A love letter to my 2.75-year-old

Warning: This one is a little extra sentimental. It must be that time of the month…

To kick off my renewed interest in Valentine’s Day, this is for the little girl who will be my Valentine this year and for many years to come…

Dear little one:

It takes you a ridiculous amount of time to eat a bowl of Cheerios (seriously, it would take you three hours if I didn’t sit there with you), but I love you anyway. I love you anyway because you’re always so happy to sit down and share a breakfast with me.

Sleeping with you often means not sleeping and getting kicked and strangled and almost falling of the eight inches of bed you leave me with, but I love you anyway. I love you anyway because waking up to your hugs is a pretty great way to start the day.

You literally never stop moving, talking, singing, dancing and yelling even if it’s 6 a.m. and I haven’t had a single drop of coffee, but I love you anyway. I love you anyway because you are the only person who can make me laugh out loud every single day.

You often ask me the same questions 37 times in a row, especially when I’m putting you to bed, making dinner or driving through a snowstorm, but I love you anyway. I love you anyway because you’re so keen to learn and understand new (and often strange and random) things.

Getting you dressed to go outside it often more frustrating than trying to peel an orange while wearing mittens and standing on a bed of ice, but I love you anyway. I love you anyway because you love being outside and are always up for any adventure.

Every week you add 106 more things to my to-do list, but I love you anyway. I love you anyway because some of those things involve trains, puzzles, building a snowman and reading stories.

You don’t hesitate to tell me how much you dislike the amazing meal I prepared for you (a meal that you liked yesterday), but I love you anyway. I love anyway because sometimes you surprise me by trying and loving that curry dish I was sure you would hate.

Your answer to almost every question except, “Do you want candy?” is no, but I love you anyway. I love you anyway because you’re fiercely smart, independent and a candy-lover just like me.

You have quoted Dora the Explorer about 6,000 times today, but I love you anyway. I love you anyway because you have an amazing imagination.

You might have a an epic tantrum if move your favourite creepy doll or don’t give you milk in the pink cup, but I love you anyway. I love you anyway because you’re most often a sweet and caring little girl.

In a few years the things you do and don’t do will have far greater consequences.

Not matter what you do, I’ll love you anyway. I’ll love you anyway because at the end of the day, you’re pretty darn awesome.

Love, Mom