Skylie,
While browsing some previous letters I'd written you, I came across this note that I wrote when you were six months:
"Once when Dad and I were watching two other babies, they seemed as content and calm as could be. You, on the other hand, were flying from one side of the exersaucer to the other— trying to eat the toys—and letting your presence be known with all your squeals."Your dad said, 'Compared to Logan and Taylor, Skylie acts like she's on crack.'"Dad and I laughed at that memory. It's fun to look back and see how you've changed and grown but also realize the trademarks of your personality that endure. Trademarks, such as your high energy and excitement over even the smallest of events are two characteristics that I love about you.
{Playing at the Indianapolis Museum of Art}
In her Christmas letter this year your Grandma Zane wrote of you:
"[Skylie] loves reading books and will sit for an hour or more if she has someone to read to her...She is a mini Erin who always has to be going or doing something!"You
are an on-the-go little girl. Last summer we spent many a day at the community pool with friends. Many of our outings were shared with two other girls close to your age. While they were--for the most part--content to sit with their moms, you preferred to run around the perimeter of the pool and plunge into deeper water where the big kids played. I'm sure the very pregnant mom chasing after you was quite the sight!
Your spunky personality and zest for life are at times challenging, but they're also some of the characteristics I love most about you!
{Greeting Kaitlyn first thing in the morning}
The theatrics in you test my patience at times. Like yesterday morning: "I WANT MY POLKA DOT JAMMIES ON!!!!!!!!!" But by that same token, you're even more giddy and delightful than you are strong-willed. Yesterday afternoon: "I went to the MUSEUM a-DAY! I got to eat a COOKIE!" (followed by squeals and laughs).
You're a quick learner. I've recently begun teaching you the Church's nursery lessons for Family Home Evening and as a Sunday morning activity. You love having those lessons, and I'm often surprised at all that you absorb. Last week you noticed a family picture I'd used during a previous lesson. You pointed at each family member and exclaimed, "Katins a child a God. And I's a child a God. Daddy's a chile a God. Mommy's a chile a God." Then you lifted your arms over your head making a circle with your arms and announced, "We's ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLs childs a God."
{Giving serious loves to her baby sister}
There's nothing you love more than playing with other kids, eating treats, and climbing into Kaitlyn's crib to wake her up when she should be napping.
{Singing to her own tune--and lyrics}
You also love:
- Making up your own songs
- Playing with Daddy
- Helping take care of Kaitlyn
- Treats of all kind, especially marshmallows, cookies, ice-cream, and homemade granola bars
- Coloring
- Taking baths
- Stealing my makeup brushes and painting the walls with remnants of blush
- Going to the Children's Museum, the store, the mall, and the library--especially for story time
- Going to our church's playgroup. We usually meet at a grandma's house, and lately she's been making treats with you kids. Last week when I asked you if you wanted to go to playgroup, you exclaimed, "I go pway groop at Gramma Pat's! I make COOKIES!!!"
{Reading "The Monster at the End of this Book" with Daddy and Kaitlyn}
This month you:
- Hiked in Brown County State Park with your cousins and great aunt and uncle (Dave and Jenny's family, and Cindy and Brian).
- Partook in the Super Bowl festivities downtown--since Indianapolis is hosting the big event this year.
- Visited the long-awaited and much-anticipated "Panda Bear Store" AKA Panda Express on a daddy-daughter date.
- Toured the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Mom and Dad got dirty looks when you touched the balloon modern art display. Oops.
- Played "basketball" for the first time at the gym with Mom.
{Super Bowl Festivities in Indianapolis}
At 29 months:
- You are potty trained and will usually tell someone when you need to go to the bathroom.
- You are the queen of stalling. Before naps and bedtime you insist on looking at Kaitlyn sleeping in her crib at least four times, won't be satisfied unless we say two prayers, draw out hugs and kisses, and will often say you need to wipe your nose or use the bathroom in an effort to delay the inevitable.
- You still nap, but quite often you don't fall asleep and will instead have quiet time in your room for an hour or so.
- You're strict about not having a single item in your room during naps and when you go to bed. If there's a toy or any item of clothing on the floor, you insist on putting it back.
- You're also quite particular about your blanket. When we say prayers at bedtime the blanket must be on your lap and lying perfectly flat on the floor. Funny girl.
{Falling asleep after church}
We love you more than ever!
Love,
Mom
