Dearest Isabelle,
Today you are three. You are so very, very three. In the past year I have seen you grow in so many ways, and you are still the same intelligent, kind, independent, and funny girl that you were a year ago, but each of these qualities has been amplified and deepened in the last twelve months. First, your empathy: you have a tender heart, Izzy. Yes, you are a spit-fire and an amazingly independent little girl, but at your core, you have such a wonderfully tender heart. I see it every day in the way you care for your friends (Foxy, Pinkbaby, Honey), the way you interact with Daddy and I (more hugs and “I love you”’s than we can count each day), the manners you use to other people, and now, the way you treat your baby brother, with such love and care. This year you have begun to develop empathy for others, and you earnestly desire to understand how others feel- your friends, family, and even characters in your books. The other night while reading the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, you said “I wish I could be in the story to tell the soldiers not to hurt Jesus.” I wish you could, too, Izzy. Your heart for justice and love for others is awesomely powerful. I love seeing this quality deepen in you with each day, sweet girl.
Right alongside this tenderness and kindness that is innate to you, Isabelle, is a fiery and passionate independence and, at times, stubbornness. This will serve you well in your life, Bean. Although you and I have our ‘moments,’ I so admire your independence. Even when something is difficult, you don’t let it stop you from trying all by yourself until you figure it out! Whether you are making a ‘craft’ for someone, doing a new puzzle, or choosing your outfit, there is rarely an instance where you can’t make up your mind, and woe to anybody who tries to get in your way! ☺ Day by day, you are learning how to use this quality to be a mover and a shaker in the best way, and it is awesome to watch. Never let go of your fervor for life and for learning, Iz. It is a wonderful quality that God has given you.
Your intelligence: WOW, have you learned a lot this last year! You now count to twenty instead of ten (and really, who needs thirteen and fifteen?), you ask intuitive and complex questions when we read books, both about vocabulary (“what does ‘in spite of’ mean, Mommy?”) and content, you notice so many details in your surroundings, and you have learned how to play games like CandyLand and Dr. Seuss Memory. The books you pick out at the library are no longer baby or even toddler books, but rather, storybooks with wonderful characters and plots such as Horton Hears a Who, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, and The Berenstain Bears books. One of my favorite things about this year has been watching your imagination take off. This past weekend, when Neema, Bobby, and Uncle John were here for your birthday, you and Bobby played “firefighters” for a solid twenty minutes in their hotel room. With only a pillow as a ‘ladder,’ you and Bobby rescued about a dozen animals out of trees, and drove the fire truck (you were the horn-honker) all over the state of Colorado. I loved watching you pull up your pretend fire boots and put on your pretend fire helmet.
Isabelle- I can say without a doubt that you are the funniest two-year old that I have ever had the privilege of being around. You make Daddy and I laugh every day with your questions, stories, songs, and dances. You and Daddy have a lot of dance parties these days- your favorite dancing song is “Some Nights” by the band FUN, and the moves you come up with, well, let’s just say they rival Michael Jackson. Some of my favorites are your ‘potty dance’ (fast feet), your kicks, and your creeping dance. The things that come out of your mouth also have us rolling on the floor. Just last night you told me the bumblebee on your ‘night undies’ needs to go in the back so he won’t sting you.’ Hahaha. . . There is never a dull moment with you around, Izzy- whether you are striking a silly pose, singing verse two of Jingle Bells at breakneck speed, or giving us pokes ‘to keep us healfy,’ we have so much fun just spending time with you.
Some other random milestones from this past year: - potty training (many months ago. . .you are a champ!) - learning to say your S’s (with a lisp, but awfully cute!) - taking ballet for several months - learning how to cut with scissors - getting your first real haircut in January 2013
This year has been a busy one, with you completing the transition from toddler to little girl who is ready for preschool in a few short months, and, just one month ago, becoming a big sister. Our family dynamic is changing now with Daniel coming into the world, as well as our puppy Sasha who joined our home in December. We have a busy and full house, and you have taken the changes in stride. I expected the typical big-sibling jealousy to rear its head, Izzy- it almost always does when a new baby comes into a family- but from the moment you found out that “NewBaby” was going to join our family (at about 20 weeks of pregnancy), you have shown nothing but excitement and love for Daniel Miles Loewen. The role of big sister fits you perfectly, as you are by nature both a teacher and a caregiver. Treasure your brother, Isabelle- he will be your oldest and dearest friend, as Uncle John is to me. I think siblings are one of God’s greatest gifts to us. Daniel is beyond blessed to have you as his big sister and protector.
Oh, beautiful girl, you are more of a blessing to our family and to me than you will ever know. I love you and treasure you beyond words, and I thank God every single day that He put you in our family, and chose me to be your mom. I will always and forever cheer you on, Isabelle, as you continue to grow and find your way in this world, making it a better place as you go.
I love you beaucoup, Bean.
