Three Years

Dear Calista,

Today you’re three years old! You live up to your middle name and fill our lives with joy each and every day. People often comment on your sense of humor and wit that’s beyond your years.

To celebrate your birthday, we had a party for you at the horse corral that’s a mile from our house. It was a very, very windy day, but I think you and your friends still had a great time. We rented two horses, had lots of food, and you loved all of your gifts. Unfortunately, there is something about you that attracts bees, and they were being quite aggressive towards you during the last part of your party. This ended with a bee sting on your hand, lots of tears, and a swarm of bees following you to the van. It’s a bummer because we used to go to Buffalo Corral every weekend for horse rides, and now we’re worried you’ll be afraid to return. I hope this fear departs quickly and that you only remember the fun you had at your birthday party.

Today we’re going to celebrate you again with presents and your new favorite dessert, cheesecake. I’ve decorated a Dora cheesecake for you, per your request.

I can’t look back on this year without mentioning one of the biggest changes for all of us; shortly before Christmas we moved to Arizona. It’s been a big transition for all of us, but I think you’ve adapted well. Fort Huachuca is an Army post outside of Sierra Vista. You began preschool soon after we arrived, and you’re thriving and making lots of friends. You’ve also enjoyed road trips to Phoenix, Tucson, Tombstone, the Grand Canyon, Bearizona, the Polar Express, the Navajo Nation, and the Four Corner National Monument.

An even bigger life change occurred on May 13; your brother Cruz Paul was brought into the world. It was a hard change for you at first; you weren’t crazy about bringing a baby home, especially a boy. But you’ve grown to love him, and he adores you. His face lights up when you play with him and bring him toys.

You’re a tough girl, and I can only think of one thing that horrifies you. Carwashes. You’ll even tear up if we get gas at a station with a carwash. I’m sure you’ll laugh about this phobia when you’re older.

It’s been amazing watching you become a part of your new world in Arizona.

 

"I'm youth, I'm joy, I'm a little bird that has broken out of the egg." James M. Barrie

Love Always,

Mommy