Dear Mackenzie: Put on your shoes {31 months}
Dear Mackenzie,
We started out this month with super hot weather, and actually asked me to set up your pool for you one day. I had to oblige because it really was hot. You splashed and played in that chilly water for hours, until the water was no longer nice and clean but littered with sand and dog fur (which really doesn’t take long to occur.) I’m a bit surprised Ayla didn’t try to climb in there with you.
You and Ayla have been playing together nicely lately. You used her as a slide the other day, which she totally didn’t mind. But you are not a huge fan of getting “kisses” from Ayla, who has a tendency to overwater while showing signs of affection. You start screeching when Ayla sticks her nose in your toy box or starts licking you and I’ve got to intervene.
You have a really vivid imagination. The last few mornings when we’ve gotten you out of bed, you’ve been painting or drawing on the walls with your (thankfully) imaginary pens and crayons. You “grab” stuff from pictures and TV to take along with you or eat — or to share with us. You’ve even spent a few hours carrying around and eating imaginary plate of ice cream. But settling for taking the imaginary version of things versus the real deal does come in very handy when you want to take a horse along with us or monkeys out of a book.
You have really bonded with Hasi lately. He gets to go almost everywhere with you some days…although it’s generally not required that we take him inside stores or things like that. He is content to wait in the car. And you have no less than 5 standard animals that must always sleep with you in your bed: Hamburg sheep, white rabbit, Froggy, Ruf Ruf and, of course, Hasi.
Speaking of your bed, we’re pretty sure we’ll be transitioning your crib to a bed soon so you that you can get in and out of bed on your own. It will be interesting to see what happens the first few nights and if you get out of bed a few times to play with things in the dark. But I think you’ll probably do pretty well. We’ve just finally got to mount your little shelf and take a few things out of the room that are not really suitable to have in your room if you’re alone.
Your feet are growing again and all of the sudden, we had no shoes for you anymore — especially sandals. So we went to the Sketchers outlet store and you picked out the coolest shoes for yourself. Every little kid needs sneakers that flash when you walk!
You have started to master taking off your shoes and can even put on your newest flip flops on all by yourself. Growing up to be such a big girl!
Since mommy finally painted her fingernails again, you really wanted to paint your toenails, too. First you used a marker on them…but I followed up with some real fingernail polish. There’s a lot of little girl under your tomboy exterior!
You are still not convinced about potty training. We’ve tried a few days but nothing constant. And you really don’t seem to be grasping what you’re supposed to do on the toilet besides wiping a lot. And you just don’t seem to recognize that “gotta go” feeling yet. But I know it will come together eventually.
It’s still looking like you’ll be a lefty. You do use your right hand from time to time still, but you seem to use the left more often. Maybe you’ll just be totally ambidextrous…
You got to go to your first party until 1:30 am…and you held up better than your own parents. You danced the night away and I’m pretty surprised you didn’t crash out on a bench somewhere long before we decided to leave. But you weren’t about to miss one second of the festivities. You also got your very first camera from your second cousins. A very cool Fisher Price film camera. I foresee you getting a digital camera sometime fairly soon. We’ll go broke on the film processing unfortunately. But you really love trying it out and I would be fascinating to see what you capture.
You can do a flip pretty dang well on a bed or the sofa. You are also a jumping fanatic. Not sure if you’ve heard them, but there are rumors flying around the house about a trampoline in your future…and I know where you’d then want to spend the WHOLE DAY!
We have had lots and lots of rain to play in lately, which you have loved. We’ve gone full galoshes gear to just playing barefoot in the courtyard in the rain. And of course, you should never forget your umbrella if it looks like rain.
Something tells me you really, really like playing in the rain…and splashing in puddles.
And since it’s pretty warm outside these days, I’m totally inclined to let out play until you’re drenched. I know one day you won’t feel like doing it anymore…but maybe I’ll join you one of these days just to remember what it’s like to be a kid again.
You are funny, amusing and just delightful to be around. You’ve gotten more free about sharing your hugs and kisses…and just love being silly with us. You have brightened our lives in so many ways. Can’t wait to see what the future brings!
My love,
Mommy
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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 
SHE’S GOTTEN SO BIG SINCE THE LAST ONE!!! I wanna meet my Niece in the worst way.. however, I love that you post these letters…
The ones of her coloring and her hanging out the door with her umbrella made me smile SO big! She’s amazing Tiffon!
Keep up the good work 
Love to all of you!
Thank you so much for the “Birthday-letter” and the photos !
I NEEDED IT ! Made me feel a lot better !
Oh Winkie! What a lovely child Mackie is…growing up way to quickly. I am finally able to get online after the accident for a short time and when I saw this I just cried. We are all so blessed by her…and by her parents!
Love always…