Ella Rae: 3-month newsletter

Dear Ella,

Aunt Ma and I both agree that you're the sweetest baby so far. You don't cry much, you love to grin, and you don't mind laying on your back looking at your toys. You're very low-maintenance.

You're such a good sleeper, too. You go to sleep at around 7:00, and I have to force you to wake up the next morning at 6:15. What freedom!

You can hold your head up really well, so tummy-time is one of your favorite things.

You want to laugh so bad, but you still haven't got it quite figured out. You've just started cooing also. If Riley is in the room, you are watching her. You're a lucky girl to have a big sister like Riley.

We love you so much, sweet girl.

Love, Mama

Riley Claire - 4 year newsletter

Dear Riley,

You are my big girl.

You are four and you know it! You absolutely think you will be a teen-ager any day now. To you, four is a big milestone.

To be honest, it's a big one for me too. I am so proud of the little girl you have become. You're my best friend and just like me. Your feelings get hurt very easily, you always know where you are going, you like to be in charge and be the boss, and you are so smart.

This year we decided to put you in pre-K at Bullard where I teach. You were 3 for a couple weeks, so that makes you the youngest student in class. Your teacher bragged on you, telling me she couldn't believe you weren't quite 4. She said she had several 4 years olds whom she thought were younger than you. This made us very proud.

It's amazing how much you've already learned at school. You sing songs, sound words out, and tell all kinds of stories about your day at school. Your teacher has learned that you aren't much of a nap-taker.

You really love your little sister. You love to baby-talk with her and make her laugh. Other than that you don't have much to do with her. Of course, she can't color or play with Barbies and babies, and that's all you seem to want to do these days.

We love you so much. It's an honor to be your Mother. Love you more than you know.

Love, Mama