3.5 (and some change)

Wow. The baby is completely gone now. You are undeniably a little girl. Though, you still won't accept the "big girl" title (unless it's convenient). I guess you're not ready yet for that kind or responsibility. It's probably a wise move.

You're clever, creative, and funnier every day. And, frustratingly sometimes, you're almost always right about everything! A keen observer with an eye for detail, I guess. Didn't come from me.

More, um, challenging aspects of your personality lately include a penchant toward baby-talk (maybe you've decided to regress even before the new baby is born?) Also, there's the fact that I'm trying to grow out your bangs and you refuse to wear barrettes 99% of the time, which means you look less tidy than Shaggy Doo and it drives grandmothers and great grandmothers kuh-razy (which, luckily they complain about to me instead of to you). It is often challenging to get you to sleep-sleep before 9. You hate to be unintentionally wet (like your hair or a random body party) which can be really taxing, because what's the big deal? Your meltdowns are rare but when they happen, they can be doozies.

You still get the hiccups after a good laughing fit (I understand this might be a permanent condition, poor thing). I love that you love babies (and hopefully that will come in handy in October) and you get so much joy from them. Your imagination is really active and engaged now. You can have a dialogue amongst a whole family of rubber ducks and it's fun to watch. You are still an enthusiastic dancer and photo stylist. Exhibit A: the photo above.

I think you have great patience for a 3.5 year old and I'm sincerely grateful.

I love when you say "That's for sure!" and "Trust me." and "Frijoles"with a perfect Spanish accent.

As excited as I am to see you become a big sister, I am trying to soak up and enjoy these last few weeks as a mother of one and a mother of you. And I'm really glad that I've had as much time as I have had to appreciate only you.