Letter to Garrett on his Third Birthday

November 3, 2011
Dear Garrett,
You just turned three (ok, ok, over a month ago now, but who is counting). We had a huge party here in Moraga with a bunch of your new friends and had a bouncy house, pinata, drinks and yummy cake. A few days later Nana and Pop Pop came to visit and we celebrated again. You loved every minute of attention. We got you a gear toy thingy and a little battery-run truck toy, and the grandparents got you a big wheel. Life is good.

We just recently moved to California and I must say that the move was easiest on you. You took everything in stride and were easy going about the transition. You were amazingly good on the trip out to California and for a near-three-year-old were great about rolling with no sleep and being in strange places.

You are in a new school called The Nurtury, which is located in the Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church. Your Dad and I are not particularly religious people but we both consider ourselves spiritual so we didn't mind that the place that seemed to offer the best environment was a faith-based preschool. You are learning all about God, and Jesus and other characters that I've never even heard of (Zachaeeus). Your teachers, Mrs. Luci, Mrs. Terri and Mrs. Sarah are all amazing and plan outrageously fun crafts and activities every day. We walk in every morning and there are multiple activities to choose from like painting, gluing, smearing shaving cream, etc. It's a great place for you and you are loving your new friends Finley, Camden, Maddox, Sarah, Luci, Shay, Madden and more.

We have seen a more temperamental side of you these past few months than we are used to. Your stubborn side has come out in force and we are hoping that this phase won't last too long. You are often heard saying "no" and pouting in defiance and we are trying to find ways to keep you grounded. The world is not all about you even though most days you think that it should be. There have been an inordinate amount of time outs lately and I hate to say that quite often we have to lock you in your room until you calm down. You are also very fun and loving, and even though some days are very challenging, your sweet side usually comes through and those wet sloppy kisses still come out. I remember going through this with your sister so we are trying to be patient and understand that saying no to you now will help you in a few years, despite the fact that it means BattleStar Garretica most days of the week.

You love playing with your toys and are happy to play by yourself a lot. In times when Delaney is not around you are chirpy, happy and easily entertained. When she is around and dictating play you are usually happy to go along with her as well, but when you are by yourself it's wonderful to see you get to make the choices in your play. You still love your sister but you are combating her more and more as you grow bigger. I like to see you stand up for yourself but I don't like how mean and spiteful you can be sometimes. I'm sure you will work it out eventually but it's safe to say that your sister is your biggest friend and fan, and it's reciprocal.

We are finally making progress on the potty training. You have been ready for a while but have resisted for your own reasons. Just in the last two weeks we have been going without diapers during the day and you are finally having having accidents less and less. This is a HUGE milestone for me and the family.

Halloween just passed and you were Buzz Lightyear as well as Justin Bieber. A lot of people say you look like Justin Bieber so we did it just for fun. You had no idea who Justin Bieber was or why you were in a purple hoody, but it was damn cute.

I love you Bubba. Thanks for blessing my life and making it fun and interesting. Keep on smiling and giving out wet kisses.

Love,
Mommy