You Only Smack The Ones You Love

Dear Tante and Oma,

Yesterday and today Mama hustled and bustled all about town getting pretty for her job.

Sometimes Sabrina tells Mama she’s pretty. Mama says that’s a nice thing to say. Sometimes Sabrina tells me I’m pretty, but sometimes she tells me I am not pretty. Mama says that is not a nice thing to say.

Mama asked Sabrina how she feels when people say that Linnea looks just like Sabrina. Sabrina said, “I don’t like it.” Mama asked why not. Sabrina said, “I don’t like to hear that she is pretty like I am.”

Mama said she could understand that, but I don’t. Why can’t we be four pretty girls? Mama, Sabrina, Linnea, and Daddy!

Anyway, Mama got her hair cut, her eyebrows waxed, and her toenails painted purple. I’m not sure why she needs purple toes for work. Daddy doesn’t know either.

Sister and I are both a little obsessed with Mama’s toes. I can’t get over the purple. I grab Mama’s toes every chance I get.

Sister loves the smell of the just-done toes. She keeps getting down on her hands and knees and smelling Mama’s toes. That little girl is weird.

Yesternight, Mama went in to give Big Sister some good night snuggles. Mama held Sister tight and said, “Give me the tightest hug you have.” Then Mama pointed to her check and said, “Give me a big smacker. Right there.”

So Sister hauled off and slapped Mama!

Mama said she must have neglected to explain that “smacker” means “kiss.”

I tried to give Mama a kiss while we were in California. I opened my mouth wide and pressed it against her cheek. Then I bit her! Mama says no more kisses from Nea Noodle.

I might give a little kiss to Sabrina if she tries any of that “smacker” stuff with me.

Love,
Nea Noodley-Noodle