My Dearest Avery,
You, my dear, have had a lot going on the past couple of months. You had a holiday celebration at your school where you sang some songs for us, celebrated Hanukkah and Christmas, welcomed your brother into the world, and have started 2018 with a bang!
You're 3, so you've had your share of tantrums but they are mostly at home so that's a relief. You did have one at the doctor's office- you didn't understand why you were there for a check-up when you weren't sick. We tried to explain but you were beyond consolation. You've been sent to time out and your room for acting out and you've started peeing yourself at home again. We think that's a regression associated with your brother's arrival but we'll get through it!
You're the absolute best big sister! You hold Evan's (aka "brother") hand when riding in the car, bring him his pacifier, check up on him, watch him in his swing, and hug and kiss him goodnight. You're good about washing your hands or using sanitizer before touching him. You always talk about how much you love him - not sure how long this will last so we're enjoying it for now.
Other things going on in your life:
- You now dress yourself every morning. Not sure if this is a result of us taking too long to do it now that we have two of you or what but you're doing a good job - most of the time you match ;)
- You LOVE wearing skirts so I have a hard time getting you to wear something weather appropriate. Thankfully, we have some skirts with built-in shorts and pants!
- You read books to yourself at night (again, perhaps because there are two of you now - oops!) and my heart melts at the end when you always finish with "and I'll never let you go". You say this no matter what book you're reading....it's from one of the books I used to read to you all the time (and cry when doing so).
- You like to tell me I'm so smart or pretty or something like that, just to hear me say it to you. You also tell me I'm a good big sister ;)
- We got the backyard finished and we're about to install the playset. For now, you love going out there and playing each night - you love to play pretend, which I've also seen you do at school - such an imagination!
- Your favorite song right now is Thunder by Imagine Dragons
Here is your life in pictures right now:
Spending quality time with dad:
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| nap time! |
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| picnic time! |
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| headed for a daddy daughter date to ice hockey! |
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| #4 gave you a puck! |
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| daddy went to code for Tucson and wanted to bring you along.... |
Playing....
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| eating breakfast like a queen |
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| new inspiration in your room! |
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| with dad's glasses |
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| tummy time for a 3-year-old! |
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| in your favorite outfit |
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| with the neighbors |
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| on your new scooter |
School Holiday Celebration:
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| getting ready! |
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| so cute - we got more in videos than in pictures. you were well poised and remembered most of the words and motions! |
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| a sweet moment with santa! you asked for a ball, kitty cat, and golf balls :) |
Hanukkah and Christmas:
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| Celebrating with jelly-filled donuts at the Oro Valley library! |
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| you helped light the candles each night! |
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| working to light the luminaries! grandpa and grandma came to visit over the holiday! |
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| the things you are able to get them to do - haha! wrapped around your finger! |
Going to school:
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| you love school but sometimes getting there can be a trial...you look so cute though! |
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| dressing properly for that harsh Tucson winter ;) these were a gift from uncle john! |
Movie date with mom:
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| just what we both needed - went to see Paddington 2 :) |
You're still loving swim and soccer:
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| dad forgot a water bottle for you so you got his yeti! |
And finally, here are the photos of you meeting and playing with your new brother:
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| at the hospital |
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| first time holding him! |
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| you and dad had a camp out in the room the next night because the first night had you asking all night where we were |
Everyone tells me that you don't take a bad picture :) You're so beautiful - of course I know that but it's nice to hear others agree :)
Avery, your teachers tell me you're assertive and imaginative - you protect yourself and your friends and you're a joy to have in class. I think you're all that and more....you have a big heart and 95% of the time you want to be good - haha! I think that other 5% of the time you're just exploring what it feels like to break the rules.
I couldn't have asked for a better daughter - so happy I get to be your mom!
All my love,
Mom
