In every way you really started to assert your will this year! Lazy parents that we are, we tend to lump you in with your sister and assume that whatever we do for her, is fine for you too. And a lot of the time that's fine. But more and more often, you have other ideas. And boy oh boy, heaven help the person that disregards your wishes! Let's just say, I'll never take you to the library again when you say you don't want to go!
It's hard to believe from all the smiling photos we have of you, but you do have a temper that could be described as "nuclear". A recent game of "Uno Moo" had you screaming "GOOD GAME!" across the table when you clearly didn't mean it. Still, you are my charming companion ninety-five percent of the time. It's just that last five percent that's a doozy!
All kidding aside, while it CAN be inconvenient when you express yourself (loudly!) sometimes, I am proud that you are standing up for yourself. A girl should know what she wants, and set her mind about getting it.
This year, you've learned so much and you are always astounding us with your brains. All the sudden you love to count and to "read" to us and do puzzles. I just hope you use your powers for good rather than evil. For instance, don't tell me that you'll get a puppy (a "REAL" puppy, from the pet store...) after you poop in the potty. That kind of manipulation is equal parts impressive and frightening!
This year, you and your sister became even closer. As you lost your baby-ness you became a great companion to Maddy. You guys are awesome playmates, usually shouting at me to "GET OUT" when I try to check in on what you two are up to. I worry that we're letting you grow up so much faster than Maddy because you want so badly to keep up with her. Exhibit A: Letting you hurtle down an icy hill at high speeds.
While you definitely miss Maddy when she's at school, I think you also love our little weekly routine. At our Tuesday playgroup you really enjoy the songs and stories at circle time...
...and you've really gotten into doing the craft projects. You are very proud to bring home your work and put it on the fridge.
And on Wednesdays, you are a superstar in music class, always singing along and doing all the hand gestures. By the way, you actually sing all the time. And you seem to have a running song in your head at all times. Usually it's Frosty the Snowman. Last month when you were sick for a week you just hummed it at a whiny moan that was just about the saddest sound I had ever heard!
On weekends you end up spending a lot of time with your dad while I ferry Maddy around to all her activities. I think you love the special time with him. I know he loves the time with you. You are pretty hilarious.
You are still a pretty adventurous eater. When I look at this photo I can still feel Maddy's horror that you PUT CRANBERRIES IN YOUR OATMEAL.
I'm pretty sure having strawberries on your birthday would also be a huge offense to your sister, but I'm glad you are not like her in this way!
As you can see from the photo above, Elmo is still a huge party of your life."Happy" Elmo (aka your "other sister") still goes everywhere with you. Sometimes you even talk for him in Elmo voice and he always has something interesting to say. Sometimes he even confesses to some misdeed and I suspect that maybe, just maybe, he's taking the fall for you. I have to give you points for ingenuity though.
It's been a great year, Audrey. Your humor and imagination make our lives so much richer!
Happy Birthday Audrey!
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