Dear Mackenzie: You’re exhausting
Dear Mackenzie,
A month ago we were celebrating your first real Easter where you could really participate and know what is going on. There was no egg searching part of the mission, but you did have to go searching for your Easter baskets. Next year, I promise we’ll amplify the fun and do an egg search — although I guess with all the egg redecorating you did on the bushes, you might have been bored by the egg searching anyway.
You must have gotten about 10 pounds of chocolate from your daddy’s family — and you have been gracious enough to share it with us. But we still have so much chocolate sitting around that it’s become one of your favorite new toys. And I think I’m going to have to start melting it down for chocolate mousse and chopping it to make chocolate chunk cookies. What a tragic fate that will be!
The months are just flying by lately. And I know I’m going to turn around twice and it will be November and you’ll be heading off to pre-school for half-days. Part of me is totally excited for both you and me — knowing that you are going to enjoy making all sorts of new friends and I will enjoy a few more hours of solid work time. I might even get to enjoy more quiet time after you come back as you adjust to the new changes and start taking a nap again — but I’m not exactly counting on it. At least you still go upstairs for an hour or so even when you don’t nap and relax for a little while. You probably don’t realize it, but it’s not only crucial is maintaining your usually chipper mood — but also my sanity!
You are become a bit bossy and have no problems expressing your opinions to us. Sometimes when you’re in your room, waking up or supposed to be sleeping, you yell at the neighbors dogs which love to yap at anything they see, hear or at each other. I cannot help but smile every time you yell out, “Puppy – that’s enough!”
You have also reached the point that you must be able to pick out your own clothing and shoes. I don’t know how many 2 1/2 year olds feel the need to dress themselves, but I do have to admit I’m just a bit concerned. I’m sure your Grand Dale will confirm that I was pretty picky about clothing early on — but to the point of screaming my head off until the offending clothing is changed, I just don’t know? On the other hand, I have heard stories about a pair of cowboy boots which I slept in for weeks on end, and the fact that I only wanted to wear flannel shirts and blue jeans for a while — so I guess you and I really aren’t all that different.
But I would like to make a plea that you wear suitable clothing for the seasons. For example, because there is no air conditioning in most places in Germany, wearing a long-sleeved thermal shirt, jeans, socks and winter boots is simply not a good idea. Not only is it a fashion issue, but it’s simply bad for your health when you start overheating.
You love to practice your dance moves to the Backyardigans and watch yourself reflected in the glass doors in a piece of furniture in the living room to see how you are doing. One of your all time favorite songs from the shows right now is in the third season from the show called, Le Master of Disguise. “I’m a Cowboy” not only makes you get up and dance, but you also run around looking for your rope so you can practice your lasso skills too.
(In case you’re not familiar with the Backyardigans, here’s the song from YouTube:)
Some day I hope to actually catch you doing this in person — but since you want to see what is on the video camera as soon as it appears in the room, we’ve had some trouble getting this recorded. Oh so cute! And you are clearly the only expert at this dance routine already — because when I tried to dance with you the other day, you totally pushed me out of the way and commanded, “Sit!”
You also must have a rope in hand during this song to practice your lasso skills and will run all over the house looking for it.
Speaking of looking for things — one of the most adorable things you do right now is help us find things. For example, if we are looking for your “Hase” so you can go to bed, and ask if you know where he is, you respond with, “Umm, could be ____ (fill in the blank with a room in the house or outside somewhere).”
We have discovered one of the most fabulous tricks to keep you amused during car rides which are sticker books. The last time we made the 4+ hour trip to see your grandparents, it was a complete life saver. I’m not sure your rabbit found it so amusing to be covered from head to toe in stickers, and they were definitely not all that reusable after being stuck to him…but it kept you quiet and entertained which was the most important part of the adventure.
We took another trip to the Frankfurt Zoo last week and you got to see your friend Liam again who is just the cutest. The two of you had so much fun running all over the zoo together and finding trouble. And it is so hilarious to see the signs which state Keep Out in areas where you know kids can’t resist. Like this life-size Triceratops. I mean really; what kid is not going to go over to this guy and check him out more closely??
You still find utter entertainment and amusement in the silliest of things. Like the spines for the presentation bindings that we’ve been using to further our new company. I couldn’t resist indulging your desire to look more like Edward Scissorhands in a much more safe fashion. It’s quite the fashion statement I have to admit. And made me think of your music class and Struwelpeter who refused to have his fingernails cut for a year!
One of your new favorite games is to run away from us as fast as you can while we’re off walking Ayla or out and about (like at the zoo.) I can’t say that I always find it amusing since I fear for your safety — but you’re getting better about noticing the fear in my voice when you get too close to a street or wander off somewhere dangerous. Unless you’re really tired and then all bets are off. Then the risk-taker in you takes over and you have no sense of rational thought.
Every day with you become a bit more fun and entertaining, even if the last few hours while you’re awake absolutely wear me out. You’re forming real sentences and thoughts now which makes it really fun to talk with you and explore things. And you are showing far more interest in sports than your father and I ever have.
Oh, and while we’re on the subject of accomplishments, your Oma and Opa bought a toilet seat insert that allows you to sit on the big people’s potty — and you seem to find it quite cool. But you have yet to understand what you’re really supposed to do there. So you’ll get up on there and sit for a bit, then want to wipe yourself about 1 million times. But at least you’re not running away from the toilet in protest anymore — so it’s definitely progress!
My deepest love,
Mommy
Tiffany is an American who has been living in Germany with her husband since 2001. The two are self-proclaimed "Self-Reliant Yuppies" who are in their early-30's and bought an 1830's farmhouse several years ago, which they have been turning into a more sustainable and green dream house. Two cats, a Newfie and their 2 year old daughter enjoy the adventure with them. Tiffany enjoys cooking, rock climbing, lux-camping trying to turn her black thumbs green and taking road trips. Visit the 
Tiffany the pictures are so beautiful thanks cfor Sharing, Love Carol and Myron
Tiffany the pictures are so beautiful thanks for Sharing, Love Carol and Myron
She’s getting so big!!! SOOO adorable!!
Oh my gosh Winkie…she is sooooo much like you were at this age! You were impossible to dress or to purchase clothes for…you would not wear them unless YOU picked them yourself often wearing different color socks and/or shoes.
The Searay was YOUR boat and you were quite vocal as to would be able to board! You ruled the roost so Mackie being a little “boss” comes quite naturally.
God sent a precious little clone of you to grace our lives. I love you all…Mom