Summer of Fun

Dear Av,

it's been a long while since i last wrote and it's because you've been keeping me so busy!

We just had a fun weekend with 'Papa' down for a visit for his birthday. You guys had a blast playing with play-doh and singing songs and you helped him blow out the candles on the birthday cake.

Potty training is going well with you, you now can push the stool up, lift the lid, put the seat on and go all by yourself! Such a quick learner.

You're continuing your daredevil ways in the swimming pool. We haven't had to use lifejacket or water wings in quite some time - you just wrap a noodle around your tummy. Today though you were getting a bit too brave. Without the noodle, you can't quite keep yourself up out of the water and yet you ran and jumped right in the pool before i was even ready! it didn't phase you though, you just bobbed for a minute under the surface as you are very good at holding your breath, until i grabbed you. then, on the slide, you went time and time again counting out "One two three four five... here comes the big cannonball!!!!" and down you would fly with a big splash. after a while you stood at the top of the slide and leaped off!!! lucky you didn't crank your head :)

We did all kinds of visiting and you were a trooper throughout this summer. At clare's wedding you were an absolute darling going up the aisle in your 'pretty princess dress' with a big smile on your face. lots of kids your age would have balked at the sight of the huge church and dozens of people staring at them, but it hardly phased you - you just strolled up to the front and played your part up on the stage with poise. At the reception, you didn't like your dinner and then fell asleep during the speeches, so you didn't make it upstairs for the dancing, but that was ok, as mom was pretty tired too, as she is pregnant with your new baby sister!

'Baby Elise Ariel', as you like to call her, is due in december and you seem quite excited about it, often kissing mom's tummy and talking about playing with her. you went with mom to a shower for the baby and came home thinking that the new bunny towel was yours; we had to explain it was for elise and you seemed to take it ok - i'm optimistic that you won't be too jealous a sibling.

froggy is still your favourite nighttime pal, you won't sleep without him, nor without 'big blankie'. your favourite foods are still berries and pasta, and will not eat very many vegetables but i got you to try an asparagus a couple of weeks ago. didn't go over well.

you can say your abc's and sing lots of songs. we often dance in the kitchen, which you love, especially up in my arms jumping up and down. dora is definitely your favourite tv shows and princesses are all the rage.