her golden birthday

She's been talking about being 3 for a long time. Ari even helped build the excitement of having a birthday by counting down the days for her.

There is no question what she likes to do most: DRESS UP. Whether it's painted nails, a simple flower in the hair, an extra tutu (or 2), she is generally sporting one or all of the above. If she isn't wearing an extra skirt or dress it's because she's sleeping or playing outside.

She is our early riser and often times (like every day) climbs in to bed with us before we are ready to get up. She wakes up ready to eat breakfast and get her clothes on for the day...while we are still groggy and trying to figure out why in the world she wants to get up yet. :) She points to the window and says, "Look! It's wake up time!" or "Look! The clock says it's time to get up!" She is also our cuddler and will ask throughout the day for me to hold her or "snuggle" her or to nap with her (I wish!).

She loves to play games and read books. Often times I will find her sitting by herself looking through a book. Her and Ari have moments of aggravating each other but they also have sweet moments where they are best friends. She is wanting to be independent for everything that we have had lots of talks about "telling us she wants to do something on her own" versus "throwing a fit because we didn't know she wanted to do it herself". Sometimes we wonder if opening the door is going to set her off. Her emotions run high most of the time so I struggle with understanding why she is crying for the 5th time and it's only lunchtime. We have been stretched to new parenting levels but we have grown in many ways!

When she's excited about something her whole body lights up. We call her our little jumping bean because well...she barely stops jumping, or hopping, or running, or spinning, or dancing. When she asks to be held I cherish those moments because I know she doesn't sit still for much.

She is somewhat picky when it comes to eating and dislikes most pastas and potatoes. She's getting better about eating chicken and vegetables. Ketchup has become a regular side dish (even for the veggies). :) However, there is no problem getting her to eat if sugar is involved. :)

She loves to climb, swing, and swim. She is adventurous and fearless.

Bedtime routine has been a challenge. It doesn't matter how many times she goes to the bathroom before bedtime, she always gets up within minutes after we close the door and claims "I need to go potty!" The thing is she ALWAYS has more...so it's hard to get frustrated when we can't call her bluff. We don't want to continue to reinforce this behavior because it has been her tactic to delay bedtime...but at the same time we want her to stay dry through the night. *sigh*

Evangeline loves having her cousin over so they can dress up together.

We adore her humor, silk hair, gymnast abilities, giggles, dancing, hugs, prayers, accessories, goofy smiles, and cuddles. We love her sweet spirit and how she gets excited about the little things. She loves to help Selah walk and is great at encouraging Ari. I'm excited to see her become so independent but will continue to cherish all the times she wants to be snuggled. I hope that sticks around for a long time. :)