Dear Mrs. K:

        Early next week, I will deliver my youngest child to your classroom for her first day of school.

        Now, I know you've been welcoming preschoolers to the wonderful world of learning for a long time now and you probably don't need a primer on my particular version of the species.

        But, she's my third and final baby. And she's taking her first official steps into big-kid-hood. And I'd just feel a little better driving away that first day having told you a bit about my Beatrice.

        You should know, of course, that she is 3. She will want to tell you that, even though you know it, even though every kid in the class is 3. She has been practicing all summer, holding up her fingers and promising, “I'm going to tell Mrs. K that I'm this many.”

        You should know that she is loud. Perhaps it's because she's 3. Perhaps it's because she's the third. If you remind her, in a whisper, to talk softly, she will respond in a much-louder whisper, “OK.” We're working on that “indoor voice” thing.

        You should also know that she likes to scream. Most of her screams are happy screams. You'll know pretty quickly if it's an unhappy scream. We're working on that, too.

        You should know that she likes to talk. I am her favorite audience. Her father will do, too. If neither of us is available, she will talk to her babies, her sister and her brother, usually in that order. You may soon be moving to the top of the list.

        I think you'll understand most of what she says. Don't be thrown off by frequent references to granola bars (pronounced “ga-no-na-bahs”) and the occasional “ba ba do, ba ba do.” Those are Bea's own special conversational fillers.

        And don't be thrown by regular requests to paint her nails. She asks for that service three or four times a day, requesting her manicure “after morning time” or “when it's night.” I've come to the conclusion that that's her way of making sure I'll still be around when she's actually ready for her “farkly red” polish.

        Also, don't be alarmed if Beatrice shows up in sequins and lace every so often. She inherited some dancing outfits from a cousin and now has the wardrobe for her favorite “I'm a princess” song-and-dance routine.

        If she tells you she's got a new pony, she's talking about hair accessories, not pets.

        If she offers to “cut” your hair, clear a half hour for her to swirl a brush around your head.

        If she cries and asks for her beloved Spotty Guy, tell her he's waiting at home for her. (Frankly, she may have more separation anxiety over him than over me.)

        On the potty front, you should know she's mastered the task but still expects lots of praise. We'll remind her that Mrs. K. doesn't have time to come into the bathroom and sing out “Hip, hip, hooray for Bea Bea” after each performance.

        On the sharing front, we're counting on peer pressure to teach her that, no, she isn't all always the princess.

        If she's in the classroom kitchen, get ready to drink lots of pretend coffee.

        If she's coloring, give her permission to use more than one crayon.

        If she's playing with dollies, check her book bag to make sure she doesn't try to add one more to her personal collection.

        If she hides — and she will — the correct answer to “Where's Bea Bea?” is always “Probably in the bathroom.”

        If she tells you her favorite joke — “Knock, knock.” “Who's there?” “Mommy.” “Mommy who?” “Mommy I love you a lot, a lot, a lot” — but makes you the punch line, don't tell me about it.

        Having two sibling graduates of your class, Mrs. K., Beatrice will arrive knowing where to hang her coat and find the bathroom and locate her favorite toys.

        She'll probably wave goodbye without a backward glance.

        But I may want to linger a bit longer by the doorway, chatting with the other parents, as I deliver my newly 3, final child into your care.

        I just thought you should know that.

        Contact Patricia Gallagher Newberry by e-mail: newgal@one.net.

Kids pick school clothes
The Insatiable Shopper
KIESEWETTER: Larry Smith, puppets return to TV
Get to it
Vision turns foggy but vacations stay fresh
Preschool jitters harder for mom
What's going on around the house