Elise is getting so grown-up lately. She will be four years old in a couple of months, and I can't believe it. She is growing into such a beautiful, smart, fun, helpful, energetic, independent little girl. I've never known anyone as enthusiastic about life as this kid, and I love that about her. Her smile makes me happy, and her laugh is contagious. I love her more than I can say.
She is my big helper, always willing to do little jobs for me and constantly finding things to fix and put right. We were in Old Navy recently, and she spent the time while I was browsing putting flip flops back on mannequins and picking up stray tags from the floor.
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| wearing her favorite shirt She wants to wear it whenever it is clean. |
I am cherishing her artwork and beginning writing. Seriously, I can't get enough of her creations--so cute. She has also began reading, and she is already pretty good. She is working her way through a big book of Frog and Toad stories by Arnold Lobel. I'm so proud of her for working so hard at reading.
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| drawing a rainbow all on her own |
She loves a good mess, and all sensory activities are her favorite. Silly putty, wet sand, mud, water, play doh--you name it. If it's messy and/or fun to touch, she loves it. She still loves to chew on everything, which is pretty typical for a sensory seeker like herself. She often chews on chewy tubes, which we encourage, and her nails and various other things, which we discourage. I love to watch her during sensory play because she gets so excited and seems to be enjoying herself so much.
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| Fourth of July, playing in wet sand |
She is also a climber, and she is getting really good. She would climb trees all day if we let her. After getting all dirty in the sand on the Fourth on July, she headed right up a tree. Best morning ever!
I love Elise's silliness. She loves to laugh, and she always seems to be having so much fun. She also has a terrific imagination. One of her favorite activities lately is to arrange something randomly and then decide what it looks like; snacks and play doh often get this treatment.
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| This picture was 100% her idea. |
She is also very curious, sometimes even a little mischievous. We were staying with my sister for the night, and she came downstairs in the morning with purple nails. She painted them herself first thing, before anyone knew she was awake. I was just glad she didn't spill any on their white carpets!
Don't worry, we make sure she is punished accordingly when she gets naughty. (Just kidding, this picture is from our visit to the Museum of Natural History.)
Elise is such a little fish! She loves the water. Swimming is definitely a favorite activity. She spends the bulk of her time repeatedly jumping into the pool.
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| at the splash pad |
I love our Lisey, and I am so glad she calls me Mom. She is such a blessing to have in our family.
