Elle Belle’s Annual New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s Eve continues to get more glamorous and more meaningful for this little lady. From celebratory, family NYE brunches to kiddie ball drops with lots of confetti, there is always lots of fun. And as we enter a new year (after 365 days I got to update the year on my calendar!) and I get ready to turn 4, I ponder all the amazing things I have learned and mastered and pause at how much bigger and stronger I am now. I promise to push the limits, live life to the fullest, and as always, make my New Year’s resolutions even weightier than ever.

Elle Belle is an adorable toddler who lives in the Upper East Side of Manhattan with her magnificent mommy, dapper dad., and new baby sister. She can be reached at ellebellenyc@gmail.com.

Be the Boss
I am told I am a leader and not a follower and that is a great thing. I have strong communication skills, agility in tough situations and I’m always resourceful. But at home, I am gently reminded that Mommy and Daddy are the bosses, and that puppy, little sister, and I are the listeners. Mommy and Daddy tell me what to do at home, my teacher is the chief at school, my coach is the boss at sports class, and it goes on and on. Don’t they realize I am an excellent leader and I would make a great boss? If only I could be the boss for just one day, they would agree. Case in point: I taught my little sister how to walk, talk, giggle, play dress up, wear heels and purses, eat mac and cheese, and other essential life skills. This year will be my year. I am going to be the boss!
Never Eat Vegetables
I’m really not really into vegetables. You can tell me they taste like marshmallows but I know the truth. You can try to disguise them as French fries or purees in my sauce but wherever they go, I will uncover them. And you can give me stars on my reward chart for trying new vegetables and I may take a bite but I will spit it right out. I took the requisite bite. That counts, right? I don’t care how colorful and healthy they are, I do not want them in any way, shape or form. More cheese and fruit please.
Be a Good Listener
What did you say? Uh oh. I wasn’t listening but I have an answer anyway. I am a charmer, what can I say? I haven’t gone to charm school but I pay attention to the little things. Like I always say “please” and “thank you.” I wave “hello” and “goodbye” to my fans and neighbors and I taught my little sister the proper way to do so. When I see a princess, I always curtsy. When we have visitors, I am sure to put on a beautiful ballet performance. If we are in the car, I enchant everyone with my spectacular singing. So hopefully Mommy and Daddy overlook it if I forget to listen, is I break a rule, or if I borrow Mommy’s stilettos and bag for the day. I will tune up my listening ears and be a better listener tomorrow. Really.
Secure More Screen Time
Do we really need to limit my screen time when I am only watching a rotation of “Daniel Tiger,” sight words and math facts videos? All my friends agree that I should be able to watch “Frozen” from start to finish at least one time. And Daddy totally thinks I should watch more sports. I even started loving football. That was a game changer…Daddy is going to help me make this happen.
Never Give Up
I am almost 4 and am old enough to choose who I see, what I eat, when I drive the golf cart, and where (and if) I sleep—the whole nine yards. Mommy and Daddy don’t agree but I won’t take no for an answer. They say I am going to be a litigator—whatever that means. I can wear sandals in winter because I am my own person. It makes me special. I will eat marshmallows with turkey for breakfast and pancakes for dinner, read 20 books before bed, and sleep in bed with my puppy. It builds my character and independence to make my own decisions and stick by them. Rules are made to be broken. After four years on the planet, I can totally set my own play dates, meal menus, music selections, and bedtime stories. I am truly a girl who knows what she wants. And that’s a good thing.

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