We're quickly approaching Buggy's 3rd birthday and I am both excited and terrified at thought of having a preschooler. That's right, a PRESCHOOLER! Our lives have been turned upside down this year. Not to our surprise, Bug has continued to develop into an unbelievably witty, funny, routine-based, [most of the time] rational human being. She is still more cautious than most of the other kids her age, but she's slowly getting the courage to jump more freely and run with less caution. I think these are both really great things, considering how calculated she is most of the time.
I think in my last post, I addressed the hardship of having such an unbelievably witty child who questions everything and at the time, tested us for the sake of driving us insane (obviously---ha!) and the emotional and mental toll it took (for at least a month or so, anyway). Well, after I wrote that blog entry, Bug did a complete 180. All of a sudden, both in and out of school, she became more cooperative, more loving, and less unwilling (to do anything). I thought it may have been a phase, but it's turned out to be a fairly long phase. Thank you, Jesus! After much mental exhaustion, we seem to be headed in a reasonably positive direction. Aside from the occasional "bad day," things seemed to have settled down. (I'd like to attribute this to our awesome parenting skills, but I really think God heard our prayers [and felt our tears] and decided to throw us a bone.) For that, I am so grateful. I'm sure the next "phase" is lurking around the corner because as we've learned with children in general, all good (and bad) things must come to an end and childhood seems to be one endless phase after the next.
Although Buggy's endless questions can sometimes drive us insane, it does have it's benefits. She's endlessly posing questions and has a "need" to know WHY. From stories I hear about Daddy's childhood, I'm pretty sure her inquisitive nature is genetic. Because of this, she's become a quick learner. Explaining things to her is what maintains her (as well as our) sanity (for a lack of better phrase). She yearns to know the rules, know what her boundaries are, and once they've been set in place, rarely ever steps outside of them. We feel so blessed that for the most part, we have a kid who's ability to follow rules and stay within her boundaries is exceptional. However, we are still continually helping her to learn how to deal with unforeseen changes-- in schedules and routine.
Buggy continues to be picky about whom she shows her love and affection towards and that's something I think most people who know and meet her, struggle with. She is not as willing to give hugs and kisses to people she doesn't know or hasn't seen for awhile. Once they've gone home, she incessantly talks about missing them. I guess it's just her personality. However, when she loves, she loves with a HUGE heart, lots of kisses, and lots of big bear hugs. We've learned to give her space so she feels less overwhelmed and to let her work her way through a crowd of people at parties. When she's not pushed to give the hugs and kisses is when she gives the best ones. To do it on her own terms. This is no surprise and seems to be the unending theme of her short life.
I feel like I have found a best friend in Buggy already and she's not even 3 years old. She's witty and makes me laugh harder than most adults. Her imagination is through the roof and when we get home from school, she spends the entire night (before bath time), changing into different costumes and princess dresses and plays pretend. I'm not even sure I talk to the real Buggy when we're home! Most days I feel like I'm with Princess Elsa, Mommy Buggy, Meow Meow Buggy, Froggy Buggy, or Baby Buggy...and her ability to go from one character to the next amazes me. In a matter of 2 seconds she can change from one character to the next so it would behoove you to keep up to pace when you're around her.
Other Updates:
Buggy had her first dance recital in June. She was AMAZING. I can't even begin to tell you how proud I was of her! I'm sure this will be one of the many, many proud-almost-to-tears moments I'll have with Ella. She's a rock star.
Mamang and Papang had their 60th wedding anniversary in June and we were fortunate enough to spend some quality time with tons of cousins!
Can you believe that this is only HALF of the beautiful family my grandparents made? Talk about being blessed!
She is thrilled to be at a wedding ceremony for her great-grandparents.
We've spent more time at the beach this summer than any other summer in the 3 years that Bug has been alive. She's slowly getting accustomed to the beach, but still affirms that she "doesn't like the beach, but likes the ocean." And I cannot help, but to capture the same moment between Bug and Dad over and over again. Obviously witnessing their love for one another never gets old. Never.
The greatest Daddy out there. Swoon. Am I right, ladies? :)
Someone's realizing that her hair is starting to get in the way. So she's learning to deal with it...a.k.a.put it up in a ponytail.
Over 4th of July weekend we made our way to northern California for a wedding for one of my sorority sisters. I won't tell you who, but someone was searching for the dance floor during cocktail hour, was the first on the dance floor during dinner, and pretty much almost the last one off when the bride and groom were cutting their cake. We went up the night before so we could have some quality time as a family.
The two tannest people I know.
The wedding took place at Clos La Chance Winery in San Martin, CA.
This diva chose her own dress and shoes from her closet...and she wore it proudly.
Because it was such a special occasion, someone even got her nails done at "Mommy Spa."
So handsome.
Watching the bride walk down the aisle. Mesmerized...or in love with her dress.
Cocktail hour with my dates.
The day after the wedding, we headed to Sacramento to celebrate the 4th and to celebrate Mady and Myranda's 10th birthdays! I can't believe ten years has gone by since these two entered our lives and we have been so blessed since. We love these girls and the special attention they give to Buggy and how well they take care of her melts my heart.
This last weekend, celebrated Buggy and Lo's birthdays with a joint Little Mermaid/Under the Sea party! Thank you to Mama and Papa, who let us turn their backyard into a legitimate ocean, with splash pads and jellyfish!
Desserts made by Uncle Kris! Yum!
Splash pads were courtesy of Pump and Splash. SUCCESS!
The two birthday girls!
Hands down THE BEST party we've ever attended.
I am so grateful to be this girly's mommy. No other kid could test my patience and fill my heart all at the same time. :)
God Bless,
Kat
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