The difference a year can make.
2 years old
3 years old
We went to the doctor today and Hailey's three year stats are:
Height: 38.5 inches
Weight: 30.8 pounds
Over the last year she has grown 4 inches and gained 4 pounds.
And because I always thinks it's fun to compare, at 3 years old Tyler was 37 inches tall and 31.8 pounds.
My three year old Hailey.
As I think back over the past few months so much has stayed the same and so much has changed. There are characteristics that I am sure will always be a part of who Hailey is. She is still fiercely independent. She gets no greater satisfaction in life than accomplishing something all by herself. Of course when she wants to do something by herself but figures out she needs a little help it seems to be the biggest insult and nothing makes her more upset. Still she is just so able for just turning three. She gets her self dressed and undressed. She's able to go to the bathroom all by herself (when she chooses to do so), she can put on her shoes and socks, she's excellent at putting crackers on cream cheese, she's a wiz on the computer, she's already starting to read, she tries really hard to buckle her own car seat (but it is really hard and ends up being a LONG and frustrating process. every. single. time.), and she's starting to write her letters (another one of those things where she feels great pride and extreme frustration all within a matter of seconds). I'm sure there is lots more I'm forgetting but the gist of it is one of Hailey's first phrases was "Hailey do it". Now we hear, "I want to do it by myself" all the time.
A good writing example was yesterday when Tyler asked how to spell "gold" so he could write it. Hailey turned around and asked how to spell "anniversary" and then fell to the floor in sobbing tears when her "n" didn't turn out just right.
Hailey is a great talker. She speaks very clearly and uses complex words. She has a few words all her own: "bidit" and "bambaid" and a few words that are just a little mixed up in her mind: bare feet are berry feet, potatoes are tornadoes, grilled cheese is gorilla cheese. She speaks in full sentences and paragraphs but she still is working on her past tense though I happen to love the way she talks right now. Did is "doed (as in dude)" like "he doed it". Here he comes is "here comes him".
Hailey loves reading books, working on puzzles, dancing, coloring, running around the house with Ty, playing with Ty, riding her bike, swinging on swings, listening to music, and she can't get enough TV (which is why we have to limit her). She likes to play pretend and loves playing with her animals. She could still care less about dolls though.
Hailey is very excited to go to preschool next year. As a matter of fact she can hardly wait. Toddler group day is currently one of her favorite days. She adores circle time.
Hailey's emotions still run strong and wild. She can quickly flip from happy to frustrated to mad all with no notice often without any clear reason. When she is upset she needs to be by herself until she feels better. Her misery does not love company. On the flip side, she is a very funny happy girl. She can always make Tyler laugh and has a great sense of humor.
sometimes she's sweet as an angel 
....sometimes she's not
When you watch her close she is constantly observing and often copying Ty but she's definitely not a follower. You can't talk her into something she doesn't want to do. But she does learn a lot from Ty and really looks up to him. It drives her absolutely nuts when she talks to Ty and he doesn't respond (and Tyler knows this which amounts to a lot of "fun" times at our house.....ie drive your mother crazy times). When they are both in good moods Tyler and Hailey can play really well together and have the cutest conversations. All the rest of the time, Hailey has mastered the scream and whine, and most often for no reason at all.
Hailey's got some beautiful crazy hair and we are no where close to getting a haircut.
It's so fun (and sometimes challenging) to watch her grow. I can't wait to see who she turns into. Then again a big part of me wants her to stay little forever. She is already way too old for her age and is growing up way too fast.
and this....
Dave and I were talking today about all this. Hailey loves art projects and drawing and all but she LOVES doing it. Tyler on the other hand LOVES imagining what do and going and doing it. His imagination is huge right now. And Hailey is only three and it's probably not fair to compare them next to each other but still there is definitely a difference between the two.
And family muscle photos
