You Can Get Lost Now

Dear Sonia,

Today, you and Mommy were at the zoo and were discussing how many people there were and how crazy it was. So Mommy decided it was time to teach you her phone number. At three years old.

And so, young miss, you now know it. If you ever get lost, you can go up to someone, and tell them you are lost and then begin singing for them, to the tune of Frere Jacques:

Mommy's Phone Number, Mommy's Phone Number, XXX, XXX, XXX, XXX, XXXX, XXXX

You performed it twice for me over the phone on speaker. The first time I had no idea what you were saying, so hopefully if you ever get lost, you don't have to talk into a speaker to get help. Then, once I knew the story, I could understand you clear as day.

Your Mommy is smart. Wicked smart. Almost as smart as you.

Love,

Auntie K

Lock the Doors, The Bunny is Coming!

Dear Sonia,

Last weekend was your sister's feeding ceremony (her anaprasana) and we all came to town for it. I surprised you all. Nobody knew I was coming until you arrived back home and found me sitting on the swing in the yard. That was great fun! It was also Easter weekend. You'd had quite the week - egg hunts and goodies and such. Finally, the night before Easter arrived. Mommy got your easter basket (and Sage's) and showed it to you and told you that you would leave it out and the bunny would bring treats.

You were okay for a minute. Sure, you must have thought. That's what happened with Santa, too. But then you asked if he'd come while you were sleeping. We all assured you, that yes, that's when he'd come. You waited a couple of beats and then asked if he'd come in the house. Well, yes, we said. But not in your room, someone assured you.

Finally, you looked at your Mommy and said that the baskets could be outside and the Bunny would bring things there. And we'd lock the doors and he couldn't come in. Mommy readily agreed that this was a good plan. You got up to put the baskets out right away, lest anyone forget. On your way by your papa, you said "We're going to lock all the doors, Papa." As if this was something new - that usually, you all go to bed with a wide open house.

People were asking your mommy questions like "Was this a problem with S-A-N-T-A?" and your mom was guessing things like, "I wonder if someone told her it is a H-U-G-E bunny." You weren't even remotely listening to all the spelling going on, since you were so fixated on the baskets being outside.

Your mommy let you know that the baskets would be inside when you got up in the morning, since she had to bring Nana and Papa and Uncle S to the airport early and she would bring them in. You were okay with that.



It was pretty freaking hilarious, I have to say. And logical as hell. I remember when I was little, wondering how the heck the Bunny got in the house. If Santa comes down the chimney...? I seriously think I decided that the Bunny was magical enough to pass through walls. And why didn't that scare me into insisting that our baskets go outside? Your guess is as good as mine. No idea. You are perhaps way smarter than we all think.

Anyway, the Bunny was super good to you and Sage. You got a bunch of hair bows and tattoos and stick on sparkle earrings and a puzzle. Very little candy - the Bunny must be familiar with your parents.

Hopefully by next Christmas, you'll be okay with Santa sneaking in for a minute to leave you some stuff. I have no idea what happens if Santa leaves the gifts outside - even in pretty-warm Houston, TX!

Love,

Auntie K

Happy 3rd Birthday!

Dear Sonia-ita!

Happy happy happy third birthday, my dear little niece!

Things you should know about your third birthday:

- You had a butterfly shaped birthday cake in your backyard while you and your cousins and your friend Taj went swimming.
- Your Nana and Papa were in Houston with you on your big day!
- Every time I asked you what day it was - you said TUESDAY! And then after being prompted, said "MY BIRTHDAY!"
- You brought cupcakes to school to share with the other kids.
- Your daddy drove you to school and you called me on your way and I sang Happy Birthday to you.
- When Mommy and Daddy came up in the morning to bring you your gifts, you said "I can't stop smiling smiling smiling!"
- When you went down to get your more presents from Nana and Papa, you reported to them that upstairs, you "couldn't stop smiling, smiling, smiling!"

I'm very sure there are way more things to report about your third birthday, but as of right now, this is what I know. I'm so glad you love your birthday. I love mine too. It's a pretty cool thing to have a day just for you.

I love you very very much, 'ita!




Love,

Auntie K

Peek!

Dear Sonia,

You are so beautiful.

Almost 3!



Love,

Auntie K

Goodbye Rudy

Dear Sonia,

I just want to commemorate Rudy's trip to the no more boo boo place yesterday. You said a very nice goodbye to him, and you chose to read a book at school about animals and had some tears about it. You are doing okay, mostly, with the departure of your best buddy.

Your mommy is very sad about this. Partly because she liked Rudy and had him for 14 years, but partly because he was your best buddy and you'll miss him. Last night you said your regular prayers. And then at the end you added:

"And please God, take care of Rudy in the no more boo boo place."

Such a sweet girl. Made Mommy have to flee the room since she was crying so much at that point.

Rudy had a great life. He got to live on the mean streets of Los Angeles and then got adopted by your Mommy and me. He had a great brother named Noah and then a fantastic life as an only kitty. He got to live in Houston after LA and then in Massachusetts and and then in New Jersey before he moved back to Houston. Quite the travelled kitty! He got to keep his claws and grow fat with satisfaction. He got to have an attitude and punish your mommy by peeing in her laundry and on her head once and then in a last hurrah, on her lap the day he went on to the no more boo boo place. He got to demand to be petted and then demand that your mommy go to bed with him when he wanted to go to bed - and she did it! And best of all, he got to have you as his best buddy! All in all, Rudy had a pretty rockin' 14 years. And I've heard the no more boo boo place is pretty great too.

We'll all miss Rudy, Sonia.

Love,

Auntie K