I don’t have an appointment scheduled for Annie’s three year well-baby visit yet. Partially because when we went in for her late vaccination a few months ago, Dr. Looove told me there was no rush to get her in for her three year visit. And partially because the flu is out of control, and even though we’re all flu-shotted-up, I am still avoiding all places where flu germs will be extra-prevalent. And partially because I just realized right now that I should probably schedule it. I guess I will call during office hours tomorrow! I do love seeing Dr. Looove.
head: 20 3/4
height: 38.5 inches
weight: 35.4
hair: enviable
(month one, month two, month three, month four, month five, month six, month seven, month eight, month nine, month ten, month eleven, month twelve, month fifteen, month eighteen, month twenty four, month thirty)
In the last six months, all the classes we’ve enrolled Annie in have really helped her blossom. It’s been important to us that Annie be in different environments with kids her age, and I think it’s benefited her tremendously. I’m hoping she’ll make a good friend in one of these classes and we can start having some play dates. She’s in a bit of a rough spot with the rest of her friends. They are either too far away for regular meet-ups, or they are a year or two older and in school. So hopefully she’ll have some new buddies soon.
We’re also very happy with how Annie responds to her teachers and coaches. She listens well and follows directions. She doesn’t always do those things at home, which I know is typical, but I really want her to understand that teachers and coaches are people who are to be respected and honored. She’s loved all of her teachers so far, and I hope she always does.
It’s crazy to think that when it’s time for her half-year update, she’ll officially be a big sister (resisting the urge to delete that out of fear). She talks about her baby brother every day. “What’s my brother doing? What does he want to eat? Can I teach him a song?” I really, really can’t wait to see her with him…even though I know she’s going to be excited at first, and then be like, “um, why is he still here?”
I’m still wrapping my head around her being three years old. We’ve passed all the last markers of baby-hood: she’s potty trained, going to classes, sleeps in a regular bed. It’s all downhill to her driver’s license.
TonyaM says:
Such a precious child! Her personality just radiates from pictures. And her hair…enviable is absolutely the right description! When my girls were three, I was proud that we finally had enough hair to style into a short bob!
KHorn says:
I’m not sure about where you live, but in Texas preschools are really popular. My 2 year old and 4 year old both go to a little school two days a week from 9-2. It has helped so much with their socialization. Especially my 2 year old. It’s a great way for them to get out of the house and play with friends a couple of times a week, as well as start learning how to behave in a school setting. And it gives me a few hours to get things done each week. Again, I don’t know how all that works in California, but just thought I would suggest it.
Heather says:
She will be starting preschool in the fall!
khorn says:
Great! I’m sure she’ll love it!
Holly says:
She is so darn cute, and that hair!!! How did you get her to sit still long enough to straighten it? My little curly-top just turned 3 and would love a playdate with Annie. I’m guessing Ohio is just a little too far though!!
Heather says:
I didn’t straighten it, it’s just brushed and she currently has so much hair that all the curls are stretched out. We’ll see if they ever come back!
Holly says:
Oh my gosh, sorry to have assumed that! I remember thinking our girls looked alike for a long time because of the curly hair, but my daughter’s definitely hasn’t straightened out on its own. I’ll be battling those curls for life! I kinda wish Annie had tight curls b/c I’m gonna need your hair tips going forward!
Heather says:
I do too! I am sad that she seems to have outgrown her curls. But, she’s getting a haircut today so we’ll see if some of the weight being gone helps bring her curls back to life.
Chris says:
I was going to ask if you ever got her hair cut, I remember you saying everyone was opposed to it. I bet her curls come back.
Maris says:
Love her hair. She’s going to make a great big sister
Em says:
Oh god she has the greatest hair!!!! What did you guys end up doing about her getting it cut – I remember there was a post about the great trim debate a while back?
Heather says:
She’s getting a cut later today!
Amy says:
Ah, your lovely girl: so beautiful. Hope you all have a wonderful year!
JennS says:
How do you take care of her hair?! My mom cut mine short around that age (and every couple years) because of all the crying when she tried to brush it. My aunt still talks about the screaming when she tried to brush my hair…
Heather says:
I was it every three or so days with shampoo for curly hair. On the in-between days I usually wet her hair down and then comb through it. She also knows that getting her hair brushed is just part of the daily routine, and if she protests she doesn’t get to go wherever we’re going (that usually works). I also sing the Rapunzel hair brushing song, LOL.
Tara says:
Gosh, she looks so grown up in these pictures!
Bianca says:
I LOVE her hair. Do L’Oreal want her for any kids shampoo adverts yet?!
Christina says:
I have a friend with a 3 and a half year old and she just had another baby. The big sis was so cute – she thought her baby sis would pop out ready to run around and play with her. She found the baby a little boring at first but has since gained some enjoyment from playing mommy and helping feed the baby, she gently rubs her head and kisses her. It is so cute. You’re just going to melt, I’m sure.
Glenda says:
My daughter had curly hair like Annie and when I cut it I thought the curl would be gone, but if you just scrunch it with your hand it comes back
When she went through puberty the curls stretch some, but even now she scrunches it w/ a lil mousse and she’s good to go.
Annie’s hair is gorgeous. Can’t wait to see after the cut.
Amie says:
Her hair! I’m jealous. I have a very verbal feisty almost three year old And we live near you. Just sayin…. happy birthday Annie!
Kelly says:
She is a beautiful girl! Happiest of happy birthdays to her.
Jeanie says:
Driver’s license? Yikes! All of those pictures are so cute.
Trisha says:
Jsut wait Mom!! She will be starting preschool soon and graduating into a booster seat from her regular car seat. Those were both hard days for me
Kimberly says:
Hi Heather, I’m in Simi and my daughter will be 3 in february. We are looking for a friend for play dates too. You can message me on facebook if you are interested. =-)
http://www.facebook.com/koober1
Would love to meet both of you. I’ve followed your blog for years.
Kimberly
Laurie says:
I can’t believe how big she is! And her hair is just gorgeous. Thank you for sharing all these milestones.
Greis says:
All that hair. It’s gotten so LONG!! LOVE!
Meg says:
Happy birthday Annabel!
Heidi says:
THE HAIR! Enviable is right!
From what you’ve written about her it sounds like she has the same strong maternal instincts as her Mama. I think there’s a good chance you won’t see anything but love for quite a while. While my daughter (4.75 years) fights like crazy with her older brother and would like to send him away, she still thinks her “baby” brother (20 months) is still the best ever and can do no wrong. Even when he bits her twice in 24 hours, unprovoked, breaking the skin and leaving a bruise, she is never upset with him. It’s weird, because she is very…ahem…difficult…about everything else. Sure there have been times she been jealous, but she doesn’t see it as his fault or blame him in any way because he’s her baby. It melts your heart, these little girls who love so deeply.
Marti Birdsall says:
Wow, Annabel is absolutely stunningly beautiful!
Catherine says:
Wowsers, she is such a lovely girl. My daughter (also three) would weep over her hair, alas, my own female progeny is not blessed with such tresses. My sons on the other hand – mini Samsons. Totally not fair. Happy birthday to your sweet little Annabel!
Pgoodness says:
She is gorgeous.
Auntie_M says:
What a beautiful young lady your Annabel Violetgreat is: inside and out. It has been such a delight to watch her go from Binky to 3 years old in what seems like the blink of an eye!
XOXO Annie!!
Auntie_M says:
What a beautiful young lady your Annabel Violet is: inside and out. It has been such a delight to watch her go from Binky to 3 years old in what seems like the blink of an eye!
XOXO Annie!!