Growing and Changing

Yesterday I read a gal's blog whose entry was about her daughter turning ten. A celebration of her birthday! However, how the blog was written really sat on my mind yesterday because this mom commented on how her daugther grew up before her eyes, changing when they didn't even see the change happening, enjoyments she used to enjoy and she stopped playing but it was noticed after the daughter had already stopped playing that way. It made me somewhat sad and aware of just how quickly this all goes. I loved how she reflected on the 'little' things her daughter used to enjoy and made me notice the little things Holly enjoys now... before she grows beyond those moments. Who is Holly at 3 1/2?

Holly is a free spirit, very out going, fun and enjoyable! She loves to laugh and tell jokes. Overall, Holly is a very happy little girl and truly enjoys the fun side of life! Rarely are we in a bad mood or cranky. She is a very sweet little thing yet full of spice and spunk!

She starts her day every morning with a family group hug, love & kisses to Daddy as he heads to work. Then she cuddles with me to enjoy her morning mocha (a bit of chocolate in her milk). We visit over breakfast, sharing about her dreams and looking forward to our fun day ahead and all that is going to happen, friends we'll be seeing, activities we'll be doing and family we might enjoy that evening.

Holly is very attatched to her blanket - blankie is very special, she needs it to sleep, help calm her down and when she is tired or sad it comforts her. Blankie is her bestest friend.

We spend quality morning time playing and exploring - using our imagination to it's fullest. For instance last night we whent on a character hike around the house before we made camp and told stories over marshmallows... all imagination play! Her favorite toys are her Little Einsteins Rocket, her kitchen, 'little things' like small balls and toys, playdough and books!

Reading is a favorite past time for Holly - she loves to read! We read all the time together and alone. At 3 1/2 Holly is starting to sound out letters on a basic level - she knows how to sound out all of her ABC's and is applying it to 'reading'. I love this time together because it is all her idea, not mine. She'll grab me when she wants to read together or if she has sounded out a word - she is so excited she has to share. We visit the library at least once a week if not more for new books, music and movies.

Holly truly loves to help cook with Mommy!!!

Holly has a weekly playgroup ever Tuesday morning that we both truly enjoy. She has made some wonderful friends through our playgroup, children who are very important to her and she talks fondly about a lot! This is probably her favorite morning of the week, mine too!

Holly still naps every afternoon.

We meet up every Wednesday morning with friends for a co-op preschool experience. Learning knew things, reading, songs and playing all round out our mornings with these friends. It is offering her a safe learning environment to have fun in with folks she knows and moms I trust. She loves it!

Daddy sings her a "Holly Song" each night. Their special tradition and fond memory forever.

Right now Holly is enjoying Soccer every weekend and Ballet & Tap every week at our local recreation center. If I had to choose though, soccer is her favorite - as it is much more active... a lot more like her personality. While she loves the idea of dance, she much to young to really 'enjoy' it I think.

She wants to be a mommy when she grows up ... >sigh< How sweet!

The outdoors is probably Holly's favorite place to be, any day and every day! She would be outside rain or shine, snow or sleet and be in heaven. We spend tons of time outside playing, exploring and sharing. She loves her new bike, drawing with sidewalk chalk, hunting for snakes and frogs and running like a silly girl around our back yard!

Holly's favorite colors are orange and black! It has always been orange, for as long as I can remember. Black came on board about 8-9 months ago and appears to be sticking.

We take family walks all the time and she adores this - good time with Mommy & Daddy and we are outside exploring as well! She asks to go on walks all the time!

Holly loves to dress up, play with her cats and dance around the house!

Art is a favorite, favorite, favorite past time of hers! We do tons of art each week! She likes to have her art on display for others to look at and she also loves to share her art with others. The messier the better, although lately she has really taken to drawing very detailed pictures and writing 'words' on them.

That pretty much sums up Holly at 3 1/2 years old... what a sweetie pie! I love this girl!