sister trips

Dear Em and Roo,

I bailed on you last weekend and left you with your Daddy for 4 days. Y'all had a blast.

He's still recovering.

I did a little something I've always wanted to do... a trip to NYC with my sisters.

Your aunts Becky, Joy and Kaki and I flew in from our respective parts of the country and met up in the big apple for some long overdue time together. It was pretty amazing and we packed a lot into our stay... Broadway, shopping, central park, museums, lots of eating and sight seeing, catching up and laughing.

I missed you two a lot, but y'all had birthday parties to attend and jumpy houses to conquer.

I hope that in 20 years, y'all are meeting up with each other and your cousins in fun places and doing the same sort of thing.

I hope that in 20 years your aunts and I are meeting up in a different location from you and your cousins... and still doing our thing, too.

Emme's Letter

Dear Emme,

You are officially 4 years old. You have started to settle into your personality, which is a bit larger than life. You're full of contradictions, shy and boisterous, rowdy and dainty, dramatic and subdued. Just when someone tries to peg you, you change. Even finding a song to reflect this past year for your slide show was a challenge. The words for all that you are have not been compiled into one piece of music. So, I chose an instrumental piece called Ode to a Butterfly. I think that fits.

Emme, you adore going to preschool and just delight in each new experience. Ms. Melissa is one of your favorite people ever and you cozy up to her like she's your second mama. Complete entitled ownership and a hundred percent assurance that you are loved and wanted in her lap and arms. Props to you and Ms. Melissa for pulling that off without excluding the rest of the class.

You love to make people laugh, Emme. It brings you great joy to put on a silly face and get a giggle from someone. You're also a fan of the dramatic entrance, the beauty queen wave and theatrical emotions. If I had a dime for each time you've exclaimed, "Oh No!" with a staged gasp and grand gestures, we'd have college knocked out for you. I won't be a bit surprised to see you take the leads in musical theater (and life in general). You've got a gift and a penchant for the spotlight.

Another abiding love of yours is dance. This year you discovered The Nutcracker and just can't get enough of it. Emme, you listen to the music several times a week; page through a picture book of the ballet; practice the dancers' poses from the book; absorb the ballet itself on our dvd recording and just love every aspect. But you're no dance snob. You love it all. Each dance you observe is studied and replicated to the best of your abilities. And you've got skills! You're a natural and a quick study, to boot. Tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, ballroom... I've seen you imitate them all. Dance lessons are on your horizon, darling girl.

Oh, Emme, you have such a sweet spirit. There is a deep well of kindness inside of you that bubbles forth. You are so incredibly helpful because you just love to be available and give of yourself. The ways you observe and take mental notes when you see a need to be filled is amazing. If you don't have a chance to take action immediately, you wait and step in the next time the need is present. I think that's such an advanced ability and I'm so very proud of your precious heart.

I've been greatly privileged to watch your imagination take flight this past year. It is extraordinary! You role play and create elaborate scenarios with ease and great delight. My personal favorite is switching places. You get to be mama and I'm Emme. You are such a doll and so patient when you're playing 'Mama'. I test you and you never hit the wall; bringing me blankets, singing songs, reading stories, extra kisses, snacks, cups of water, more covers... Really! I'm a pill. And you, darling girl, help me see myself through your eyes and make me want to be all that you believe and more.

This year, Emme, you learned to use the potty. You did it in one day and never looked back. You also figured out that your ticket to the universe is a tall step stool. There is nothing you won't or can't access yourself, though you are polite enough to ask permission (sometimes while in progress or afterwards). You are miss independence...unless there's a strange man in the vicinity. That's your shy-kryptonite. Not such a bad thing, I think. You hide behind me and whisper over and over, 'don't be shy. don't be shy'. Emme, it's ok to be shy or need to borrow a little courage. You're brave without being reckless. It's a valuable thing to have a little internal caution.

Emme, you've worked hard this year in speech therapy. The words and ideas are all there, you just have a little trouble getting it all out in a comprehensive sentence. But it doesn't slow you down a bit. Your mind is so intriguing. I love listening to you string thoughts together, finding patterns, making connections, building your imaginative repertoire. You are decoding three and four letter words now and have an arsenal of sight recognition words. Though, you still rely on us or Ruby to have a story read, you're capable of working through some beginning readers yourself. However, you much prefer to draw. Quiet moments throughout the day often find you seated in your art corner, sketching faces and practicing letters. I watched you run to grab a magnadoodle board the other day and sketch different scenes from a television show. As the story changed, you wiped the board and began a new sketch of the revised story. Your movements were fast and sure and the scenes I saw unfold on the magnadoodle completely made sense because I saw what you were sketching. Unbelievable! How do you know how to do that?

You are a treasure, precious Mary Elizabeth. I am so incredibly proud of you and the little lady you are becoming. You can do anything and be anything you want. I believe that with all my heart. No matter how things change I hope you always want to snuggle with me first thing in the morning and ask for whispered secrets every night before sleep. I pray you grow with grace into confidence and integrity full of patience and loving kindness. I love you Moses.

love,

Mama

Ruby's Letter

Dear Ruby,

You are officially 4 years old. This year has been an adventure. Right after you turned 3 we found out that there might be more going on than just a sensory processing issue. It was a launching point for us, as a family, to make sure that you had access to everything you needed to be the very best Ruby you could be. So, much of this year has been taken up with trips to occupational therapy and speech, researching and praying. Our weekly visits with Miss D are highlights for you because they are full of swinging and playing and leave you feeling balanced and sure of yourself. I am completely wowed by your progress this year in communicating, socializing and acclimating to new situations.

This year you learned how to use the potty. You never ever have an accident out in public or at preschool and rarely at home. I love how proud you are of your accomplishments and also how methodical you are about always having a book at hand for a lengthier stay on the toilet. You are a planner and not one to be caught off-guard. Such a funny thing to learn about you from potty training, but there it is. I think this will be a life long attribute that will serve you well.

Your imagination really took off this year. Most often you pull pretend play ideas from stories you've read or movies you've watched. But more and more, I'm seeing the creativity inside of you spill out into your words and actions. I particularly love the way you revise songs to reflect what's going on in your imagination. Your songs also reflect your keen sense of humor. That and your sparkly eyes. Sometimes your humor is a little wicked. However, it only takes a quick look into your big blue eyes to see the joke hiding there instead of the naughty I expected to find. Just like your Daddy in that respect!

Oh! Speaking of songs, Ruby, you.love.to.sing. Your memory for song lyrics and tunes is just insane. When I hear you humming the tunes from songs on the Christian radio station or singing the refrain from the worship songs in church, I could just cry, it's so sweet. Ruby, you really have a heart for worship and have already learned so many scriptures through song. I hope you'll always have those Words readily accessible in your heart and mind.

Ruby, you have completed a year of preschool and Ms. Melissa has nothing but nice things to say about you. She noted your unique and thorough way of problem solving, how bright you are and how incredibly determined, too. You have blown away your specials teachers with your ability to recall details from past classes. Especially the Chinese lessons from Ms. Jillian during music class. Wow! You are a natural at languages!

Your list of things you love is long and varied. Your family, especially your Emme, top the list in your prayers each night. But, when asked what else you'd like to pray for, you immediately add Sesame Street characters. The four favorites still go to bed with you each night. Your favorite books this year have been compendiums, sequels and series. You share my love of a story that doesn't end. You read like other people breathe, without thought, it's just there. It's so incredible to watch the world open up to you through books. Reading is your passion, but your love language is bacon and cupcakes. Kiddo, you adore the salty and sweet things. Lemonade with 'bubbles' is still a favorite drink and you've got a real soft spot for anything that holds frosting (cupcakes, donuts, cookies). For your birthday this year, I made you an entire cupcake liner full of frosting. With sprinkles, of course.

Ruby, you are so independent now, though you still hang close to me for security. At home you can do it all by yourself. When we're out and about, you get a little anxious at times and still ask to 'be my baby'. I spent the first part of the year pushing you a little further and encouraging you to walk towards the things that seemed to worry you; brave through the transitions that seem so scary and be courageous in the face of looming obstacles. But, you know what, Ruby? You are, inherently, one of the bravest people I have ever known. It occurred to me one day that holding you a little longer or staying nearby for comfort didn't diminish any of that courage. It just gives you the assurance that we're in this together. You are not alone. So, as we finished out your year, out and about type things became much smoother as you relaxed in the knowledge that you would not be asked to fly until you were ready to spread your wings. As one would anticipate, you've begun flying faster and farther all on your own. You amaze me.

You often call me by my first name now, because it gets you swifter results. But, when you really need a mother, you still say 'Mama'. Especially at night when you ask me to tell you secret prayers in your ear.

I love you dearly, Ruby Claire, and am so blessed to be your mother.

Love,

Mama

Elmo is the new Bono

Em and Roo,

Even children in Africa like Elmo. This little boy came to watch us
fix a water pump. I thought of you when I saw him.

See you soon.
Love,
Mammaw

birthday wishes from Tanzania

Dear Sweet Emme and Roo,

Mammaw and Pappaw did not forget your birthday. We have had Internet and/or computer problems for a week and have not been able to get to our email to wish you girls a happy birthday.

Did you have a great day? Did your friends come over and play? Did Marmee and Grandpa get to come? Did you get lots of presents and have some yummy cake and ice cream? How about balloons? Did Maggie dog get to come celebrate with you? Did they take lots of pictures? It must have been a wonderful day.

I saw the pictures of you at Sea World. My favorite part of Sea World are the whales and the dolphin. I wish we could see them together some time.

Mammaw and Pappaw have some new dogs at our new house in Dodoma. One dog looks like Maggie dog. Her name is Gus, but i call her Gussie, so I can remember she is a girl. She is very sweet and I think she would like to be Maggie's friend. Do you think Maggie would like a new friend? When the other computer is fixed, I will send you a picture of Gussie to show to Maggie dog.

We have many lizards in Dodoma. Some get in the house and some are outside, Mammaw is very happy when they stay outside. Last night I saw an "albino" lizard, but he was gone before I could get the camera. One lizard has lived in the window encasement for 2 weeks and could not get out. I finally got him out today...I think he was very happy to be outside again so he could eat.

Watching you girls grow these past 3 years has been a delight. I don't know what we would have done without getting to see your blog every few days. You have an amazing Mama and she writes the sweetest things about you. Give her and your Daddy a big hug and kiss for me.

I better go for today. HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY, MARY ELIZABETH AND RUBY.

WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH.

MAMMAW AND PAPPAW

A Letter To Emme

Dear Mary Elizabeth,

Today you are 3 years old! What a fun 3 years we've had with you.

You have an infectious laugh,
a sparkly personality, a flair for drama
and are a big ball of energy.
Emme, you are crazy smart, passionate and beautifully balanced. You want to do everything, know everything, be everything. You're having a difficult time being 3 because you know exactly what you want but can't always make us understand. And you don't take no for an answer. At least not without an Oscar winning performance. Your tantrums are fiery and choreographed. Someday, I'm sure, I will look back and admire your style.
I see many years ahead of soccer, ballet, gymnastics, piano, violin, tap, jazz, swimming, softball, volleyball, etc. You have the ability to be good at anything you put your mind to.
You are amazing.
Your favorite game at the moment is "I Spy". You use it to pass time, start conversation, redirect attention and... just for fun. "I spy sumpin... hmmm... hmmm... BLUE!" You always sign the color as well as speak it. Emme, you adore sign language and have an extensive ASL vocabulary. If you can move as well as speak, all the better. You are such a kinesthetic learner.
You have an amazing memory for movement. I am astonished when I watch you recreate dance steps and act out scenes from movies. You're turning out to be quite the actress.
You can memorize a scene and play it out verbatim. Singin' In The Rain is also one of your favorite films. You've just about nailed the flapper dance from the beginning. It's incredible!
You've also got the softest heart. You love so sweetly and also get your feelings hurt easily. I adore the way you gently pat my heart and tell me, "love you soooo much", in a little whisper. You give the best kisses and the hardest hugs. And like nothing better than to curl up into a tight little ball in my lap with your Nannie blanket and thumb. I hope that doesn't change for a long time.
There's a special bond between you and your Ruby. You call her Ruby Care and watch over and protect her. When we walk in parking lots, you tightly grip her hand and refuse to let go. You hug and kiss her and love to perpetuate the games that Ruby invents, just because it makes her happy.
You desperately want to read because Ruby can. And Emme, you're so close! You know all your beginning phonics, can sound out 3 letter words, and have at least 30 sight words.
You're a great little momma, Emme. You prefer to have two babies at all times, because that's how we roll around here. You rub their heads softly and say, "Ohhhh, baby." Then, tuck them in, feed them and show them the sights.
You love to pretend just about anything. Right now, you're enamoured with Sea World and pretend to be dolphins and whales splashing in the water. My bed comforter is your preferred ocean playground. Unless it's swimming pool time. You like that so much, you call it the "swimming cool".

Emme, just like you tell your Daddy... You. Rock.!!
Happy birthday darling girl. Daddy and I love you so very much.

A Letter To Ruby

Dear Ruby,

Today you are three years old. And you are incredible. You have a wide open heart that loves deeply. You adore your sister and think your Daddy hung the moon. But, you're still a Mama's girl deep down.
You learn quickly and have, what appears to be, a photographic memory. Your favorite toys are those that allow you to read, spell and count. You are reading. You have an incredible vocabulary, and just about every word you can say, you can read. You have a gift for language, all languages, actually. And you are endlessly frustrated that you don't yet have the skills to write the words you want to spell. Right now, you cope by taking my hand and asking me to write the words for you.
You're intent on asserting your independence right now. "No" and "Stop it" are becoming regular words in your repertoire (but so are please and thank you). And, Ruby, you can throw yourself a fit to beat the band. It is loud and long and raw. Believe me, your Daddy and I get the point you're making. But you don't throw that fit until you've exhausted every other option. The mental gymnastics you exert to get your way are astonishing. Ruby, you're not confrontational, but you are the most determined person I've ever met.
That is a trait that has served you well and will continue to do so (however challenging it makes it to be your parent).

You are working hard in occupational therapy, and you love it! Miss D, the OT, is your personal rock star and you eagerly anticipate the days you work with her.
You say, "Come on, Miss D, let's play! See the toys? Let's go!"
and then you hustle her down the hallway with barely a backward look for me.
I am so proud of this! Already, you are less sensory defensive, are putting together more original sentences and relying less on your amazing memorized arsenal of phrases, and are climbing and moving more freely. You'll be running and jumping with your Sissy soon, Ruby!
This year you've learned to sing (in tune). You love to sing. Your favorite song at the moment is "Singin' in the Rain". At any given moment you'll bust out with "What a glorious feeling, I'm happy again!" It makes me smile every time.
When you watch the movie, though, your favorite part is the Moses Supposes song and dance. For that, you grab your Sissy's hand and the two of you execute your own version of a tap dance routine.
My favorite line that you quote from the movie is, "I.ain't.people!" You use it with serious comedic timing.
You do a lot of things with great comedic timing, actually.
A month ago, you were climbing on a pile of books. I told you to get down and commented that those books were not stairs. With a deadpan expression, you cut your eyes to the book on which you were standing, then looked back at me and said, "my.first.steps." And, sure enough, that's what the book said, complete with a picture of a child climbing some stairs.

Ruby, you have an obsession with toothbrushes. And hats. The toothbrush thing greatly annoys your Daddy. Because it's his toothbrush you particularly love. Once, I asked you where that toothbrush belonged, hoping to get you to replace it on the counter. You told me it went 'in the potty'. I think that's when Daddy really got nervous. You seriously crack me up.
As for hats, anything can be a hat in your world. It's one of the fun ways that you play pretend.
You love to pretend to play different instruments... violin, flute, drums, piano and guitar are at the top of the list. You're very rooted in reality most of the time, so, you sometimes surprise me when your imagination leaps out. The day you dragged your Magnadoodle all over the house by the pen-on-a-string and announced that you were walking the dog, was unexpected! And wonderful!
You make me teary, Ruby, when you sing "Tis So Sweet" and when you run to your Sissy and grab her in a full hug and just hang on as long as she'll let you. I know you're just feeling all that love well up inside you and that's just the best way to show how you feel. You're always so sweet to share with her. When you get a lollipop, you hand it to Sissy before selecting one for yourself.
You are amazingly special, Ruby Claire. Your Daddy and I love you so very much.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Jellybean.