And then there was THREE!

 

Two was a banner year, my girl.
We said goodbye to diapers, and hello to “big girl” life.
And despite the fact that I thought you wouldn’t be a girly-girl,
we found ourselves surrounded by all things PINK and PRINCESS-Y
(shows how much I know).
Me: “What do you want to be when you get big?”
You: “Ummm...a PINK princess in a big PINK dress with PINK shoes and a PINK wand!!”
Who is this girl? I’m thinking.
But I love this girl so much.
I love that you are willful and headstrong,
clear on what you want
nurturing to your dolls
and super goofy to boot.
You are wiry and strong
And the wheels of your mind never stop turning.
Here’s to another year
of cutting your cheddar cheese into little cubes
chasing you around with vitamins and a toothbrush
sweeping your hair into twirly pigtails
hearing you belt out showtunes
and watching you draw exuberant little stick people
in every color of the rainbow.
Thankful doesn’t begin to describe how I feel about watching you grow.
And I can’t wait to see what three will bring.

Two and a Half!

Dear G,

Today you turn 2½, and since you’re a Christmastime baby, we’ll always make it a point to celebrate your half birthday. We’re heading to the toy store to pick out something special, and tonight we’re going to a mini prom with your school friends!

You are (literally) climbing on me at the moment, so I’ll make this quick. Here’s a synopsis of you at 2½!

Favorite color: Pink (a testament to your girly girl side)

Best friends: Simona, Maggie, Jaycie, Tiz

Favorite teacher: Ms. Sergina

Early talent: Singing!

Favorite foods: Blueberries, mac & cheese, scrambled eggs, pizza

Favorite drink: Milk

Favorite toy: Plush IKEA doll that looks like Bill Clinton

Favorite shows: Dora and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

Favorite book: Once Upon a Potty

Cool things you do: Count to 20 (and to 10 in Spanish), recite the ABCs, recognize numbers and letters, sing “Jesus Christ Superstar” (complete with hand motions)  

Obsessed with:  Water. You love taking baths, washing your hands, going to swim lessons, sitting in your kiddie pool, playing with your splash table, and filling up toys with water and carrying them to your play kitchen (which we could do without)

Also love: Bubbles, your swing set, putting your dolls down for naps throughout the house using dish towels as blankets

Random factoids: You’re a leftie, you’re a picky eater, you often look serious in pictures even though you’re goofy, and you’re a mama’s girl…yay!

 

You fit so seamlessly into our little family and make us SO happy—but even more, you make us better.  Happy 2½!

Just the Highlights, M'am!

Dear Gilly,

I haven’t written here since you were 14 months old. FOURTEEN MONTHS! Today you turn 26 months old, so I figured it was high time for a new post. Since I have been SUCH a bad blogger, let’s just hit the highlights, shall we?

15 Months

You got your first haircut (pictured below) and you moved into a big girl bed. That’s a very early transition but you cracked the code on climbing out of your crib by hoisting your little leg up over the side, and it made us nervous. I slept on the floor next to you the first night because I thought you would fall out!

17 Months

You became a Jersey girl! After years as city folk, Mommy and Daddy found a town that instantly felt like home and we bought a house for you to grow up in. It isn’t big or fancy but it has character and feels like “us.” We are fixing it up little by little and doing most things ourselves (with assistance from Papa Jim!).

18 Months

We celebrated the Fourth of July in our new area by taking you to your very first fireworks display. We had a picnic on the grass while a band played, then you sat on daddy’s shoulders to watch the sky light up in colors. You were mesmerized, though in this photo you look way bored. :)

21 Months

We went to the Medieval Festival in Fort Tryon Park, where my very favorite picture of you was taken. It got chilly by the water so we pulled the hood up on your poncho and Phil snapped a photo. I love that it’s candid and un-posed, but I also love that it captures who you are. You are nobody’s princess! Sure, you love your dolls and the color pink and you have a girly side, but this picture depicts your strength and your cleverness, and I love that. How can someone get all that from one photo? Trust me…mommies can!

22 Months

You dressed as a chicken for Halloween! Mommy took you to your parade and party at school, and Daddy took you trick or treating after work. You were definitely a hit with the neighbors and were very good about keeping your chicken suit on.

24 Months

You had two Elmo parties for your 2^nd birthday: one at school and one at home. For your home party Aunt Lisa made awesome Elmo cupcakes, and Uncle Joe performed his hit song “Pizza Party.” You got really cool presents and had a ball running around with your friends. Your friend Simona's dad took this lovely picture of you.

26 Months…Also Known as Now

You are moving up to the next class level at school a bit earlier than expected and will soon be starting a Kumon curriculum. Go you! This Saturday your swim class begins at the Y, and we suspect you will live up to your "Gilly" nickname since you love the water so much. Many more adventures await us, my love!