world that you don't want to do it. You know how to turn on the waterworks when you want to be dramatic. And there is no way you are going to lose the "stare-you-down" game. Staring at you to try and get you to do something really doesn't work.

It's amazing how much of me as a teenager I see in you, my little not-yet-three-year-old!

But you still hold my hand when we walk across the parking lot and you love to snuggle (of course, only when you're in the mood) and we have tickle fights almost every day. You have an sweet impish streak that makes me and Daddy both laugh every day. Lately you've taken to asking for stories about different people in your life, and it's great to hear you telling stories yourself.

Love,
Mama