Dear Ava

 

Dear Ava,

Now you are 32 months old. Closer to 3 (!) than to 2 and a half. 

It's funny, when you're not sleeping at all time seems to move so slowly. 

And then, you walked.

And now, you talk. Non-stop.

Big news. No more bottle. No more paci.

I admit sweet Ava, I let you get away with both for far longer than I did with your brother or sister. 

It's true what they say. The third get's away with murder more.

And I'm just fine with that.

You still love Bobo. And he isn't going anywhere. Ever.

I have visions of him propped up on your bed when you're a teenager. 

We'll tell stories about how you carried him everywhere. 

It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.   
I don't ever want you to grow up.
Is that so wrong?

You are strong-willed. I like that. Not so much now, but later, this will be a great quality.

You know what you like (chocolate) and what you don't (meat).

You can entertain yourself alone for hours. 

Tea party is a recent favorite. Papa taught you to sip water out of your tiny cup and now, this makes you happier than anything.

Except for going outside. 

I hate to think about how cold it will get and how little we will get outside in the coming months.

Another Christmas is coming.

You have made each holiday more exciting. The joy of having a little one around at the holidays is like nothing else. 

And not just for us.

For everyone in our extended family too.

We're decorating this weekend. I can't wait to see how you react to the tree this year.

And today? Today, we saw Santa Claus at the mall.

You looked him up and down and said "I want a present".

I'm pretty sure you got it all figured out.

Sweater - Joe Fresh
Polka Dot Cargos - Joe Fresh
Jacket - Baby Gap
Boots - Ugg

I check in on you every night before I go to sleep. 

Your mouth wide open (just like your older sister's) in sweet, sweet slumber.

And I smile every.single.time.

And I get that feeling. 

Pure joy.

I love you my sweet girl.

More than anything. You and your brother and sister.

xo

Mommy