.. and a third birthday! Kylee stands at 37.5 inches now, can walk, run, climb, reach almost anything in the place, and is learning to ice skate.
Her powers of hearing and general observation have always been top notch, but now she understands enough around her that it is impossible to get away with anything. She is always alert.
So what else is new?
Her tastes are changing in what she watches on Treehouse TV. Last year, it was 'In the Night Garden', then Barney and 'Toopy and Binoo', and now Dora, Diego and 'Max and Ruby'. She seems unmoved by anything which includes bears and other animals, and it is reflected in her choice of favourite toys. She has been bought bears but ignores them except for one recently. I got it for her before she was a year old, and it is only now that she is starting to carry it around with her.
Mickey and Minnie Mouse have caught her attention too, but the reality is that she only likes the Mickey Mouse and the 'hot diggety dog' songs. There was a Mickey Mouse ride in one of the malls close to us that she liked, but not to ride on unless she shared with another child. On her own, she would sit on the ride and give Mickey a hug, but that is all. No coins required.
The ride has been removed from the mall for reasons unknown, but it is still referred to as the 'Mickey mall' and she still likes to go there. I get some Eastern Indian snacks for lunch, and the same stall just happens to sell kiddie size ice cream cones which go down very well. In the mall is also a 'dollar store' which has baskets on wheels and with long handles, ideal for a three year old to drag around and load up with goodies. Her favourites are 'ring pops' and Maynards Gummy Bears, and she always picks a chocolate bar for me.
I have always encouraged her to share stuff, primarily by example. I try to share whatever I have within reason for a three year old and she is very comfortable with the concept and is eager to reciprocate. Her stock phrase is "I like to share with Babba". This extends to any foodstuff, including her favourite ice cream. She is a very good sharer with everybody, but take liberties with her and you will get the 'look'..
Kylee likes to be useful. It started with cleaning things, the TV screen, the floor etc. She is less inclined to cleaning these days, and has turned her efforts to helping me fix things, to cook with me and bake with her grandmother.
Out and about, she is a pleasure. She likes visual stimuli and is easily pleased. She is as happy to wander through a mall, looking in shop windows, walking backwards, twirling like a ballerina, using hand cleanser stations, sharing a bag of Maynards Gummy Bears as she would be walking through Toys 'R Us. She just likes the thrill of going out and doing grown up things. Even grocery shopping has its pleasures, like the cart at one store which is dressed up in a racing car body.
Her speech is remarkable. Gone is the baby babble. There are still one or two words I don't always understand, but one can have a regular conversation with her now, and she puts herself across, thoughts and feelings, exceptionally well. She also likes to sing, and while travelling around in the Jeep, she gives a full show of talk, songs and general observations as we pass landmarks.
She continues to be kind, thoughtful and caring, and is a truly magical child. Yes, she has her spats now and again, but with so many places to go and so many people to see, sometimes the frustration of having to wait for the 'olds' to catch up is more than she can stand.
Kylee is the ONLY person who gets a hug from me. I am not a 'huggy' type person at all, but in her case, I always make an exception. It is an important part of being one of Kylee's buddies, and I am honoured to be on her buddy list.
