Three Today But Not Tomorrow

Try as I might, it is difficult to summarize this year with Geneva between three and four.  Almost immediately after turning three a year ago, Greg and I began frequently looking at one another in exasperation, wondering what happened to our two-year old Geneva.  The two-year old Geneva who mostly did what we asked and went to bed easily every night.  "Terrible Twos" never entered our house and I often remember feeling the need to pinch myself because of how much fun we were having with her.  Three has been fun but equally challenging as this amazing little butterfly has learned to spread her wings and test (test and test and test some more) the waters of her independence and will.  And when I say will, I mean WILL.

Amazing things have occurred during her fourth year - We watched Geneva anticipate and then become a big sister.  Becoming a sister and sharing her parents was difficult for her and her defiance hit an all time high during the first few months after Cecily was born.  But we got through it and she has come to genuinely love and seek out her baby sister.  She seems to be at peace with this.








 We have also seen Geneva begin preschool and begin a love for learning and creative activities.  She has loved learning her letters and numbers, learning to sound out little words, participating in little science experiments, and painting or creating something every day.

Princesses, ballet, and all things girlie are her biggest interests.  Not a day goes by where she isn't pretending to be a princess, ballerina, or both.  Her favorite activities are any time she gets to dress up in tights, a dress, and fancy shoes.  She literally gets so excited that she gets short of breath when she is told she can wear a dress she likes.  Speaking of dresses, she wants to wear one every single day to school.  There are days when a dress just isn't weather or activity appropriate and these days are usually challenging as she argues, fights, bargains, whines, complains, or just sneaks back into a dress.

Creatively, she has challenged us in her painting on her carpet, using marker and nail polish on furniture, and covering her walls in stickers.  We are walking a fine line of letting her have creative outlets but watching so that she does not destroy the house.

                                                

This child is sassy, assertive, commanding, thoughtful, and always ready to prove us wrong or make us eat our words with her sharp memory.  She is also sweet, helpful, compassionate, and giving.  She surprises every day.

Most days, we get her to bed (finally!) and feel physically and mentally beaten by her.   After a little time to eat dinner and reflect on the day, Greg and I will then gush about how much we love her and appreciate her spirit and gifts.

Tonight she had such a difficult time staying in bed and falling asleep in anticipation of her birthday.  But, what I want to remember is how I helped her to fall asleep by lying on her beanbag beside her and singing her favorite lullaby over and over.  She is about to be four and showing many signs of being older and more independent, but she is also still my baby.  My firstborn baby girl.  We are blessed.