Catching Up On Milestones

4th birthday party guest list with figure drawings!

One of the things I've realized on the doorstep of having a newborn again is how much I've forgotten. It's been a gift to be able to refer back to this blog to see the moments I recorded. So while I'm twiddling my thumbs at home, I figured I should take the time to reflect what it's been like to have a three year old, and everything that's been going on lately. 

Someone finished their first year of nursery school (although she couldn't attend her last day because of strep throat). She made lots of friends, had a great teacher (Mrs. Larsen), and even flirted with staying for lunch (basically glorified snack time). 

We discovered that the two best ways to get a toddler to take amoxicillin twice a day for 10 days was 1) mix with chocolate milk and 2) take straight up in the shot glass that Tylenol is taken. Whatever you do, do not dispense in the dispenser they give you. 

We got much better at going to the doctor because of Doc McStuffins and giving regular check ups at home. But thankfully, we didn't have to go very often. 

Still, Curious George reigns in this house. Narrated by William H. Macy, with a theme song by Dr. John and beautiful traditional cartoon illustration, it's a blessing. I'm pretty sure we feel we've all learned a few things from George and The Man with the Yellow Hat.

The dentist was made more pleasant by having a lady dentist.

We experienced our first dance recital. It was 2 days before my due date, and I actually checked into the hospital with a false alarm that morning. But luckily we made it and our little ballerina did great. She didn't even complain about the itchiness of the costume on the day of -- but the dress rehearsal was a different story.  I was the "backstage mom" which meant I got to stay with the girls and reapply lipstick. We ordered the DVD so we'll be able to watch for years to come. 

Nightime pullups (diapers) were finally cast off for good in March this year. Once again, it was 100% due to the little one deciding it was time. 

We discovered that the best way to put off neighbors that just don't know when to stop coming over to play (and invite the whole neighborhood with them) is to look them in the eye and say "Now's not a good time." You only have to do it once. And then you can plant a hedge for good measure. And then get a fence (to be installed by mid-August). 

The Benjamin Moore paint color Ballet Slippers is not at all the color of actual ballet slippers (we are now experts, see above). For that, you must choose Peach Cloud. 

We love our new house so much we want to haunt it after we are gone. The nesting period of pregnancy was good for us here. Inside and outside, the house is shaping up to be more and more ours. I am currently planning our kitchen reno as a way to think about something else besides the arrival of our newest addition. Who knows when we'll do it, but I'll be thoroughly ready!

"Game of Thrones" is addicting. "True Detective" was brilliant. Once I figured out how to get HBO Go on Roku it was on!

Due dates are suggested arrival times. 

Grandparents that live close are godsends. 

Cousins continue to be the greatest thing since sliced bread.