Let's pretend play

Dear Olivia, While Maddox and Fey slept, you and I put on some lipgloss and then got out your Strawberry Shortcake clubhouse with all the shortcake girls and had a campout. They are tiny figurines, but what was so cute that this imaginary day, you were one of them. You introduced yourself, and you were part of the party. At first I thought you were using one of the shortcake girls as yourself, but when you went to get your own sleepover supplies, I realized that you just included yourself in this bite-sized party as one of them. How exciting to see you grow and expand in your play. Yesterday we played "pizza joint." You were the waitress, and I was the customer. You took my order, brought me a drink, some blueberries, and my favorite pizza. We chatted and I gave you money. Then the game was over. How fun it was to play with you. Most days, you and Maddox play together, and you have this ritual right after lunch where you like to play "shark attack". You get in your boat (your bunkbed), with all of your "friends" (your stuffed animals), and then you try to avoid the doom of the sharks below. I could hear you bossing your brother from time to time (okay, most of the time), but he doesn't seem to mind. And most of the time you both explode into giggles, and I know everything is okay. The joys of childhood. Never forget it. With love, Your mama.

Any place will do, if I say so myself!

Dear Olivia, Right now, at this very moment, you are asleep. Not just asleep on your bed, but asleep on the stairs about halfway up! This was done quite unbeknownest to me, we had played for about an hour, and I explained that I had some work to do. You had come down about 20 minutes later, and I explained that I needed you to go back up for a bit (partly because I don't want Fey who is sleeping in the living room to wake up). You went, but as I was heading back up the stairs to check on you, you never made it that far. Your bunny is right next to you. I texted the family a picture of you, and the major question is at this point: Do I wake you or pray that you don't roll down the stairs? I really love you. Even if the only way you will take a nap is if you crash and burn. With love, Your Mama.

It's okay, mom

Dear Olivia, On Monday (President's Day), Papa decided to take the day off from both of his jobs and take us out as a family to do something fun together. You kids love going to Hollywood Connection and riding the rides, so that was the place we decided to go. On a previous trip there, you and Bjork were able to ride the roller coaster. So as Maddox wanted to ride on the "Magic Bus'' another time, you and I ventured towards the coaster. We got all the way to the front, and the lady told me that you could not go on. She then explained why, and I understood, but I did not understand why the girl in front of you got to go on when her head was not over the top of the seat, and I could plainly see that. For some reason, I was a little bothered by this and nicely tried to explain this to the woman. Out of nowhere you simply looked up at me, straight into my eyes and said, "It's okay, mom." Right there, I listened to your sweet words, took you by the hand, and we made our way away from the roller coaster. You were so understanding, being a newly 4-year old girl. How precious. How mature. I wasn't quite sure what prompted you to say that, or what you were thinking, and even asking you now, you being four cannot tell me (all the same) but it brought me right back to reality, and for you the lack of riding wasn't the end of the world, and it shouldn't have been for me either. You were enjoying yourself no matter if we rode it or not. How lovely it is to have a daughter like you. With love, Your mama.

Smooches

Dear Olivia, On Sunday, February 12, the whole Junior Primary class had the opportunity to watch you smoochin' in class. Your first kiss: Jacob Allsop. Yes, ma'am, all I heard from your teacher Miss Lauren was, "Oh, Jacob and Olivia are smooching on the lips!" along with a laugh, and I looked up, and there you and Jacob were smooching on the lips. You were giving him loves, but after the fourth kiss, I noticed it was becoming quite distracting, so I kindly asked you to listen to the song, "Choose the Right,'' and maybe sing along. You obliged, but I must say, those were quite the kisses young lady. Can we save them for when you are married?! I love you, and I love that you love to love. Happy Valentine's Day. Love, Your mama.

Keep your talent alive

Dear Olivia, During Maddox's and Fey's naptime you and I snuggled on the bed and ready four books. Then we got out your preschool book and I quizzed you on your lowercase letters. You have all but six and I was thoroughly impressed. You and I did a couple of math sheets learning about less and more, and then we started a color by number. You are not really into coloring, but drawing your own things that is where your interest lies. We got out the big doodle pad, and you got right to work making a sun, coming over the mountain. Then you drew a building (house) with multiple windows and steps leading down. The steps were correct, the top were large and you got smaller as it went down. Impressive. You made another house with a candle in the window. Your depth perception is quite skilled. I am very proud of your drawings and your ability to come up with things to draw and make them come alive on paper. Keep your talent alive, my dear daughter. Love, Your mama