Carrington Elle: 27 Months

To a non-parent, 27 months probably seems so random: why is an update needed at 27 months?! But if you've seen a child at this age, you know how much they've changed even since their second birthday, how much they're learning, how their physical and verbal skills are exploding every day. 

So, in honor of Carrie being a fourth of the way through her third year of life, here is an update on our sweet girl:

Social: We have been fairly busy, especially considering the winter weather! C is still fascinated by other kids, especially "big kids" and I can see her confidence grow as she watches them play. Just yesterday at the playground, she watched a couple of boys a little older than her going down the slide on her belly and decided that looked like a great idea! As she climbed the ladders, ran across the bridges, and slid down the slides by herself (not to mention swinging on the big girl swings - don't even get me started!), she literally said to me "don't worry mom. I got dis." Well, ok, then. *Insert silent sob*

We've had several play dates, played at the indoor play gym, gone to the local children's museum, visited the park on a few of the warmer days, done story times, and visited with friends and family. C seems to be like her mom: she's restless and loves to be busy!

Health: Mostly good for the past few months except for a gross 24 hour stomach bug that hit on President's Day. :( My poor sweetie slept a lot and was definitely not herself but at least got over it quickly! 

Learning & Language: This has been the area that has just exploded in the past few months. C has always been a talker, but she's speaking in full sentences now, using words to communicate what she wants: "mommy, come play dollhouse!", and picks up new words and phrases every day. She can identify almost everything with words, make animal noises, recite the alphabet, says her colors, says her family members' names, counts to 10, and has memorized most of her favorite books and recites them back to us. She is definitely the most polite person in our house, always saying "please," "thank you, mommy/daddy!," "excuse me," "excuse you!" (lol), "bless you!," etc. She calls all ice cream "ice cream cake," and just comes up with the funniest things.

Physical/Activity: Not too much new here, still running, walking, hopping, seemingly always moving. She is still daring, but careful as she executes her daring move. Ha!

Behavior: We have our good days and our not so good days (or even moments) when it comes to mood/tantrums/etc. She will get frustrated easily if she can't do something she wants to (like manipulate a toy a certain way, for instance), so we've been working with her on how to handle her frustration. She'll throw the occasional non-sensical meltdown (ie - I don't want to wear pants outside) but is mostly a well-behaved kid. The tantrums are challenging when they occur, but I know they're very normal for the age so we just try to work through them!

Favorites: Loves all fruit, Chipotle (quesadilla, brown rice, and black beans rock her world), pasta, raisins, chicken, and yogurt. Recently started eating broccoli and salad so I'll count that as a veggie win! Favorite shows are Princess Sophia, Mickey, and Angelina Ballerina. Favorite movies are still Frozen, and now we can add all three Toy Story's to that list. She loves to be outside and doesn't mind the dirt (loves collecting rocks, sticks, leaves, and other treasures) but is also quite the girly girl these days: can't get enough of tutus (requests one every day), me painting her nails with Piggie Paint, princesses, jewelry, dancing, etc. Her favorite toys to play with are currently her doll house, baby dolls, legos, and books.

Big Moments: Carrie found out she is going to have a little sister! She talks a lot about being the "best big sister ever" and I don't doubt that she will be for a second. She is so tuned into other people, sensitive, and caring. Next up - potty training! I wasn't in a big rush but she's shown me clear signs so we're diving in head first next week. Bye diapers!

Carrington, you are so, so special to all who know you -- especially your mommy and daddy. :) There is just this spark in your eyes that shows how much you love learning and life. Every day is an adventure with you, and I wouldn't trade one second of it. We adore you and even though we aren't afraid to show it, you'll still never know just how much. <3 All our love, always, baby girl.