Our baby is turning 3....

Tomorrow morning Rose will be 3.  No longer a toddler, she'll be into the realm of a pre-schooler.  We've learned a lot from Rose over the year.  One of the main things is that you can still be very capable at such a young age.  Rose is so independent for one so small.  She excels in her gymnastics class, can beat many a 3 year old in a running race, and can really feel the beat when she's dancing to music.  I, for one, learned what it would really be like to have a sibling.  This was the year where they were really able to play together, and I really see how they mutually benefit from one another.  Of course there are arguments and fights, and Rose isn't always kind, but for the most part they love having one another around.  We also learned the difference between a first born and second born child. Rose is more independent, but with that comes a lot of determination and therefore some pretty tantrumy times. 

While she's still in the tantrum phase, we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  She's starting to become more even tempered as she grows up.  Although she can be loud at home, she is becoming more and more shy with strangers, and even people she sees often.  Most other people have barely heard her speak.  She likes to hide behind my legs, or avert her eyes when people talk to her.  And they do talk to her a lot as she's so unbelievably cute. 

Some of her favourite things lately have been painting, all other arts and crafts, dancing at home, dressing up, wearing mismatched clothing and shoes, brushing her teeth, puzzles, Candyland, and reading books.  Unfortunately not a fan of napping.  After that soother went away it was buh-bye naps. She still has an hour of quiet time every day, and actually stays quiet thanks to her Groclock which tells her when the hour is up. 

I love how she tries so hard at everything she does, whether it is getting by dressed herself, or attempting other solo tasks, carefully colouring and trying to stay in the lines, trying to sing along to songs lyrics in the car, or dancing to her favourite songs.  I also love hearing her speak about the world around her.  I'll have to make it my goal to record some of her talking moments, as she is growing up too fast. 

This year will bring a lot of changes with a baby brother due to be born at any time, a new house, and preschool in the fall.  I'm sure she'll just keep on laughing and smiling and rolling with whatever comes her way.  Happy third birthday Rose!