We all know that becoming older and stronger comes with the perks of becoming more independent. We see it in Aydin's day-to-day interactions with us and others: letting us know what he dislikes, what he really loves, asking us if we are happy or sad, willing to share his fun food or toys with us, expressing his emotions or saying he is "fruste-rated". But moreover, we are surprised with his ability to make steps in new directions, mostly initiated by his experiences at school. We [mommy and daddy] love the initiatives he takes and seeing him become more independent.

But sometimes, you realize a whole new chapter of independence has begun. On the one hand we are happy you are growing so fast, but on the other hand it feels we are slowly becoming less important in your life. Less important in the sense where you won't need our direct help anymore - you can now do this actually by yourself.

Today is the day where we moved your room downstairs... Now you are not just a cry, a cough or short sprint away from mommy's and daddy's bed. You have your own private room, one floor down. We felt you were ready for it. You indicated you were ready for it after sleeping downstairs for a few nights. You loved the new room with your big-boy-bed, your books, your toys and all the new little lights to be turned on-and-off. And our nightly routine of reading books, talking about your day (you are always making up things!) went very well in your new room. You must be ready for it. On top of that, your expressive vocal sharing of your dreams in the middle of the night made the move to your own room a whole lot better for mommy and daddy!

Perhaps selfishly, we hope you always need our help, comfort, hugs and a kisses. Daddy loves how you kiss him on the nose to wake him up in the morning. He loves how you need a warm hug and sleep on his chest in the morning to be comforted from a bad dream, or just to wake up slowly from a nice dream. Mommy loves playing tent-under-the-covers with you while the tickle monster is trying to get you. Inevitably , we will miss of some of these morning routines, while you are happily playing by yourself in your room. It is all part of your becoming more independent.

But please Aydin, please don't forget to come upstairs to surprise us, wake us up, jump on our bed and kiss us out of our sleep. Mommy and daddy are, perhaps, not ready for your independence yet, as it all goes so fast...