I am a few weeks behind here on Roxy's birthday post. But in my defense for the three weeks prior to her birthday we had two sets of family visiting, spring break, a joint birthday party, and several outings from Tucson; including a trip to the Phx zoo, and a weekend trip (on Roxy's actual birthday) to Las Vegas for Andy's Super Spartan race (which he rocked!). So, I have now finally caught my breath, got the house back in order, and the kids used to the normal routine again. So I can finally catch you all up on the missed events & milestones that occurred these past weeks.
In some ways it is easy to believe that our Roxy is three. She has seemed to be older for awhile now. We were released from speech therapy in January, and she speaks like no one's business. She has full conversations and imaginative play sessions with June. She also enjoys putting Cora in her place, but offers baby sister a helping hand when needed. All in all she is a sweet girl with a major terrible three attitude going on right now. Because I knew a posed photo shoot for her 3rd birthday would most likely not go over well, here is a candid of our Roxy-girl at the recent Sabino Canyon trip with her cousins.
Dear Roxy:
When I close my eyes, I imagine you with your long blond hair hanging in your eyes. Your mouth is quirked up into a mischievous smile, or down into a huge pout. And your large beautiful blue eyes are most likely sparkling with either some sort of amusement or swimming with tears. The reason I cannot decide if you are happy or sad when I imagine you, is because you change between the two emotions in a lightning flash. If something doesn't go your way you are instantly in tears or having a tantrum. The speed of your transformation from happy to sad can be astounding.
But it is so wonderful to see you understanding and really interacting with the world around you. In the past you would often let your siblings push you around, and instead of standing up for yourself, you would just get out of their way. But, with the vast improvement of your communication skills, you have also started standing your ground (both verbally and physically).
You have also recently discovered that you can pester your older sister...rather easily as it turns out. You really enjoy tweaking her tail. Some of your favorites are saying nonsensical things, calling her the "bad guy" in your joint games, and spitting or just touching her. It can be pretty funny for your Dad & I to watch you drive June crazy.
As I already mentioned, you love to put Cora in her place. You continually remind her that she is the baby & she isn't old enough to play your big girl games. But then often you will help her join in the fun and will rush to her aid when she is in trouble. Your caretaking and mommy instincts are very strong. And most of your imaginative play sessions involve making house with your ponies, cars, or plastic animals.
Beside playing house, you continue to love puzzles, fitting small shapes and objects together, playing in the dirt/rocks/sand outside, and tying knots in everything that you can. You also love movies (Frozen, which you call "Frost" is your current favorite), Disney Jr. cartoons on TV, and playing with Lincoln's iPad whenever you get the chance. You seem to be a little scientist or engineer in the making.
One of the things that is so unique about you is that you are so so stubborn. You will often refuse to do things if told to do them...even if it is something that you enjoy. You have been really struggling with your place as the middle girl. You aren't the oldest, and you are no longer the baby, although you wish at times to be both. You will insist on buckling your own car seat, even though it takes forever, and yet you will refuse to go potty on the toilet, although you are perfectly capable of doing so. It is a tap-dance for your Dad & I to try to figure out how to get you to do what we want/need you to do without setting off your stubbornness or making you cry/tantrum. This age is loads of fun. However, the rays of sunshine that you cast off when you are being sweet to your siblings, cuddling with us, and having a good time smiling and laughing are all well worth your three year old attitude.
I can't wait to see how far you have come by your next birthday. I'll bet you are as awesome as you are stubborn. As sweet as you are smart. We love you to pieces little Rock-a-roo & can't imagine our family with out you in the middle of it all.
Love,
Your Mommy.
XOXOXOXO
