Cailin Hope - 3 years old

Dear Cailin Hope,

You turn 3 years old today!  You are no longer a toddler.  You are asserting your independence constantly.  You admire your big sister and laugh with your baby brother.  You are enjoying preschool and have made a new special friend named Claire P (not to be mistaken with "Crying Claire").  You love to play in the sandbox and have made friends in the neighborhood.  Your favorite book is Pinkalicious and this was the theme for your birthday party.

You keep me humble.  I thought of myself as a sort of Child-rearing Expert (I assumed a Masters was sufficient to know how to raise children), but each day you present a puzzle I simply cannot solve.  The past few weeks have been difficult for you (and therefore me) and many other moms tell me it's just part of turning 3.  In all honesty, it's tiring.  It can also be entertaining though.  Last week, you were screaming when it was time to leave.  I became frustrated and yelled "CAILIN!" over your yelling.  You very matter-of-factly stated "That is TOO loud for me."  The juxtaposition caused me to crack up laughing.  You then grabbed your shoes and we were on our way.  That same night, you threw a full tantrum because you wanted it to be naptime instead of bedtime.  While writing this (on the couch while you're soundly sleeping), I can understand how frustrating it must be to have so little control in your environment. Upon closer inspection this week, it seems school anxiety is the source of the problem.  Hopefully now we can figure out a solution.

You love to listen to stories.  You are becoming interested in letters and can spell your name.  You can almost spell Charlotte as well.  You like to sing.  Dance class is probably your favorite hour of the week.  Tutus are your favorite.  So is purple.  You like to play Baby-Mommy and pretend to work in restaurants.

We love you.  We are for you.  We want what's best for you.  We wish you the very happiest of birthdays.  Here's to 3!

Love,
Mama

Update (11/19): You have tons of fluid behind your ears and therefore can't hear.  You also have bronchitis.  Have to assume the behaviors were related to this.  Gotta say, I'm honestly a little relieved.

Requesting a lollipop at Trader Joes

Looking to Charlotte for direction

"Look at me, now I look like a mom"