"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are."
~ E.E. Cummings ~
She wants to dress herself, but only in pajamas.
She wants to wear un-na-wear, but not sit on a potty.
She wants to sleep in a big girl bed, but only if it's her sister's.
She wants to walk up the stairs alone, but not down.
She wants to run ahead, but only if I follow.
She wants to drink from a glass, but not without a straw.
She wants to be a big kid, but only if she's the baby.
***
She says um-bra-la-la and bun-na-na-na.
She calls me mum-mum like I'm a cracker.
She fake yawns and says, I so tired today. I stay home? on school days.
***
She hugs everyone in our family, at least once a day.
She names every single one of her dolls and stuffies after people she's met.
She says please and thank you all day at home, but never outside the house.
***
She knows all the words to this song and many, many others.
She closes her eyes and tosses her hair when she dances.
She believes in herself: I so smart and I so funny and I do it so good.
***
She wants to turn three next month, with her wings and polar bear cupcakes.
She pats my sad face and kisses my upside down lips and stares into my tear-filled eyes.
You so funny, Mum-mum. I not going be two! I going be fweeeeeeee!
