3.5

This weekend, our ‘baby’ hit the halfway mark between 3 and 4…

Around 40-40.5 inches tall and hovers around 35 pounds.

No more baby belly- she’s long and lean. And she’s losing a bit of those big ole cheeks too. Makes me a little sad.

Still walks and runs on her toes.

Can talk her into doing anything if she can “race” you there. We are working a lot on how to act when she doesn’t win, although her daddy and I have different philosophies on how to handle that teachable moment. :)

Always begs to sleep in Mommy’s bed. We’ve had to compromise and let her sleep there on Friday nights to avoid regular meltdowns, although we do use that treat as a reward at times. She is waking up in the middle of the night a lot lately but it’s to come tell me she has to potty. I guess I’d rather wake up in the night and go right back to bed after potty than have to change sheets- at least that’s what I’m telling myself.

Knows the words to some songs on the radio (big Taylor Swift fan) and will often ask me to find the music video that goes along with it on my phone. We can tell she’s been practicing for her Christmas program at school because she’s started belting out new songs that we haven’t sung with her before. Can’t wait! Also, she will watch an entire big kids movie. Does really well in movie theatres now.

Loves to burst into spontaneous dance parties. Will find a song on my phone and make everyone in the room get in on the action.

Basically 99% potty trained and wakes up dry from nighttime and naps. She just forgets sometimes when she’s playing or is somewhere unfamiliar where she can’t find the potty.

Still loves her ballet class at school but has begged to get back to gymnastics, so we’ve enrolled her in the last few classes of the semester at Kids Only Gym. This time, she hasn’t been shy for a moment and does all the skills that the teacher asks her to do. She LOVES it, and her coordination has improved so much even since this summer.

Excited about Christmas like she’s never experienced it before. Everything is new and sparkly- she thinks the lit snowflakes hung over our front door are so cool and gets excited every time we pull in the driveway. She immediately goes straight to the Snow Village people and rearranges them. Love seeing her new, creative scenes. :) Can’t wait to see if she’ll sit in Santa’s lap at school next week.

Suddenly obsessed with hotdogs and her long, winter nightgown that Grandma got her. She would eat a hotdog at every meal if we’d let her, and I’ve put aside my concerns about their authenticity and am just happy she’s eating. She spent two and a half days in her nightgown this weekend. I think Santa will have to bring her more for Christmas- this one will be worn out by then!

Sounding out letters and is desperate to read. She throws out ‘fancy’ words like ‘complicated’ and ‘impossible,’ as in, “That boy was impossible. I’m not kidding you.” I’m not kidding you either.

While she will test you with almost every instruction you give her or request she makes of you, she will turn around and lavish you in sweetness- “Mommy, you’re the best mommy in the world. You’re the best daddy ever. You’re my best friend.” The Lord gives you what you need when you need it, right??

We love this little sassafras and our family of three more than words can explain.