Natalie

Natalie is 3 years, 5 months, and 4 days old today. How can it be that she's almost halfway to FOUR already?! It doesn't seem possible, but as I watch her lately, I am starting to think she looks like she could be a 4 year old AND - as usual, I hesitate to say this - I'm starting to see some glimpses of what I hope might be more of a 4-year-old mentality. I thought it was probably a good time to share them so I don't forget!

- Natalie has been EXCITED about helping me fold clothes. Truly excited and OFFERS to help! She's a washcloth folding MACHINE, that girl! I wish she was tall enough to do towels! :)

- The other day, she asked Mollie if she was done eating, got a wet cloth from the counter, wiped Mollies face and hands, unbuckled her from her booster seat, and gently helped her get down from her chair! It was adorable!

- Mollie is a pest. Really, she is. She just wants attention from Natalie because she loooooooves her so much, but if Nat's not giving her enough, she pulls her hair. All.the.time. with the hair pulling. Natalie definitely whines and often cries about it, but I just realized that she really doesn't reciprocate. You'd think she might hit her (they're both hitters, ugh) or reach out and grab a handful of Mollie's locks, but she doesn't. She's gentle with her.

- We go through phases with the hair issues. I somehow got out of the braiding routine (honestly, it's just so gorgeous to see the natural waves she has when it dries on it's own!), so some days are rough with the brushing, but honestly, for the most part - it's better! She doesn't react as strongly if it pulls and we talk about what a big girl she is! :)

- She's doing better with her ballet class. She's always had fun with it, but I can tell that she is trying to pay better attention now. Monday night, after class, she had to show us "First A-sishen" (position). Too cute! I asked her if she could show us Second Position, and she said no and asked me what it was. I told her I was sure Ms. Jesi would teach her. Then she went over to Mollie, kneeled down on the floor, and she got herself and Mollie into some goofy position (which most definitely was NOT Second Position) and proclaimed it to be "Sekin A-sishen!" We just clapped anyway. :)

- Background: Mollie is just as strong-willed as Nat, and we've been attempting to do some Time Outs with her when she misbehaves. Story: The other night, we were in Natalie's room getting her PJ's on, and Mollie walked right over and pulled Nat's hair (SEE?!). I told her that wasn't ok, and tried to redirect her. Once Natalie was changed, she stood up and said, "Mommy, there are corners in my room there and THERE. And you can probaly use that one too." and pointed at all of the corners in her room, for Mollie's next Time Out. hahha

I'm sure there are many more that I've missed, but there are a few. :) It's so funny how things change so quickly! I was JUST telling a friend how Natalie's the one who's in a difficult stage right now, but it's always changing, blah, blah. Pretty much the next day Mollie became Difficult Child #1 and Natalie instantly appeared more mature. They have to keep us on our toes!

I wish I could say I had forty gazillion adorable pics to post, but I don't. I do have some from the snow that I need to get to. SOON! :)