Looking through old photos tonight...

and this one made my heart smile.
07.2008

(ps-taken by lesley)

I Do It

My daughter will be 3 in less than two months, yet to me she is still so little.
I still get her dressed/undressed, put on (most) of her shoes, help her on the potty, help her wash her hands and brush her teeth, rock her before bed...
This is normal for me. This is normal for Marlee. I've done all these things her entire life. I've never thought of not helping her.
Lately I have been better about telling her to go wash her hands, brush her teeth, etc. And I've been wondering at what age does she start doing more of these things on her own.
Just today I was explaining this to my sister Kristy. I also had a play date with my oldest friend Jessica and her two kids.
I don't know what happened. I don't know if Marlee heard my conversation with my sister or if she was watching Jessica's 4 year old daughter being more independent. However, this afternoon I kept hearing "no Momma I do it." I tried to help her put on her shoes and this is what I heard. I went to help her on the potty and this is what I heard.
And as much as I want to raise an independent child, I too want her to need/want my help.
Sadly, I know this is just the beginning.

Halfway to Three

At 2.6 (01/10/10), MK

-knows her abc's
-counts to 20
-learning her colors. recognizes blue, black, purple, green, white, pink, orange, yellow. All the basics but red. I'm starting to think she may be color blind to red.
-favorites are probably purple and green.
-shapes. recognizes triangle, heart, star, and circle.
-slowly grasping her opposites. she now says "momma i happy" or "i sad."
-talks and talks and talks.
-loves to swing so high, as she says.
-has a serious addiction to minnie and mickey. mr bear has taken a back seat.

-is still in her crib. with a tent. yes, she's a climber.
-goes down the big slides at the park all by herself. i have daddy to thank for this one.
-has started going potty on the toe-toe.
-loves the library and all things book.

-has a freckle on her right thigh, which she compares to her daddy's freckle. sometimes when i rub lotion on her she gets upset worrying that the freckle will rub off.
-is a great sleeper and still napping daily.
-loves baking with momma.
-is addicted to her daddy.
-cut all four 2 year molars. two in november. two in december.
-makes me smile. everyday.



**MK is now 2 years 10 months, but this post was written in January when she was actually 2 years 6 months. I never posted it. Oops.