You two have grown so much this year. There was not a day this year that I didn't look at you in awe of how much you have grown. Just the other night I watched you in the bath playing together and realized how intentional your words and actions have become over the past year. It was a quick moment-Avery, you were squirting Brooklynn with a bath toy and you were both dying laughing. You have the exact same laugh. When you really get laughing (usually because you're doing something you aren't supposed to be doing) we have to look away and compose ourselves before talking to you. You're both so funny.
Avery, you're so special. My girl. You always want mommy and are such a fast learner. You walked into preschool like you owned the place and have been there forever. During parent teacher conferences this month we heard that you are silent. You don't participate---yet. They told us you have a couple of friends but you are still adjusting. The second you get back to Kristi's house you're a helper and sweet. When you get into my arms all hell breaks lose. You are a wild woman. You get upset easily but are the biggest forgiver. I have a feeling you'll be the caregiver we always wanted for Jake. You saw Brooks at recess the other week and you saw her crying and checked her coat, her shoes and said "Ok?" gave her a hug and kiss when she lined up with her class. Babe, you make my heart full. You have learned more boundaries and are telling sis and brother what's up-"Mommy sad! You hurt mommy."
You are a lover of all babies and are so sweet to your baby. Bedtime routine is easier because you have your three (sometimes four) gee-gees (blankets). I love that you have lovies-just like mommy. You are incredibly vocal about needing your teeth brushed every night. You will remember things that happened weeks ago. I love to hear your stories. You get speech therapy at school to use ending sounds with your words as well as transition words. You have grown so much in the last 2 months. You sing the ABC's and also count to 20 (although you lose it in the teens). You are happiest with a pencil and piece of paper. A couple of months ago you started to write your A and you also copy a drawing of a person. You are one talented little girl. I love to watch you learn. I love you so dearly.
I am obsessed with her outfit choices. She's the best.
It's like she's done this her whole life. Love the girly girl.
Brooklynn, Lou Lou, you're so spicy! I love your intense love for mommy, daddy, sister, Jake, and monkey. You're always willing to give up a kiss or ten. You do fish lips like it's your job. You have been learning to be more independent by watching your sister. My always observer has a HUGE and loud voice of her own and we love it. You need a snuggle, hug, kiss-just to feel safe. Every night you wake up and call for us while crying-and it is getting old.....listen, I love the midnight snuggles but I would loooooooove if you would just go through the night without a tear. Your dr. suggested that you get your iron and vitamin D tested and at your 3 year check up you had to get a blood draw. Total fail. You are the toughest tiny out there. With three people holding you, you still managed to get the needle out of your vain. Back we go soon. At preschool you're so quiet but your two best friends only speak spanish and vietnamese-love that your humor goes without any language barriers. You three got in trouble for running around in the classroom together. WIN!!
You love to watch your sister but have done so much independently these past few months. You are so silly and giggly. You also go in time out more than your sister because you are fast to get upset and slow to calm down. (My mini me!) Unlike your sister, you go in your room for timeout and stop crying immediately and tear everything out of your drawers which is an awesome adventure for us. When we go in and ask if you'r ready to say I'm sorry, you say NOOOOO. Life with you is an adventure. You love your monkey and gee gee with your whole heart. You are happiest when you are out with us at the park or on an errand. You stay in the cart, watch people, and are generally happy when we are out and about. You are a daddy's girl. You cry for him in the middle of the night and just loooove your daddy. You are the first one to give Jake a kiss and hug at night. You're going in the potty at school but not ready at home. I can't wait to see how much more you learn this upcoming year. I love you to the moon and back, sweet girl.
Her happiest moment??? Getting into my liquid eyeliner and putting it on herself! Joy!
I can't believe I was just meeting you for the first time three years ago. You are the biggest gift that we could have been given--but especially for Jake. Your brother has learned more from you in three short years than we could ever teach through therapy in a lifetime. I thank my lucky starts for you both each and every day. You were put here with us for a reason-and you are beautiful little people who make me so proud. There is a big world on your shoulder, sweet girls, I know you've also been given the biggest gift with having the brother you were given. Life is great because you two are in it. Love you like no other. To the moon and back.
Love, Mommy
