Scarlett Grecia Mercurio-Corao: 2016

So back in October of 2015, our lives changed when a small bookstore on the corner of 24th and Castro, Charlie's Corner, opened up. This magical little place has story time FOUR times a day and on top of that, hosts all sorts of events that bring literature to life. We were lucky enough to attend their very first event "The Teddy Bear Picnic" and we loved it. You brought Viva and Panda and we sang, read, danced and ate. So perfect. Other events we have been to include: Polar Express, Gingerbread Man, Cinco de Mayo, Dr. Seuss' birthday, Mad Hatter tea party, author talks, musical story times, open mic, bugs day, and so much more. We know all the folks in there and they love you, particularly because of your own love for literature, particularly Caldecott award winning books. Charlotte (the owner) hosted an event to guess what would win on one weekend, and then one to announce the winner on the next. You were the only attendee and it was just so special. She brought food and even *gave* you the hard covered book you look the most.

We have been reading like crazy. I have been reading straight from the Caldecott honor and winner book lists and we go crazy. It's my absolute favorite thing to do with you. We just finished our first chapter book Charlie and the Chocolate Facotory (you are three, btw). You loved it! We celebrated by watching the film after. You see, I just had surgery and so we have been doing even more reading than usual since I can't leave my bed. You have been so loyal, staying in the house with me and just chilling.

Some things about you:

You love Disney movies, characters and music, particularly anything involving princesses
You have become notorious for your ability to accessorize. You wear a minimum of TEN necklaces at a time alongside bracelets, rings, glasses, purses and more.
You love balloons and will even sleep with them in your bed
You are extremely affectionate and will cuddle forever. Your kisses and hugs are amazing
You are already reading short words

I LOVE YOU!

Hi Scarlett,
You are changing so quickly and I cannot tell you how amazed I am by your gentle, caring, and helpful spirit. You are truly an angel and you bring me joy every day. We went on a road trip and hung out at New York, New York and you were just dying to go on that roller coaster. I love how adventurous you are! After Vegas we headed to MimiDoodle's for some extended family time. It was so wonderful watching you, Bonnie and Clara get to know each other: you took naked jacuzzis, ran through the sprinklers, played in the playhouse, dressed up like queens, and they helped you through potty training.

Auntie said it was time. I was scared. You were 2 years 8 months old and we had been dabbling in getting you trained but hadn't done anything official. Under Auntie's orders, there were no more diapers since you are a big girl now. Each time you went pee pee (pee pee weepy) you earned a chocolate chip, and poo poo (puppy wuppy) earned two. If you were successful Bonnie and Clara were also rewarded. You initially ran upstairs grabbed the potty and went. We had a few accidents, but I am so proud of how quickly you picked it up. We bought you Frozen underwear and it was so much fun to have the whole family ringing bells and cheering every time you were successful. I actually had fun with it!

A couple weeks later it was time for you to start preschool at Mission Kids Co-op. We tried so hard to get in there and I felt thrilled that you were accepted. It's a play based preschool that is located in the same building as a homeless shelter. They opened the first LGBT shelter in the country there. The outside has gorgeous murals and inside is like kid heaven. There are animals a play area, a garden and more. I also loved it because they take you on tons of outings into the community and often on public transit. I truly dreaded this day though. I got permission to go in late to work so I could be there for the drop off. I think I dreaded it so much because I felt like some era was ending. You were going into some other realm and other influences. To that point we had been able to be with you all day every day and that was such a gift. I just didn't want to say goodbye so I started bawling and you were hysterical. We couldn't let each other go. We are so attached Scarlett and we really hate to be apart. They told me that you had a great day: you made an alter, painted, played and more. The thing about this new era that really blew me away is that you have been napping during quiet time!! This is unheard of. We gave up on this so long ago because you had always adamantly refused to sleep in a bed during the day. Well, I'm so glad we eventually figured it out. Thank you Mission Kids. Each day you claim to not like it there, and tell us you would rather be home with us. It makes me feel so loved, but I know you like it there. You have a blast and usually don't want to leave when we pick you up. Today you went on a field trip to a Buddhist temple and learned to bow and meditate. So cool.

After just a few days of preschool we took off for our Caribbean cruise on the Noreigan Getaway. We traveled in a group of 17 and were there to celebrate Aunt Alejandra's (huevito) recovery from breast cancer. You loved getting to know your family. The cousins were so good to you. They loved you and invited you into their world. You also loved getting to know your aunts. On the cruise and lately you have been introducing yourself to the world as "Skippito Friskito", a chihuahua. He is the character of your favorite book, Cirque De Ole, which is about a siamese cat who wants to be a chihuahua and join the circus. You constantly quote it and tell whoever you meet about the plot. You are so adorable I can barely stand it. On the cruise you loved the pool, the daily ice cream, dance parties with Dora the Explorer, and the perfect beaches. We had a lovely time and you were definitely the star of the family. Everyone competed for your affection and attention.

On the cruise, we took your pack and play so you would be able to sleep. We bought you a big girl bed a long time ago, but you have refused to sleep in it. So every day we would set it up and take it down. When we returned from the cruise I just sort of decided I was done with the pack and play. You had been dying for us to buy you a Frozen dress, so I made a chart and told you that if you could sleep in the big girl's bed six times with no nonsense and stay in bed till the sun comes up I would buy you the dress. It worked like a charm. You still won't sleep under the covers, but it's fine and easy. It's just crazy how quickly you change.

One of the things I am loving the most is watching your personality develop. You are truly lovely. On the playground you emanate peace. If someone takes your toy, you find another one to play with. You don't argue with other children or take anything personally. I have so much to learn from you. You are also so wonderful at conversation. You ask people questions about themselves and truly listen. You also have this ability to take care of me and others. If I'm struggling you say, "It's okay mom. I can help you." And then you do. One time I felt sick recently and you brought me food, read to me, and took care of me. You are truly just so much better than I ever imagined.

The Frozen dress is beautiful. I had struggled with the whole thing because I am not a big fan of princesses, but you are obsessed and wear the dress so much. You really don't want to leave the house or even eat because both require taking off the dress. You wear the dress with your Elsa heels and play in your castle (the living room).

Thanks for bringing me joy each day my little love.