Maree you are such a special little girl. People are very charmed by your outgoing personality and you definitely inherited your papa's "never met a stranger" attitude. When we walk into church, a restaurant, anywhere...you could be a one woman welcoming committee… you say "Hi Guys" and wave to every person you see. While this is great, it also is a big challenge if we go to a large public setting… because you love to go run and meet new "Friends"…. and I have a heart attack when I lose sight of you for even a second because you aren't afraid of anyone!
We are also in the full-blown bandaid stage. You are an extremely tough little girl (probably from all of the ear infections), but the littlest of cuts can cause major tears. One day you were swimming with your dad and he accidentally kicked you. When he came up from the water, you didn't even seem phased, so he assumed he kicked a pool toy instead. An hour later, you had a big bruise, but again, you never cried. That same day, discovered you had a scrape on your foot that had been there for a few days and went into hysterics about needing a bandaid. I think you have quite a dramatic flair… and a love for bandaids.
You also have super intense emotions…. good and bad. When you are excited, it is super contagious and everyone wants to be around you. On the other hand, when you get frustrated… your whole little body gets mad. On your birthday, you got two toys (a barbie camper and a bicycle) and both of these toys caused unbelievable meltdowns. You immediately wanted to ride your bike with out any help and almost fell and hurt yourself 5x because you wouldn't let anyone help. You want to do everything yourself, and if you can't figure it out immediately, you get so frustrated and often forget to ask for help. I love that you are so passionate about everything, hopefully this strong willed personality will end up serving you well later in life.
You also have mixed feelings about Ellie. Sometimes you really want her to play with you and often want her to come chase you. Sharing is going about as well as can be expected for your age… you understand "Taking turns" better then when we used to tell you to share. Now, when you do share a toy with her… you call our attention to it and are so proud of yourself. Here recently, Ellie was sick, and had terrible diaper rash. Every diaper change was a struggle… yet you would come running and get me a diaper and the cream to help me.. and then you'd lay by Ellie and try to distract her my blowing raspberries on her belly or by telling her "It's-K Ellie" - SO sweet.
We have airplanes that fly over the house quite often.. and you frequently tell me you want to go on an airplane to see someone - Anna/Cay-ee, Madeline, Nana, Papa etc. Sometimes you get really excited when you see one because you think that someone is going to come and visit you.
Swimming. Oh boy do you love to swim. Daddy can't walk in the door without you screaming "Daddy! Let's go swimming!" Thank goodness we have a pool.. or this would be quite the chore to accommodate. And thank goodness for daddy, who never, ever, gets tired of taking you. Speaking of daddy, he's been a great teacher this summer. At 2.5 years old you were able to swim the length of the pool and back without water wings…and even swim on your back. You do flips off the edge of the pool (more like summersaults) and you will dive down to the bottom of the pool to get diving rings/toys… and you are so proud when you come up and give them to Ellie letting her know she dropped them. Since May, you have probably been swimming at least 5 out of 7 days a week. In fact, we are looking into heating the pool just because of how much you love it. Luckily, we have been way more on top of your ear tubes this time around too… and we always put ear infection drops in after you swim - it's kept them away all summer!
You love movies/tv. While you are a very busy and active little girl, you can also totally switch it all off if there is something on that you want to see. This year you went to your first theater movies - Frozen and How to Train your Dragon 2.
I think you're going to be a natural born leader. Your whole life you have liked to be "in charge" - maybe this is why you have such meltdowns when things don't go your way?! Both of your preschool teachers also tell me that you are quite the leader too… that kids often follow you every where. When I drop you off at school, several kids will coming running from the playground yelling "Maree's here!" It is very fun for me to watch… you, on the other hand, just immediately say "Come on guys!" and run off leaving the trail of kids to follow after you… and once they catch you, you say it again and run somewhere else and they follow you again. You love it.
We are in the stage of teaching Ellie more words/colors/body parts…. every time we ask Ellie a question you love to jump in and answer it and you want great praise for knowing the answer. Speaking of wanting great praise, this has also led you to be quite physically advanced for your age. You are such a daredevil and give almost anything a try if daddy will be there to cheer you on.
Some of my favorite things you say:
- Thank you SOOO much
- OmyGoodness - you say this when you are upset about something like a bug bite "OmyGoodness itchy!!" or when you are in awe of something "OmyGoodness a butter-fy"
- Hold you (when wanting to be held)
- Eddie (This is how you and Ellie both say her name now)
- School Bus (this is letting me know you want to go to school)
Miss Maree, I think back to 3 years ago and I was so nervous and excited to become your mom. I never knew the kind of love that exists for a child until I held you for the first time. You brighten my day every time you wake up and come find me with your blankie on top of your head and when you see me, you get the biggest smile. Melts my heart every time. I've loved watching you grow and develop into the strong willed, charming girl that you are today and love that I get to stay home to see each and every change you have. I love you my sweet girl.
Love,
Mommy
