35 months

Dear Hannah,
Soon after I wrote the last letter, something triggered in you that made me very aware that year #3 will be more challenging than the previous one.

-You have this exasperated sigh/groan that you keep using anytime I ask you to do something. I didn't know where you got this until I caught myself once using the EXACT tone you do when you weren't cooperating.
-An aggressive, impatient side of you is coming out and I'm not sure how to redirect your frustration. Then again, I need to be reminded and admit that I still struggle with this as an adult.
-And this poop thing...well, wasn't sure how to motivate you to get to the bathroom in time, but told you we'd get you another Dora bracelet...and then you refused to get off the potty until something came out. Bad timing, but at least I found your motivating button.
(Sidenote: You were so upset when you lost your Dora bracelet, you never would have gotten off that toilet. So we promised to find a similar one regardless of whether you pooped....and Grandma Peggy saved the day when she found the exact bracelet!)

Every stage has had its challenges, but they have always been overshadowed by your fun new quirks and accomplishments.

You love all things girly...especially any pink, sparkly accessories & jewelry. Even better when Dora is somehow attached to it. It's been fun to watch you carry your purse everywhere, insist on bracelets & necklaces, and wear your sunglasses regardless whether the sun wants to shine.


Even in the last couple weeks, your conversational skills have greatly improved. You can explain the details of an important story and have a real, semi-intelligible conversation on the phone. Not everyone has had the privilege to speak with you, but I have an adorable video of your conversation with Aunt Bambi.

Every night for the last month before you go to bed, you ask if you can sleep with your purse or your wallet, even though you know the answer. One night when I beat you to the question, you couldn't believe I knew what you were going to ask. It was so fun to see the stunned look on your face, then watch you laugh at yourself.

Even though I'm sensing a rather challenging year ahead of me, I'm really going to enjoy joking with you and laughing at each other's eccentricities over the years. As long as those eccentricities don't continue to involve poop.....

I love you,
Mom