Dear Samantha (37 Month Update)

Dear Samantha,

Today you are 37 months old. Your Daddy and I are so amazed and we are so proud of the things that you have been accomplishing in your 3 years of life. I wanted to start these monthly updates as a way for me to talk to you, and a way to share with everyone what milestones you're accomplishing. Someday when you are old enough, I hope that you will read Mommy's blog and see the things you were doing at this time in your life. I wanted to do something separate for you and Sarah.

Your imagination is one of my favorite part of your age right now. I love to watch you play with your toy kitchen set and pretend you're making breakfast and lunch for Sarah and I. You keep us so well fed with your gourmet meals during the day. I love to listen to your conversations when you're playing with your dolls and making sure you're taking care of them. You're challenging yourself by "reading" books, and listening to music.

You are such a big help to Mommy and Daddy and your little sister, Sarah. I love the fact that you still enjoy going out to the store. Thank you for always helping Mommy and Daddy figuring out what's next on our shopping list and helping us find those items. Thank you for being such a big help to Sarah. She looks up to you right now. I know there are days where she steals your toys away from you, or she pulls your hair, but I promise you someday that will stop. You are such a great big sister to help Sarah put on her shoes when we're getting ready to go out. Whenever Sarah gets upset in her crib, I love the fact that you just pull out a story book and start reading to Sarah to calm her down. If a story book doesn't work, then "The Itsy Bitsy Spider","A-B-C's", or "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" works. It really is a big help to Daddy and I, and the fact that we don't have to ask you to do that is just amazing.

I am also enjoying the fact that you're taking an active interest in music. Every time we're in the car, you ask me "Who's singing this song?" or "What is the name of the song?". So far, you've been able to identify some songs: Jars Of Clay, Newsboys. You've also taken an interest in Rob Thomas' "Someday" and Train's "Hey Soul Sister" and sing along with them if they're playing. Daddy is especially enjoying the fact that you're able to identify a Jeep Cherokee from a few feet away. Daddy and I especially love your renditions of "The Itsy Bitsy Spider - Came down the water spout. Came down the rain, and washed the spider out..."

We're so very proud of you. We love you. Always know that you can ask us anything. Thank you for reminding Daddy and I to enjoy playtime when we do things with you.

Love always,

Mommy & Daddy

Here are some photos of you this time last year in August 2009:

And here is a photo of you taken in August of 2010: