Three and Counting

our sweet flower girl

August 2013

Dear Lila,

A happy belated third birthday to you our sweet girl. I begin your letter a bit late this year as it comes on the heels of a tale of two weeks- the best of weeks followed by the worst.  We kicked off your birthday with a party at school and a Mexican dinner – a day filled with dozens of red velvet cupcakes, presents and revelry.  Our celebration continued up on Cape Cod for our family vacation with Grama and the Rizzos  – a picturesque seaside escape, highlighted with more birthday wishes, dancing on the boardwalk and beautifully lazy days.  We returned sun-kissed and relaxed, grateful for a few days at home before we went back to our routine.  The last day of vacation was spent hiking up in the Palisades- high in the cliffs under a canopy of green, we gazed upon the Hudson and even freed a caterpillar caught up in a spider’s web and stumbled into our own Wonder Pets episode when we helped un-stick the wings of a maimed butterfly who had encountered the same web.  When that butterfly flew away into the sky with her re-claimed wings the moment almost felt too perfect and appropriately fleeting.

 

 

sticky wings

liberated

It was that same night of that seemingly perfect day when I went to check on you as you slept, and was surprised to find you burning up with fever.  Day One of the worst week.  We are lucky that in your three years you have had nothing more than the usual colds or coughs- and nothing that lasted more than a day or two- only once having to visit the doctor.  But this time was different- your fever would not subside and on day three sores began to break out in your little mouth- your doctor diagnosed you with an “echovirus” – and instructed us to keep you on pain reliever and lots of fluids.  By day four we could not get you to eat, by day five it was difficult to even get you to drink  as your mouth was so swollen.  The doctor assured us it would pass in a few days.  We struggled to get you to sip water and vanilla milk- often through the tissue you refused to remove from your mouth. 

As our vivacious little girl it was heartbreaking to see you so exhausted, spending hours in your bed or on the couch watching movies, stripped of all of your energy and unable to eat.  But by day seven, and day four of no solid food, you suddenly asked for a pancake- and just like that you were back!  As with the best and the worst of times we look back on them and realize how grateful we are to have these bookends to remind us that the daily routine delivers a familiar sweetness in its happy medium. 

So we celebrate and are grateful for every day. You have grown so much this year and continue to thrive in your daily routine of school- ready to graduate from the Old Toddler’s classroom into the Young Preschool room this fall- and of course it seems like just yesterday we took you to the nursery.  We will head back to the Little Gym in a September where you will begin your new season of gymnastics, with a side of dance, no longer with Mom or Dad in the room- you are on your own to explore and learn new skills.

This year has been full of milestones, we said goodbye to diapers last winter, and as I look around your little girl room with a closet full of dresses and cabinet filled with board games and art supplies, I realize we have indeed segued into full little girl.  You have discovered movies, your favorites being the Toy Story trilogy, Tangled and Rio- a diverse little library reflecting your ever-evolving personality.  While still petite, you continue to amaze us with your food consumption and never shy away from new trying new things, especially at restaurants- this year you have added- sushi, lobster beignets and chicken fried rice and to your repertoire.  Favorites continue to be, Mom’s quiche and chicken Milanese, veggie burgers and of course pasta and pancakes.

birthday celebration with Henry and Jack

We cannot think back on the year without remembering a storm named Sandy and the path of destruction she left in her wake.  I know as you grow older we will talk about this epic event that brought so much heartbreak, literally to our front door, including the devastating damage to your school.  We have all learned so many lessons and are proud to be residents of a state that is indeed “stronger than the storm.”   

So on this late summer’s eve, as I reflect on the year we have had, I continue to be in awe of your sweet disposition and vivacious spirit.  Your cup runneth over with affection and you are never short on hugs, kisses and love.  You met your cousin Stella for the first time shortly after Sandy and you immediately assumed your little mommy role.  When we were together in Virginia earlier this summer it was clear that you two little girls have quite a special relationship and I can’t wait to see you grow up together.  You are blessed with amazing cousins just like Mommy.

a sweet duet with Stella

I feel your velocity shifting, literally as I find myself chasing you, but also as your direction evolves to a new uncharted course.  You take us down new roads every day- some bumpy, some smooth, some familiar but most brand new.  Thank you for your sweet smiles, contagious laughter and for bringing unbridled joy into our lives every day.  As we sing every night- now in duet- “you are my sunshine” and “you are my best.”  "Thank you very much"!

 
We love you to the moon and back (which is very, very much)

Your Mom and Dad