Dear Samantha (45 Month Update)

Dear Samantha,

Well, here we are at April. Just 3 months shy of your 4th birthday. You are growing up so fast. Daddy and I say this every month, but we are so proud of you.

You are now understanding jokes, and songs. Sometimes while Mommy and you are in the car together, we sing silly songs and mix up the words to songs. (Like, "Row row row your boat...merrily merrily merrily merrily. Life is a bowl of tomatoes"). To listen to you laugh is so funny. You have a very contagious laugh. It's very sweet to hear you in your carseat singing along to Train's "Hey, Soul Sister". Mommy loves to pull up to a stop light and look into the rearview mirror only to see you singing happily and moving your head back and forth to the beat of the song. Mommy's favorite is to listen to you and Sarah giggle whether it be playing peek a boo or blowing raspberries back and forth. (But, don't tell that last part to Daddy).

You are writing letters now. Lately, Mommy has been unrolling this big roll of white paper across the kitchen table so that you and Sarah can color to your hearts content. While Sarah tells me what color each crayon is, you sit and write the letter "H", and the letter "I". You should see your face light up when you put the two letters together and say, "Mommy! This is the word 'hi'"!

Yesterday, we all went to the mall and bought you a new pair of sneakers. You are now a size 11. You had so much fun looking at the wall of shoes...you were so excited to hear that you would be the proud owner of a pair of new shoes. It makes Daddy and I very proud that you are excited over something like a new pair of sneakers.

Mommy has said this before, but she'll keep saying it again. I know your sister drives you nuts with pulling your hair and taking your toys away from you, but one day you will be friends. Best friends even. Earlier in the week, Sarah woke up on the wrong side of the bed, and you were very kind to let her hold one of your favorite stuffed animals to make her feel better. That was a very nice thing you did. Mommy thought she should let you know.

You make Mommy and Daddy so proud. Mommy is so glad to stay home with you and watch you accomplish your milestones. We know that you are trying hard to be independant and do everything on your own and by yourself, but we want you to remember a few things: (1) It's ok to accept help. You don't have to do everything by yourself. (2) You don't have to argue with Mommy & Daddy all the time. We accept the fact that you are 3 1/2, and you're exploring your boundaries. Just understand things like if you don't finish your dinner, then you're not going to have dessert. Someday you'll understand. We do it because we love you. Always remember that. Daddy and I just want to do a great job as being parents to you. Either way, you will always make us proud...we're just laying down the tools that you're going to need someday. We love you Sam. Thank you for keeping Daddy and I entertained and thank you for all of your hugs and kisses.

Love always,

Mommy and Daddy


Here is a photo of what you looked like back in April 2010





Here is a photo of what you look like today in April 2011