Three and a Half

You are a firecracker. Bright and beautiful, with a hot temper and no time to waste. Your auntie Keri calls you feisty (with all the love in her heart) and she's right about that. I guess you've always been that way, but as you become a little more comfortable in this big world, your pizazz and zest for life can become a little too much for your 3 1/2 year old body. You love to run with your head down and arms back, causing you to crash into corners and according to Jessica, your little playmates too at times. When you get mad, you sometimes pull my hair or kick me right in the stomach. You have strong legs my girl, and we are trying to work with you on coping with frustration a little bit differently. I have to laugh sometimes when after being scolded, you will softly whisper "I love you mommy." I can see you are mastering your manipulation skills. It may be cute now, but ask me how cute I think it is in 10 years. Lucky for me, the "I love you's" flow freely from your lips and while there was a time when your cuddles were a precious commodity, you have grown into quite an affectionate little lady. This is a trait you inherited from Daddy, and I'm so glad. I don't ever get tired of your hugs and kisses and pets.

You recently had a check-up with your new doctor. She's a nurse practitioner, actually and you really seem to like her and the doctors office. You stroll through the office like you own the place and hop right on the scale and let them poke and prod without complaint. This is a new development, since you used to be so shy around Dr. Wang. I'm hoping this new found courage doesn't fade when you get your next shot. Fingers crossed. I'm always excited when they take your measurements, to see how much you are growing. You weighed 37 pounds (85%) and are 3' 3.5'' (77%).  The doc is happy to see your growth is still proportional and says I should expect you to lean out in the next year. She says 3 and 4 year olds usually become picky eaters and their weight takes a dip. I'll be curious to see if this happens. You are such a good eater, I'm hoping that doesn't change too much.

You are tall and strong and still incredibly clumsy, but brave. You will cry over a three day old scab to garner attention but tripping and falling often doesn't faze you and you'll declare "I'm okay Mommy" as you dust yourself off. Did I mention we're trying to get you to slow down? You love to climb and stand on the tallest surface you can get to. You love ladders and rock walls at the park. Sometimes you ask for help but most times you just want to do it yourself. A lot of things you want to do yourself, but then there are times you still want help from Mommy and Daddy...you want to be SO big and then sometimes you want to be a baby and taken care of...maybe this is how we all feel at times.

Your hair is so long. It's never been cut and I think it might be time to take the plunge. Sometimes you want it cut and other times you want it long like Rapunzel and Mama. I'd love to cut it short because part of me thinks it will make you look a little younger and I can keep you my baby just a little bit longer. Although, I already see the changes in your face and how it's thinning out, and your cheeks are not as full as they used to be. I don't think I can even call you a toddler anymore. Time is flying by. I love your laugh. I love that when you are trying to act serious or annoyed you tilt your head down and furrow your brow. I love how your hands fall together across your belly and you hold them tight as you listen or observe.

Some things are still the same though. Pink is still your favorite color and you are a die-hard princess fanatic. Ariel is your favorite Disney princess and you love to pretend to be her during bath time or in the pool. Your favorite books are the Disney Princess Golden Books, Pinkalicious and Fancy Nancy. Your favorite tv shows are My Little Pony and Bo on the Go. And your favorite pop star is Katy Perry. You know some of her songs by heart from just hearing them on the radio.  Some of your favorite activities are dress-up, setting up make-believe picnics and parties (there is always CAKE!), painting, caring for your babies, and going for a ride in your Cozy Coupe.You love to dance and "Shake your BOOOO-TY!" You are becoming more confident on your balance bike and have started picking your feet up as your cruise. It is fun to watch you figure out how to balance on it.

 

This picture above sums up so much about you. The messy hair, the pink hat Mama makes you wear, the tiny little dimples in your hands, that aren't quite gone yet, the way your fingers are tangled in what once was Horsey's fin. That smile, those lips and those two front teeth. The scratches on your arm...a result of your ultra sensitive fair skin...both beautiful and temperamental....just like you.

Love love love,
Mama