Avery turns Four in a couple days. I have some memories of Three to share and I want to record some details from her party this last Saturday.
We had 27 kids attend! It was a huge party, and it took on its own energy and was incredibly special. We did a bike parade around the park loop, and we played on the playground structures and zip line. I had a cooler full of drinks for the parents and another for the kids, and I ordered a happy meal for every kid. When the happy meals arrived, it was a really fun and exciting energy. Many parents were excited about how much fun their kids had. After it was all done, my face hurt from smiling so hard/long. It was a special day and I felt like I did it right.
Yesterday (Sunday) was a lazy day and I was so grateful that Avery also had a party hangover. I worry about all the memories I'll forget about Avery at this age, but I can never forget her chill yet outgoing nature. She is so flexible and breezy for a three year old. Not getting her way looks like a little girl taking a moment to process the unexpected news with grace, and bouncing away unaffected. EVERY TIME. When we finally got out at 5pm yesterday, Avery led the way on her scooter as we adventured further into our neighbourhood than we ever have on a scooter or bike. Followed by an hour play at a park. It was an unusual Sunday with very few of our routines built in. Too much screen time, non regular meals/times, irregular play, late bedtime, and she was still a peaceful, happy, regulated kid that got a great sleep. My luck is so weird.
So I want to remember how wild Avery's year was. Where she began three, versus where she is now, is just bonkers. A year ago, Avery slept in a crib with a soother, and she wore diapers. I was worried about transitioning away from all those things. Within a month of turning three, Avery was out of all those things and the transition was so easy. My strategy for phasing out Avery's soother wasnt needed because she just understood when I told her that "3 year olds don't use soothers". My worry about toilet training evaporated one weekend when it all just clicked. That first toilet poop was a massive confidence booster, and Avery has been a boss all year with toileting. Communicates well, doesn't get too distracted, and copes well when we cancel or pause an activity for a bathroom break. Avery currently can independently make a bathroom trip on her own, with the exception of wiping her butt. And with Avery's new bed, I was worried about her getting out of bed and leaving her room. I changed the doorknob so I could lock it if things became a problem. And after the first night I realized, if I tell Avery not to leave her bedroom, she won't. I haven't used the lock once.
I'm grateful daily for Avery. I get excited for Four. Maybe it's the year we learn to read. Or write. Maybe it's the year we learn to whistle. And certainly Four will be the year Avery becomes more independent, more physically literate, more caring and compassionate, and so on. The hope I hold for Avery and the future is an amazing feeling, while I try to savour these fleeting times. I'll hopefully always remember Three as a year of incredible growth in all areas.
I love you Aves!
'You better lose yourself in the music
The moment, you own it, you better never let it go'
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