Lola’s three!

Lola Rey turned three today! She crawled in bed with us at 6AM and asked to watch Moana. Then we came downstairs and she opened up her presents. We rounded off the morning with donuts delivered to us by my dad. We got ready (she was ready by 8AM) and went to pick up her cake (she chose a Frozen-themed cake — again!), and to get Dairy Queen for lunch (her choice though heavily influenced by Javi.) She played all afternoon, and then we went to my parent’s house for dinner and cake. She had the best day!

Dear Lola,

Birthdays do make me feel a bit nostalgic. I feel a tinge of sadness at the year that has passed, and the time I’ll never get back with you at this exact age. And I feel so proud to see how big you’ve gotten, happy to see your excitement with raising one more finger to show how old you’re turning, and relieved to have one more year of parenting you under my belt — not that experience really helps with this job, but it still feels comforting.

You are completely your own person these days and at the same time, I see so much of us in you. You share my ability to relax for hours on the couch watching movies and Daddy’s curiosity and interest in food. You’re my little helper; always near me when I’m folding laundry or needing help with Eva. You’re the best little sister — always keeping Javi on his toes and always making your place in the family known. You’re the best big sister — always keeping an eye on Eva, helping when you can, and putting her in her place when you need to! You love baby dolls, every fruit I put in front of you, brushing your teeth, Disney movies, singing, reading books, wearing dresses and running — which seems to be your mode of transport all day long.

Lola, you are so strong. You work so hard, all day long, to communicate with us and then work so hard to be patient with us if we can’t understand you. You have a contagious smile; and you know how to flash your smile to get me to smile instead of correct you. You’re sneaky; your hands are always reaching onto the counters, you’ve been known to lock us out of the house, and you swipe Eva’s “boo-ti-full” clothes and put them into your own dresser instead. You are always asking for two of everything: two more treats, two more minutes (before going to bed), two more hugs.

You are affectionate. You’re always hugging and kissing me and you pet my face when we sit together on the couch. You’re finally saying “I love you” and I love hearing it every time. You’re a hand holder; always reaching out and squeezing me just a little bit. You’re a fashionista; always accessorizing with jewelry, and hats, and sunglasses. You’re interested in my long hair but as yours is growing, you seem to be a bit annoyed by it! This morning, you asked to get a haircut.

Lola, you have a special spark that I’m equal parts fascinated by and amazed by. I’m also equal parts sad and reassured that we’re moving past the infant/toddlers years and into the preschool years. I can’t wait to see how you grow and I’m so excited to be able to spend my days with you by my side. This year has been a total gift to me, and though I don’t think you’ll remember your second year of life (the infamous 2020), I hope when you look back at pictures of this time together — when all we did was stay home — you see a family who laughed every day and loved you endlessly.

Happy 3rd Birthday, I love you!