Avery: 2.5 years old..

Dear Avery Leigh,

 

I can't believe you are 2.5 years old!  You are growing up so fast and you don't want us to forget it!  You often say "When I get bigger, I do..." or "No, me baby.  Me, big girl".  When asked how old you are now, you say "two-half".

 

You make us laugh daily!  You have the biggest personality for such a little girl.  You are full of facial expressions and have no trouble letting us know how you feel!  You know you are funny and I think that's part of the problem!  You are very dramatic!

You love to sing and are full of songs all day long.  Most of the time you like to mix your favorite songs to come up with your own tune.  You also love to dance with your big sis.  You enjoy coloring, crafts, playing with babies, puzzles and playing outside.  You are not really into TV much and will really only sit still for shorts amount of time (if at all).

 

You definitely have a mind of your own and can be a little stubborn.  You usually don't like to do things when you are asked (sing a song, pose for a picture, etc.)...it has to be your idea.  You are super independent and are adamant about doing things on your own.  Just this week you realized you were tall enough to reach the light switches in the bathroom (if you stand on your tippy toes).  You have been showing us your "new trick" all week and you are so proud of this accomplishment.

You still love to be held and snuggled, which your mommy still appreciates.  Heaven forbid I call you "baby" though, as you quickly remind me that you are a big girl.  You have adjusted rather well to being a big sister and you love to shower Maddy with hugs and kisses.  You are a great helper in bringing Maddy toys or helping me with diaper changes.  You told me last week that you want to have another baby like Maddy (and no, that won't be happening).

You still love your paci and you often tell us you want to give it to Maddy, but by nap or bedtime you want it back again. Fortunately we are down to only 1 paci (from the 8 or 9 you had in your bed this summer!) for you. You've been biting holes in them so we keep throwing them away. We plan to get rid of it soon once you are fully potty trained (one thing at a time).

You can wear a variety of sizes.  You are mostly in 2T, however they are quite roomy in the waist.  You can still wear some 18-24 month shirts and pants, but they are a little short in the legs.  You are wearing size 6 and 7 shoes (you are def more of a 6, but you hate your shoes to be too tight so you prefer larger sizes).  You wear a size 4 diaper at nights.

 

We are in the thick of potty training with you and you have been catching on rather well.  You mostly are full potty trained with #1, just a few accidents here and there when you get busy playing.  #2 is a different story and sometimes you make it to the potty and others it ends up in your panties or diaper.  You still struggle with going potty in new situations and with someone you aren't familiar with (at school, church, MOPS, etc.).

You seem to love going to "school" once a week.  You love to show off all of your papers and crafts.  You have adjusted really well.  The only downside to it is you seem to be the one bringing home (and sharing) the germs this year.  Sicknesses hit you pretty hard and you are a rather difficult patient (you come by it honestly...so was your Mama).  This fall you have had several fevers and colds, croup, ear infection and a stomach bug.  We're hoping you stay healthy for a while!

 

You are definitely keeping us on our toes.  The 2's can be tough at times, but it is also a hilarious and fun stage!  So many days I just wish I could keep you at this age forever.  We love you, Avery Leigh and we're so thankful for all that you bring to our family.

Happy two and a half, big girl!