To Stella, 6.5

You have grown up so much recently. I don't know if it is Trinity or just the age but you really feel so much more mature than ever. And actually today we were at a group playdate with a bunch of people from K21 and one of the other moms commented on the fact that you look much older suddenly and another mom commented on the fact that there is something about you that feels older, like you just kind of get things that other kids don't necessarily get. All of these things are true.

The other day one of your friends told us that she forgot to turn in her Newsday folder and you said that you almost did the same. I asked you if your teachers remind you and you said, "No because it is not their responsibility." I think that they are treating you more grown-up and it is rubbing off on you. You've had a couple playdates now where you are picked up by someone else's mother or babysitter. Before the first one I asked you if you were comfortable for a different mom to pick you up and you thought about it for a moment and answered, "I'm okay with that." Now I think you really love it. You also always want to walk up the stairs alone (or with Vivian) while I ride the elevator. You also would love to ride the elevator alone but I'm not okay with that ever since Ranny got stuck. But the point is, you are just so much more independent than ever.

You are also an unbelievably great big sister. You take such good care of Vivian and she loves you a lot. Seeing the two of you play together makes me and Dad so happy. A few times when I have had to go out and she is crying, I have told you that I will give you a dollar to be in charge of taking care of Vivian and keeping her happy. You love that because you have this bizarre, I don't know where it comes from, obsession with money. In fact, not too long ago we were singing this Will.i.am song from Sesame Street where he goes "What I am is --" and then a muppet fills in "smart" or "musical" or "brave" or some other great word. I was singing it about you and letting you fill in the words and when I said, "What I am is -- " you replied "obsessed with money" which was funny but also not.

You recently completed an amazing book at school that was all about our family having magic powers. In the book, Vivian used her magic powers to fly out the window and you were crying a lot until she came back. It was very sweet. At parents night, one of the other parents was horrified to see the picture her son drew of his sister making an ugly face, sticking out her tongue at him. I am so happy that your feelings about our family are positive ones as I know they are. There are some weird social dynamics developing at school which I guess is sort of normal for girls. Mostly, though, you seem to be able to just rise above it all. I hope you continue to be so resilient. That's not to say there haven't' been a couple times when you were a bit more distressed. But generally speaking, you are not too caught up in any craziness. Luckily you have a really nice class of girls and you seem pretty much happy to play with anyone.

Daddy and I are really enjoying watching you grow up and seeing you develop more and more into your own person. I feel like the luckiest person in the world to have the privilege of sharing your childhood with you. If I was singing Will.i.am's song about you, I'd say "smart" "fun" "interesting" "considerate" "thoughtful" "surprising" "lovely" "loving" "fierce" and "fabulous". I love being your mom more than you will ever know.
Love,
Mommy