Love your "pot-belly" and other lessons for my so-adored one!

My sweet Micaela,

I watch you before showering every day, modeling and dancing naked and let me tell you something... you have the cutest little pot-belly in the world, which I always want to kiss. I know, I know, I am always trying to nibble on you because you are that delicious. As you walk around without any self-consciousness whatsoever, I cannot stop my thoughts and I hope you never lose that confidence. I hope you love your body, always, and know that ones of all shapes and sizes are beautiful. 

You’re amazingly curious and able to engage in conversations about everything from how dinosaurs have extinguished to sharing your thoughts, plans and ideas. 

There is so much life wisdom I wish I could share with you so here I present some of the big lessons; I’m sharing them for posterity, but also so I can remind myself to keep up with them in both words and actions.

1) Take pride in you

Self-love is your best defense, even when other people try to bring you down, and the most high-octane way to power through life. I cannot give you major self-esteem, but I will keep doing my best to encourage your interests, praise what’s unique about you love any "defect" you might find when you grow up.

2) Read as much as you can

Books. Newspapers. Websites. Magazines. Whatever! It’ll make you wiser, more interesting and a fun person to chat with at parties.

3) Believe that you can do anything you want to….

“I’d like to be a doctor-princess-musketeer!” you tell me every other day. “And a dancer! And an artist!” I just nod and say, “Yes, princess.” I want you to think that you can grow up to be anything you want to be. Trusting in your abilities will get you far, no matter what path you choose.

…but pick one thing to excel at.

4) Do NOT tan

You’re fair, like me, and you’ll only burn and then you’ll grow up and get brown spots and little wrinkles around your eyes, not that I know any moms like that. God invented some really good self-tanner. Use it!

5) Find joy in what you have

We have given away some toys and clother to help others and also give you perspective. Still, like all 3-year-olds, you’re always wanting more—and I will continue to help you see the good fortune in what we own. A critical part of happiness is being content with the blessings you have.

6) Have real face time with friends.

I bet you will be texting, IM-ing and face-timing with your buddies when you grow up. And, oh yes, technology is fast and fun. But there is nothing like live, in the flesh, face-to-face connecting. Plese try, even as your days get busier, to always make time to hang with friends and have actual conversations. Feeling truly connected with people keeps you grounded when life feels like it’s out of control. Also: You can’t give each other manicures on Facebook.

7) Stand up for people who can’t defend themselves

I desperately hope you grow into sticking up for others who can’t defend themselves. It will make you not just a better girl but a better human being.

8) Remember: stretch pants, lip liner and jell-o shots are not your friends!

Please just trust me on that!

9) Listen to people

Look them in the eye. Don’t interrupt as they talk. Respond to what they’re saying and talk about them, not you. There is a severe shortage of listening in this era. Master it and people will respect and adore you for it.

10) Don’t be a homebody

Right now, I can’t imagine sending you off for a week. Ultimately, though, I want you to take trips without me and your dad, and lots of them. It is one of the best ways to learn about yourself, about other cultures, about life. Spending a semester in Barcelona - Spain; traveling around Europe; and visiting far-flung places like Thailand and Egypt will end up being some of the most meaning-filled, rich moments of your existence. So go away—but please, send your mom e-mails (every single day!).

My "pretty, brave, very smart and strong" princess Micaela

My Paper Bag Princess
 

Micaela can spend hours and hours reading. With books sprawled out across the bed, rediscovering a few old favorites and finding some new ones — she is, indeed, "My Paper Bag Princess".

I must also say that she has been captivated by the charm of the princess world — crowns, tiaras and castles.

At home she builds castles using her sheets, wears crowns; dresses-up (even to go to the nursery); and sings Frozen songs on repeat. There is now no denying the allure of the world of princesses.

I’m not exactly sure why I used to feel a bit reluctant about all this — maybe it’s because the classic Disney princesses type-cast as damsels in distress, beautiful, soft-spoken, but lacking real substance. Not exactly the type of role models I’d like for my daughter but, as the wise ones say "if you can´t fight them, join them instead".

Just the other day I asked my sweet girl why she liked princesses so much... her response was very matter of fact, “because they’re pretty, brave, very smart and strong”. When she dresses up as a princess, she often pretends to sword fight and battle the “bad guys” or dragon to save herself. Micaela believes princesses to be confident, strong-willed, intelligent, funny and that they also get to wear beautiful dresses and tiaras. So I guess, thanks to movies like Brave and Mulan, I’ve come to realise that princesses aren’t such bad role models after all. ;)

3 Year-Old post

And now my baby girl, you are THREE!

I can´t believe how fast has time gone by... I still remember that night when we first met and I can´t forget how amazed and in love I felt as soon as I saw you. I still remember your first nights at home, the old days where all you did was cry, drink milk, poop, pee, and cry again... and still, your daddy and I could stand besides your crib to stare at you for hours... I still remember your first words, your first steps, your first questions, and all the first that we have luckily shared with you.

You are such a mature, incredible, smart, sweet, stubborn, loving girl and I feel extremely privileged with the role God has given me in your life. Being your mom is just indescribable... Words cannot express how honored I feel with such responsibility. Only three years have gone by and you have already taught me, taught us, so much! You have taught us that love is pure and unconditional. You have taught us that staying home and watching movies in pajamas while eating popcorn can be the most fun activity ever. You have taught us that we may do things right or wrong sometimes but you will always love us no matter what, no matter when, no matter why and no matter how.

Now you are going to a new nursery and let me tell you that I am SO happy about it. I feel we have finally found the right place for you to be these two years of your life. And I see you arrive and run to your classroom and then come out so content and calm that my heart just feels they are good for you! :)

Despite the whirlwind couple of weeks we have had before your special day this year, the party had to go on! At first, when we planned your birthday party, we decided to have a small and cozy reunion with some friends and family members. In the end, I, as usual, got a bit too thrilled and asked your daddy to help me have something very special event and I must say that the day was perfect. You enjoyed every tiny bit of your birthday party & party preparation. You chose her theme: Equestria Girls, helped prepare EVERY DETAIL and chose a character for herself: Apple Jack. We had a pony, rabbits, guinea pigs, a goat, baby ducks, chicks, among other farm animals and I wish I will never delete that image of happiness and awe I saw in your face that day. :)

Before I finish this post to you, I want to promise that I will write here, at least once a week again, so that we can both keep these stories and cherish them in our hearts when you become old enough to read it by yourself...

I love you more than words can express and will always do so!

xoxoxoxox,

Mommy