Dear Harriet,
I love this blurry photo of us for a few reasons. First, I’m in it with you and I think it’s important that I get in the shot too, sometimes. Second, just look at your sweet smile. We were camping here, and girl, do you love camping. You love exploring and running and playing and sleeping and swimming and building and s’mores.
This past year has been a doozy. You definitely followed the trend of three-year-olds being difficult and stubborn. You showed your opinion quite clearly, to say the least. You only wanted me to help you and cuddle you and read to you and carry you – dad just wouldn’t do. You wouldn’t eat anything that wasn’t exactly what you wanted. You wanted what you wanted and you wanted it when you wanted it. And it was hard. Three was hard.
Luckily, the last couple months of three, things started to change. You started to ask for daddy before me. You became more flexible and less frustrating. Thank you so much for that. Really, Harriet, thank you for that.
Right now you are so much fun. You are funny and creative. You fiercely love the people in your life. You have strong connections with people and are incredibly loyal. You have changed from being stubborn to being strong (it’s an important difference to note). I love to hear your opinions and your ideas. You are so brave and are always willing to try new things, usually with a bit of gentle encouragement. Last year you were scared to get your face wet, this year you’re swimming without your floaties and going down the big slide at the pool. Last year you wouldn’t try your balance bike, this year you’re almost ready for pedals.
Four years ago, you were born on a Blue Moon. Today, we will witness a full solar eclipse. The planets have aligned. I’ve always loved the moon, and since you were born four years ago, I’ve loved it even more with the connection between your birth and the moon. Today we will stand in the moon’s shadow. I think there is something to this, my girl. You are my little moon girl and you were born to do great, big things.
Next year we will be getting ready for kindergarten. But for today, and for this year, I want you to stay my little child, my baby. No need to rush things, my Hattie Girl. No need to stop sleeping in my arms. No need to stop asking for my help. Ne need to run too far or climb too high.
You are my girl and I love you to the moon and back a million times.
All my love,
Mommy
