When we first found out we were pregnant, let's just say we were very surprised and very excited! After a very uneventful pregnancy (thank you, God) you finally made your arrival after 54 hours of labor squeaking in a September birthday. Yes, 54 hours. But you came out perfect and beautiful with full cheeks a fuzzy hair. I didn't think I could love you more than I did the moment Dr. Jaegger put you on my squishy belly.
But then you looked up at me and I was hooked. And I've come to love you even more and marvel at the little person you're becoming.
I studied your little squeaks, noises and movements. Everything was new and amazing and we had a fun time figuring out how to do life as a family of three.
Now, let's reflect on what this past year has brought.
The day before your 2nd birthday Mommy went back to work for the first time in your life.
Two weeks later, you started daycare (or preschool as we called it) at Loving Shepherd. Your first day you were a little sad, but after that, you loved going to school. You talked about your friends and your teachers. I think you got bit once, but you're a survivor.
We were amazed at the expanse of your vocabulary. You've always been a talker, but this was the year you went from saying 2 or 3 word sentences to full on conversations. It's so much fun. Even if Daddy and I can't have a conversation anymore because you're too busy asking questions.
In early 2010, you moved from your crib to a new room with a big girl bed. You helped pick out the paint color and your only request for your new room is that you wanted a heart pillow. You fell out of bed the first night (despite the guard rail - still not sure how you managed that) so I put you back to sleep in your crib for the night. That was your last time in the crib.
Mommy's tummy continued to grow and you accompanied us to the ultrasound when we found out you were going to have a little sister. You enjoyed looking at the pictures; however, you started to get a bit nervous as Mommy's tummy got really big. You obviously understood what was happening because we got a report from school saying that you and Bella had put pillows up your shirts and told the teachers you had "tummies like Mommy" and that you were going to have babies.
In the spring, you took an interest in using the potty. Since Bella and the other kids at school were getting treats at school for peeing in the potty, you wanted a treat too. So we began doing some potty training which was quite funny. At first, we let you run around in the nude so you could tell when you had to pee. This worked great and we did this for a few weeks. Then we put on big girl undies. You picked out blue underwear with cars and trucks and were so proud to wear them. After some accidents, you mastered wearing undies and still making it to the potty. So then we stopped entirely with the diapers and you did marvelous! Your favorite place to eat is Jimmy John's so Daddy created a sticker chart with JJ logos and everytime you went on the potty, you earned a sticker. Once the chart was full, you got to go the the sandwich shop for your favorite lunch - cheese sandwiches with salt and vinegar chips. And now when we go on walks and for playdates at the park, we bring along what has been termed "the pee bucket." You're great at squatting and peeing on your little blue bucket and really enjoy pouring out the contents near a tree.
You definitely hit the terrible twos. Thankfully it didn't last very long but we had a few days when I wanted to send you to Grandma's!!!
You learned how to ride your trike and are very eager to put on your Sesame Street helmet "so I don't fall off and break my head open." Pretty sure Daddy taught that phrase to you.
One of the most exciting things about your year as a 2 year old was the arrival of your baby sister, Annie. You've been amazed at her arrival (and still need reassurance that she did indeed come from Mommy's tummy) and have nothing but love for her. Except when you dinosaur roar at her and she cries. I know when you're trying to pick her up that you just want to cuddle, but just give her a hug, please.
And now you're 3 years old. And starting preschool in a few days. I can't believe how fast you're growing. You have opinions about almost everything. You're probably the loudest toddler ever - besides Auntie Becca when she was little. You love to swim and play in water. You love to laugh. You love the park. You love being outside. You love your best friend Bella. And you love Mommy, Daddy and Annie.
We're so grateful to have you as our daughter. You have brought spunkiness and loads of laughter into our lives. I love you more than I could have ever imagined. Thank you, God for such a blessing.
Happy 3rd Birthday, my sweet Chloe.
No comments:
Post a Comment