To Stella, sixty seven months

While in so many ways you are really grown up now, you still have plenty of adorable. Recently, we all went to the Transit Museum in Brookyn. On the way, we were waiting for the subway and Vivian was asleep in her stroller. We decided to play a game where each person would say one word and together we would create a story. We were telling a story about a monkey and a princess and at one point, the monkey was in a tree and the princess (named Stella) went looking for him. We got to a very exciting part of the story where the princess and the monkey were separated and the princess went looking for him. It went something like this "the princess went to the forest to find the monkey..."
Mommy: But
Stella: the
Daddy: monkey
Mommy: was
Stella: int
Daddy: there
Daddy and I had to fight back our laughter.

Speaking of the Transit Museum, I think we were all slightly disappointed -- it wasn't THAT amazing. And Vivian fell asleep right when we got there and missed the whole thing. But we had a lot of fun anyway. You loved pretending to be a bus driver and an MTA worker selling tickets. I'm always so impressed by how well you take turns, wait your turn and share with other kids. You were really respectful of all the other children at the museum and I can't say the same for all of them. The most fun part was probably seeing all the old train cars. You pretended you were a musician singing for the people in the car and also a person sleeping in the train.

This month, seemingly out of the blue, you started saying "I'm sweating like a cinnamon church." Daddy and I could not figure out what you were talking about. You told us it was something you heard in the "Princess and the Frog". Your very clever father finally figured out that it was "I'm sweating like a sinner in church." Believe me when I say, we aren't correcting you on that one. It is too adorable every time you say it. You still sing "Friday is a special day. There are three blessings that you say. One for candles, one for wine. One for challah it takes vine" and as far as Daddy and I are concerned, you can go to your grave not knowing the correct words to that one. We all sing that song together sometimes and Dad and I invariably say it your way lest you catch on and correct yourself. I realize some parents consider it part of their job to teach their children whereas yours consider it their job to unteach them. Look, we know you're going to grow up. We're hanging on to cute for as long as we can.

Another highlight of the month was taking Grandma Roz to Serendipity for her birthday. Every time you and Vivian get together with my granny I just feel so happy for you guys and for her that you get to know each other so well. Also, frozen hot chocolates are yummy.

After sitting for awhile, you and Vivian got a little restless so you went together to the little store in the front and were talking to the people who work there. I got a little bit nervous that maybe you were bothering them but I figured someone would come over and say something if they were upset. Eventually, our food came and you guys returned to the table. Later, the maitre d' did indeed come up to our table. And what he said was, "I see a lot of kids in this job and I have never seen a cuter or better sibling relationship." I think he was specifically remarking on how when you ask Vivian to give you a kiss, she happily obliges.

But also just how gentle and sweet you are with her and how much love there so obviously is between you both. It is one of the things that makes me happiest in life.

During your March vacation, we went to AMNH one day to see the buttefly exhibit. On the way we stopped at Joe's so Mommy could get a coffee. I also bought you and Vivian a doughnut because they sell the ones from Doughnut Plant there. You frequently ask me if we can go to Dunkin' Donuts because it is right across the street from school but I have only said yes once. I just can't bring myself to do it. But I know you love doughnuts so I thought I'd introduce you to a real one -- rather than that Dunkin' Donuts crap. We had so much fun with the butteflies. One landed on my bag which made you very excited and should bring all of us good luck.

Afterwards, we went to the cafe and you and Vivian very happily shared the doughnut we had bought. I'm not sure which was better -- the butterflies or the doughnut. Probably the doughnut.

You have been working like crazy on your cartwheel and it is getting very good.
You really enjoy spending the first 15 minutes of Vivian's Chelsea Piers class as her "grown-up". And you also got to go to music class with her this month which was super fun. As I write this, I realize that one of the things that is most incredible about you (and there are many) is that you find everything fun. You have such enthusiasm for whatever it is you are doing. It is a really lovely quality to have and one that I hope you will retain.

Your box house made a re-appearance this month and you even slept in it a couple nights. It didn't sound like such a great idea to me but you begged us to let you and I realized, why not? And you seemed to have slept really well and definitely really happily in it.

At the end of the month, I went to Chicago for two nights. I was a little bit nervous about it but you, Dad and Vivian did just fine without me. You sent me some really great videos telling me that everything was going well and receiving them made my day. You also told me that you didn't want to skype with me because it would make you miss me more. I totally respected that and appreciated how well you know yourself.

I am really enjoying every minute of being your mom. You are a complicated, special, beautiful, kind, strong girl and I have so much admiration for you. It is a real privilege to be able to watch you grow up.

I love you.
Love,
Mom