Lovebug Is Seven!

Dear Lovebug,

I am so proud of you. I know that a full day at school is hard for you, but you have this incredibly positive attitude about it. You are doing so well in school, too. You've figured out so many math concepts ahead of time and pushed yourself until you could read the Captain Underpants books all by yourself. I was so worried about your handwriting, but you got it figured out.

Legos are still your favorite thing in the world. Much as you like Lego Star Wars and Mario Kart on the Wii, it's Legos you miss during your long days at school and activities. I love how you can just build by yourself or create imaginary worlds and games with your siblings. You love making up games with your friends, too. You've even got them making comic books with you.

This year you've been playing a lot of basketball, it is definitely your favorite sport right now. Though you are excited for baseball to start again and you like to go to soccer games too. Especially if you can be the goalie. You're also taking a diving class, which you really seem to love, though part of that may be that you get to take it with your sister. You also love acting class.

You are interested in so many things and you have such an interesting way of seeing the world. You are so affectionate; I love that you still let me hug you at drop off and will still hold my hand sometimes. Occasionally you still worry too much and have anxiety about things, but you've really learned to verbalize it and to take deep breaths when needed.

                                                                                       I am so lucky to be your mom,
                                                                                                   love,
                                                                                                  Mom

My Lovebug Is Four

Dear Lovebug,

You have become such a little boy in the last few months. I think back to the first time something you said surprised me (you weren't two yet and we were playing a "guess the animal" game with Ironflower and suddenly you popped up with the correct answer, even though you were hardly talking yet) and I realize how much you've grown up. Every day you say something that surprises me!

I love that you are so independent, that you enjoying playing by yourself and doing things for yourself and yet you still need lots of hugs. The other day I watched you playing rough and tumble games with your friends, constantly expecting you to get upset. But you didn't. You were having fun, just like a big kid.

You are brave, Lovebug. I know a lot things worry you and new situations cause you anxiety. And I'm so glad that you're opening up and telling us about it, which is brave. But not only do you do that, you're starting to do things anyway, even if they do make you nervous. That's makes me so proud.

Your interest in trains has grown to include cars, trucks and airplanes. You build complicated track systems and roads so well. What has really developed this year is your passion for Legos. I can't wait to see what you'll build every day. Even if it is during breakfast. Or lunch. Or dinner.

You are such an amazing brother. You look out for your baby brother and share with him more than anyone could expect. And you stood up to the boys from Ironflower's class who chased her and her friends, even though they were bigger than you are. You miss Ironflower a lot when she has her long day at school.

You, Lovebug, are a really cool kid. And I am so lucky to be your mom.

I love you,

Mommy

Happy 3rd Birthday, Lovebug!

Dear Lovebug,

I can't believe you are three. You are growing up so fast. I'm so proud that you have learned to put your own sneakers and coat on. And you are so polite with people, asking their names and introducing yourself. And to think I was so worried about your speech!

Watching you become a big brother has been amazing. You are so gentle and sweet with your baby brother, even using "mother-ese" to talk to him. For a kiddo who still loves the word "no", you are always willing to help with your brother. I love watching you give him a kiss every morning.

Sometimes your passion wears me out - sometimes I'm not sure why you are SO upset for no apparent reason. But as I listen to you play - I love how you act out stories with all of your Thomas trains - I realize that there's a lot more going on in your head than you're telling me. I can't wait until you're ready to tell me everything.

And Thomas. I'm not sure what you'd do without trains. You play with them so well - for so long. But you're also interested in them, beyond just the Thomas stories. You pick out non-fiction books to learn about trains and cheerfully watch specials on the Discovery Channel about them. That's pretty cool for a three year old.

You are my little Lovebug, filled with kisses and hugs and tackles. I love you so much and I'm so proud to be your Mommy.

Love,
Mommy