Maybe Ava will learn to eat faster!

How long until her birthday?

What is it with three years old that makes your child suddenly turn from an angel looking to please you any chance she can to a sassy know-it-all overnight that has to make sure you know they know it all every second of the day?

I swear, no one ever prepared me for three years old. You always here about the Terrible Two's but nothing, I repeat NOTHING, about three. I promise you though, ask any mom that has a three year old, and they will tell you the same thing. Their child must have been abducted on their birthday because there is no way they created something like that.

Why is it such a big secret though? Are people afraid the childless people of the world will never have children if they knew it gets worse after two? With all the hype that two has, I doubt anyone would believe it could get worse, right.

Well, I think my new mission for a little while will be to spread the word about three. Now, I won't be an alarmist. There is no reason to incite panic for something that is inevitable. I simply mean to inform the public of the frustration three holds, and that they will not be alone. There is no reason to keep the fact that your child may have been abducted a secret because there will be every other parent of a three year old right there to claim the same thing.

Oh, can you tell it has been a rough week ? Let's just say that bedtime could not come fast enough in this house lately.

My little ballerina

Ava started her first ballet class today. She has been so excited for this day for months. She woke up this morning all concerned that we would be late for class. Apparently, three and a half hours to get ready is pushing it. Thankfully, we were able to get there on time.

Ava has been talking about her "ballet girls" for weeks and couldn't wait to meet them. She ran up to each one as they arrived to introduce herself. They were not as outgoing as she was though. This was slightly upsetting to Ava, but they all quickly warmed to each other.

Ava did so well in her class. She listened much better than she cares to at home, of course. She danced her little heart out today with such excitement. I was so proud to see her plié and relevé over and over to the music. She even had the best little star jump of the group.

I think the most excitement she had though was getting two stamps on her hand at the end of class. She has a pair of pointe shoes and a smiley face. She told me that she isn't taking a bath tonight so it won't come off. I didn't fight her one bit on that even though she really needs one. I am just so thrilled that she loved her class. It is great to see your child loving something that you love just as much.

So much for science!

I took Ava on Sunday to the de Menil museum in Houston. She had a great time looking at all the art they had. She learned the difference between painting and sculpture, and she had some great observations about things. I was pretty impressed. She told me that she really enjoyed the art museum.

As we were walking out, she starts to ask me about the other types of museums there are. I explained that she already knows the Children's Museum. Then, I start to name off the other ones. I told her about the Natural Science Museum. I told her that she would love that one because there is so much fun stuff to do there and we could go there later this week.

She thought about this for a few seconds and says, "I don't want to go there, Mommy." I asked her why she didn't want to. She really suprised me when her response was, "It's too science-y, Mommy."

Oh geez! I guess I don't have a Marie Curie on my hands. Maybe a Grace Hartigan though by the look of her drawings.

Our newest family member!

I traded in a lot of credit with Daniel, and I convinced him to let me bring home a stray kitten from my parents'.

She was extremely sick (re: near death) a few weeks ago. I just really connected with this cat. I had to have her, and that is something I swore I didn't want for years. There is something special about this cat though. She is very well socialized from spending two weeks running around the vets office. She lets the kids manhandle her like I have never seen a kitten do. Bella is still adjusting to the idea of a new friend in the house, but she should come around soon. At least I hope she does.

Anyway, this is Gigi. BTW, Daniel insisted that he be able to name the cat when I first brought the idea of her up to him a few weeks ago. Tell me I didn't know she would be coming home with me. LOL

Where there's water...

...there's Leila!
It is so hard to tear her away when she is having so much fun. Leila has been a waterbug since the first moment her feet touched it. If she sees water, she goes straight for it. Trust me, that has created many heartpounding moments in the 15mths she has been on this earth.

I took this picture yesterday when a downpour suddenly hit as we were playing outside. She screamed and screamed when I told her we were going inside. I said to myself, "What the heck. She's only young once." and let her continue to play as I grabbed the camera. I hope she always has that kind of youthful spirit as she gets older.

It's the simple things...

...that make her the happiest. I just finished painting Ava's nails in a pretty pink color. Then, I topped it off with a clear glitter polish. She is so thrilled with me for making her nails pretty. She is going on and on with "I love you, Mommy!". I know it will not always be this easy, so I will cherish this moment.