Santa Visit 2013

While Mom and Baby Sister waiting in line for 2 hours so we could visit Santa, I played with Brother at a near by jungle gym. It was well worth the wait.

I loved meeting Santa and thanked him for my "big princess castle" from last year. This year I asked for some Barbies and clothes to go with them. Then I also asked for a "Wonder Woman with her golden lasso and invisible jet". I've been mostly good this year so we'll see what transpires on Christmas day.

LOVED Santa!

Princess Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman costume over my princess pajamas.

Face Painting

I've actually been asking Mom and Dad to get a rainbow painted onto my face for quite some time now. I saw it on a video several months ago and kept asking and asking but we've never been any place that does face painting. 

Well, a couple weeks ago I attended a birthday party. There were over 16 other little girls there. I waited very patiently for the other girls to have their turn. Then it was my turn. I was SO excited and sat so still and quiet while the face painter did her thing. Many tears were shed when it was bath time and I had to wash it off. Mom promised, though, we would take plenty of photos, which as you can see I have.

You're in there, I'm out here...

Mom helped me find this book at the library. It is titled, "Hello in There." It's a big sister's book of waiting. I just love reading about it as I am really excited to be a big sister. I will read it to anyone who will listen. As the book progresses, the baby in the mom's tummy gets bigger and bigger (as does the mom's tummy). Mom also took a video of me reading the book to baby sister, as well. I love reading to her. I want her to know my voice. Mom and Dad say I've become quite the nurturer of late.

Ballet School

I started ballet school today. I loved it.

Since Brother has been in kindergarten, I have been a little sad to see him gone each morning. I enjoy the time with Mom, Dad, or Nan but I still miss him. I really wanted my own school to go to. Ballet school finally started. It's through the city's parks and rec and it's wonderful and very affordable for us.

My Auntie J gave me the dance outfit. Before leaving for class I insisted Mom take profile pictures of me like she has taken every 2 weeks to document her body changes. Then some photos before and after class and apparently Mom sneaked some photos in during my class.

So far I love it and will tell you enthusiastically all about it if you ask. I'll even show off first position for you.

At the end is a short 30 second video of some of our "free dance" time.

Swimming...

I started swim lessons last month. At first I was pretty shy about being in the water and would insist on my life vest and having someone at my side the entire time. Then I started classes with Brother. At first we were in the same class but we are both progressing and are now split into separate levels. I really liked my first teacher Coach Nick. At first we were all kind of scared of him - he has lots of scary tattoos (Darth Maul on his calf), a shaved head, and big separator earrings in both ears - but then we realized he was an amazing coach and instructor and have grown to really appreciate him. Now I have Miss Hannah (pronounced Ha-nuh). She's a girly girl like me and I really like her long golden hair which reminds me of Rapunzel. The YWCPA (as I refer to the YMCA) has awesome instructors all around.

I have gone from shy swimmer to a regular mermaid. In fact, I am the youngest and tiniest in Ms. Hannah's class (Coach Nick insisted I be moved up) but I can swim like a torpedo (according to Mom and Dad). Please note my stylish pink swim goggles. I rarely use them but some how they are essential to my swimming success. I will have to post some photos of me during swim class - that's when I get to take off my UV clothing and wear my pink tutu swim suit. I really do see through rose colored goggles when swimming.

Here are some photos of me swimming as well as a video of me doing a full lap at Ms. Suzanne's pool. In the video I swam from the shallow end to the deep end. I am still not too keen about putting my head in the water (I will do bobs) but it does not seem to stop me from getting when I want to go.

I have asked Mom and Dad to discontinue my gymnastics classes so I can take swim lessons this fall. After a year of gymnastics I am ready for a little break. However, I will be starting dance this fall, too. I'll be busy but it is all to keep my distracted so I don't miss Brother so much while he is away at school. I have already expressed sadness at him being gone 3 hours a day. But, I am excited to have a baby to take care of later this year!

Rapunzel...

I love my night gowns and to go to bed that is all I am willing to wear. Mom picked up this special Rapunzel one and I love it so much I will often wear it during the day and pretend to be Rapunzel. I even use my yellow towel as my long hair that drags on the ground. 

It is not shown in these photos but she also found me a stuffed animal chameleon which I lovingly refer to as Pascal. I will carry it and a frying pan around imagining I am Rapunzel from the movie Tangled. 

By the way, if you haven't seen it, Rapunzel's wedding called Tangled Ever After is hysterical - Mom, Dad, Brother, and I all laugh uncontrollably, especially when Pascal turns tomato soup colored. If you haven't seen Tangled it is not quite as funny and if you have not seen Tangled I highly recommend it. Not just because she's a favorite princess of mine but it's just a great movie.

Mommy Daughter Date

This morning, Brother was invited to a play date. It was boys only and I was pretty crushed. However, Mommy offered to take me anywhere. 

My choices - The Discover Center and sushi.

The Discovery Center was packed with several schools having end of the year field trips. It was not a lot of fun except in between groups. Hence, not many photos but Mom did take one of me on the bed of nails - my first time doing that. 

I perked up once we arrived at my favorite sushi restaurant. Mom is doing the non-raw thing saying it's not good for Baby Sister. She did order a little sake (salmon) for me, though. I call it "pink fish". Plus, I love the miso soup (especially the tofu), the salad, the edamame (soy beans), and the rice. I am also very good with chop sticks, too.

I even brought my pretend pink camera and took some photos, too.

A great day and I suggested we do it again or I take Dad on a father/daughter date to sushi. Oh, by the way, Brother had a great time at his play date, too. I sure missed him, though.

 

Just Playin'

It's still one of my most favorite toys. Playing princesses and fairies is a most favorite past time. The castle is awesome and made even better with the accompanying Cinderella carriage that transforms from pumpkin to carriage. And, of course, I am often found in my nightgowns these days, too.

Sharing A Milkshake with Daddy...

My favorite treat of all - Oreo cookie milk shakes. Which happens to be Daddy's favorite, too. We love to share a giant one.

Dressing Myself

Recently there has been a bit of a struggle between Mom and me as to getting me to be dressed. In fact, the other day I just plain refused to get dressed - period. We were running late for a play date and Mom kept insisting I wear clothes. After quite some time and tears shed by all of us, including Brother, I finally compromised on some clothes. 

Now, the rule is I get to pick my outfit as long as I promise to get and stay dressed. Here is one of such outfits - tutu complete with rain boots.

Dressing Up

I have some interesting combinations that I put together these days. I often incorporate glasses into my outfits as I like to be like Brother. The dress in the first photos is far too small and fit more like a shirt now but I've loved it the past two years and I will continue to love it until I can no longer wear it.

Here are couple of those crazy outfits...

On My Birthday...

This is a little late but I was waiting on Mom to get the video uploaded.

Mom and Dad generally don't take an exact birthday photo because I was born around 3 am. However, they did plan a special day for me and I will detail it for you in photos.

I requested a trip to the Aquarium with Mom and Brother and trip to the library with Dad and Brother. 

First the aquarium. I had a great time feeding the tropical fish, which is always a highlight. However, this time, the polka dot fish with the sharp teeth took a bite out of my finger. The cut did not really bother me as I just wanted to keep feeding the fish. However, when blood was dripping into the fish tank Mom insisted we get it taken care of. Brother and I especially liked seeing Beam the Rescued Sea Turtle in the shark tank. The rays are so docile and LOVED being petted. Oh, I did pick out a special prize from the gift shoppe since it was my birthday. I wanted a penguin. I chose the one most like Brother's penguin "Beak". Now we both have penguins to take care of.

Then a trip to the mall. Mom wanted me to pick out some new clothes since I am growing like a bean pole hence her nickname for me "Bean". I selected two outfits. After that, we had a picnic lunch of pasta and cheese with pretzel for dessert. We did make a quick stop at the rides - neither Brother nor myself likes for them to be on. We like to just sit on them.

Nap time rolled around and then dinner. I requested Red Robin chic-on-a-stick for dinner along with an Oreo milkshake. It was then time for Mom's dance class so we dropped her off and Dad took Brother and me to the library. 

Then home for bathes, bedtime story, and snuggles in my Cinderella jammies. First, though, Mom did capture a video of me detailing my day - with some help from her. It was late and I was in my goofy sleepy state but at least you can hear from me what I did today.

It was a very full day but thoroughly enjoyed. What a great start to being 3 years old! (Even if I was bitten by a fish. It's completely healed now.)

From Mom and Dad:

To our dearest little Bean/Boo,

We are so grateful you joined our family. You bring delightful and energetic dynamics to our family. You give the sweetest hugs and kisses. You constantly amaze us by your politeness and your genuine, earnest prayers. We cannot get enough of your sweet voice and feel honored and privileged to be called your mom and dad. We love you.

Eye Appointment 2013

 From this year's eye appointment...

My vision is not quite 20/20 but it does not seem to be interfering with my ability to see. I am a bit far-sided like Brother (about +1) but no crossing or any hit of stabismus like he has. Dr. W, my pediatric ophthalmologist, says she wants to see if I outgrow this and if not, we can talk glasses down the road. For now, I am in a holding pattern as she thinks my eye sight will correct with some time. If not, I would happily wear glasses so I can be just like Brother.

Oh, I rocked my eye exam. The medical assistant was prepared to hold me down to instill the eye drops but Mom asked if she could just let me lay down and give me a chance to do it on my own. The assistant (who was awesome, by the way) agreed saying "Kids surprise me every day." Sure enough, I surprised her and did not flinch when the dilation drops went in. Then I sat really still and followed all the directions Dr. W gave. 

Plus, it helps to have a big Brother to follow who is also packing a light saber, just in case. And Dad sent prizes if we did a good job. I love my Cat Woman Lego Mini-Figure.

3 Year Well Check...

Last week I had my 3 year wellness visit with my nurse practitioner.

Overall, this past year I have been really healthy. Aside from a horrible respiratory illness earlier this winter (after 3 weeks Mom threw in the towel and gave me antibiotics which fixed me within a couple days) I have been great.

I continue to grow and develop and am meeting all my expected parameters and milestones. These types of things are always most comforting and reassuring to Mom and Dad. Me? Well, at the moment I just want to grow up so I can "go on the blue part at gymnastics". (That's where the big girls who can do the flips get to go.)

Here are my stats:

Height: 36.75 inches (41%)

Weight: 27.2 lbs (17%)

Blood Pressure: 80/48 mm Hg

If you'd like to compare with my 2 1/2 year well check, you can go here.

This was my first time getting my blood pressure checked. I also took my purple cat along for some reassurance. I am completely up to date on my immunizations so none until next year's flu vaccine. 

What am I doing?

I love gymnastics class and I'm pretty good at it. Actually Brother and I are in the same class now and I can certainly keep up with him. It has been nice having him there because Mom is no longer allowed to be next to me during class.

I love most types of food or will at least try anything. Sushi is still my favorite. I also love soups and lasagna. Chocolate is still my most favorite of favorites but sushi is a close second. 

Princesses and Tinkerbell (and friends) are beloved characters. I enjoy playing with them and reading books about them. Dressing up and playing tea or picnic are also favorite activities. Drawing is also an activity of interest. I call it "doing my contest". No one is entirely sure where I came up with that, but they think it has to do with something I saw at the library.

Blankie (aka "Bankie"), Pink Meowie, and Duck are still my favorite babies and pretty much go everywhere and do everything with me. I have to have them in order to sleep.

Sleep - I love sleeping in my bed. However, my room is the coldest in the house and with temperatures dropping to below zero at night, 5 quilts is still barely enough to keep me cozy so I will often sneak into bed next to Mom on those nights. I still enjoy a 2 hours nap each day, too. Of course, I do need my pony ride from Dad before bedtime every night. If not, I will not go to sleep. Then Mom comes in a we do prayers together. 

I get up every morning and help Dad get ready for work. It is our special time together just the two of us. If Mom or Brother try to interfere I get really grumpy. It is my job to pick out his clothes and ensure they match. I also help dab on her cologne.

I am very healthy and happy. For this, we continue to be most grateful.