Dear Sweet Boy,
Another year has slipped by but definitely not unnoticed. Three is a year of magical changes, especially in language and identity; going from single words to entire phrases and sentences and instead of referring to yourself in the 3rd person to an awareness that you are Cyrus! (And always said with a vocal exclamation because you know now that you are special)
You have very specific preferences now and have a firm sense of ownership, particularly of things you do not own.
And you have become so independent, insisting on “do myself” for every task from spooning coffee and sugar to cracking eggs and stirring batter to make chocolate chip cookies and your favorite morning Mickey pancakes. Many of our activities together center around cooking and you have become a proficient, thoroughly messy soux chef with no dress code; your favorite dish to make recently is, what I lovingly refer to as “No Pants Basagna,” tasting everything as you efficiently stir ricotta, rip fresh basil and generously spread shredded mozzarella standing on your stepstool in the kitchen, wearing only a shirt with a hint of perfect little bottom peeking out every time you reach for “more spices”.
The stroller has become an accessory this year as you walk everywhere, touching everything oftentimes capriciously changing direction when a squirrel or a bug or some dirt catches your eye. Our morning walks to the playground abruptly ending when you decide it’s “time a donut” insisting we head to the HMart bakery for your favorite sugar dusted, red bean filled donut. Or, our walks around the block to visit the Citibikes, straddling the pedals backwards to ride, then continuing on looking for cats; always looking for cats. Then occasionally stopping to trauma dump on friendly neighbors about “mom needs chapstick for dry skin” or “the loud radio noise that was so scary”
Some milestones this year include making peepee on the potty and sitting for a haircut with Izzy without screaming and crying.
I love our trips to the Queens Zoo to see the “aminals” and your joyous giggles when you feed the goats, sheep and llamas; their tongues tickling your little fingers.
You are so affectionate now seeking out hugs, boo-boo kisses and blanket snuggles on the couch and when reading about Llama drama before bedtime.
And, of course, your sweet, precocious attempts at making conversation.
Some of my favorite Cyrus conversational ice breakers this year include:
Do you know the legend of Zelda? (future pick up line no doubt)
How was your nap Papa Rich?
Do it by myself
JiJi, do you want coffee?
Let me go grab my flashlight
Let me get my step stool
I’m working
And the ubiquitous Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? (Ok, not a favorite)
Today wearing a neck pillow and wheeling a suitcase around the apartment you said, “bye bye, I’m going on an airplane”
Oh yes, safe travels little guy, Oh the Places You Will Go. I’m so grateful to be along for the ride.
Love, JiJi
unbecomingjane 