Evita Pilar,

You are two months away from turning two. Our little family is in the midst of a lot of changes. We’re currently packing up our house for our big move to Virginia. You’re pretty stoked about all the boxes everywhere. You wander around from box to box with a crayon, putting your special touches on each canvas. You’re a little confused about why some of your toys are going into those boxes, though. I’m looking forward to the day when you can unpack them. It will be like Christmas all over again.

Speaking of crayons, you’ve become quite the little artist. You show me your masterpieces and explain them to me with great detail. I only pick up a few words here and there, though, like “circle” or “pink” or “flow-der.” You write on the walls every chance you get. Whenever you get caught you jump with a “deer-in-the-headlights” look on your face. You point to your work and say, “uh-oh,” as if it were an accident. Uh-huh.

You’ve become very independent in the pool this month. You’re finally big enough to swim in your puddle-jumper unassisted, and it’s your new favorite thing to do. You are definitely a water baby. You love going down the slide and LOVE being dunked underwater. When we get to the States I’m finally going to take you to swimming lessons so that you can learn to swim on your own.

As far as learning goes, you never fail to impress me. You can name all your basic shapes and colors and about half the letters in the alphabet. You’ve got the singing-the-alphabet part down, and can now count to ten in both English and Spanish. Your favorite color is pink (seriously, where did this girly-ness come from?).

Your favorite toy this month is your sand bucket, with legos coming in a close second. Your favorite book is The Foot Book. Your favorite song is still the alphabet song. Your favorite snack is mango and your favorite food is still ground beef. You love banana smoothies, just like mama.

You’re talking more and more. This month you started asking, “Why?” all the time. If I tell you to stop doing something, or if I tell you it’s time to go to bed, you often respond with, “No! Why?” I try to be patient and explain things to you, but I have let, “Because I said so!” slip out a time or two. You’ve become really hyper around bedtime. You fight bedtime with every ounce of energy you have left. You seem to be sleeping better, though.

Sweet baby girl, I know you’re tired of hearing it but I can’t believe how time is flying. You’re becoming such a smart, beautiful little girl and I’m so very proud of you. Thank you for being mine.

Love,
Mama