Another Month of Bella

Dear Bella,

Okay, so let the crazy times begin. Let's just say that this new schedule we're on might be wearing us a bit thin. You're sick of seeing me 24-7, I'm sick of being cooped up with kids week after week, and we're all sick of being sick. The weather is not helping us recover one little bit.

You actually had your worst illness to date this month. You and Lia were back and forth puking then happy every other day until finally you spiked a fever of 104 on the holiday weekend and you got your first trip to the ER and your first round of antibiotics for a craptastic ear infection.

You were such a trooper with the hours of waiting and the doctors. I could go on for days about stupid medical rules in this country, but I'll spare you because at least now we know how big you are: 37" and 28lb. Next time it will just be easier if we measure you ourselves. :0)

You're learning in giant leaps and bounds now. It's so much fun to watch, and I really need to get my butt in gear and organize school time each day. You can draw for ages (now you draw arms and legs on your smiley snowmen - people!)

You can't possibly learn enough to fill your brain each day. Right now you've mastered concepts like big and little and are working on soft and hard. Your days are spent mothering and doting upon your friends, making sure they are well read and well fed at all times. At night I often find stuffies already snoozing on my pillow for the night. You might not nap, but they sure do.

Grandma came for a surprise visit and you wanted song after song.

What song would you like, Bella? A new song!

She's good at that stuff.

Your responses crack us up every day. Instead of yeah, you reply with a long contemplative Yeyyys. Sometimes you really just want to say No! (because it's your right) so you say, No! ...But yes.

And the sibling shenanigans have begun. You like to tell Lillia when she's in the wrong by shouting, Nonono, Lia! Your mom said no! You have started shoving her when she gets to close (much to her shrieking dismay) and if I leave you alone for more than a minute I often return to Lia's cries because once again you have her in a hug headlock or you are trying to ride her.

Your current favorite things? My new kimper, the ipad (drawing with no mess ....and videos at bedtime!!), and staying in your jammies all day long. I suppose there are quite a few benefits to getting very sick.

What else is there to say? You're quickly approaching three in all the attitude it brings. This month has been countless sleep struggles with you being sick, and you have now started peeking at bedtime in defiance of the bedtime authorities. That's a pretty good metaphor for the entire month. Three is on its way (well, in real time it's already here, but shhhh, don't tell this post) and I have a feeling it will be a new level of adventure.

Love,

mama

P.S. Where would I be today without my attitude? As hard as you can be to live with, I wouldn't dream of any other personality for you.