Keaten,
This past year has been crazy. The amount you have accomplished is outstanding and you continue to show improvement in working towards your own independence. You are a unique character and your personality has continued to bloom into a toddler with a mission. We're not sure if that is a good or bad thing yet, but it has been entertaining to say the very least.
We started off the year with you still in diapers. You showed little care in the world on whether or not you took on potty training, then one day, I (Daddy) had enough. I deemed it the last day we'd buy diapers and I took you potty every 30 minutes to get you accustom to it. To say you put up a fight, would be an understatement. It took a few days, but in the end, you were mostly potty trained. It was funny to watch you barter for prizes, as you ran into the bathroom, you'd yell, "Mommy, 1 truck, 2 candies", of which I'd scoff, and you'd inject "Okay, 1 truck, 1 candy." I'll remember those days for a long time, as they gave us a nice glimpse into who you are, and how you are beginning to shape yourself.
You have really fine-tuned your negotiating skills this year too. From the experience you gained during potty training, to your chores, to simply eating dinner and negotiating dessert. You know what it is you want, and you'll typically start asking for more, until we negotiate down to what it was you truly wanted. Quite admirable for a 3 year old, but keep in mind that we've caught on and we're going to make you work even harder for it now! I'm not sure how you will utilize these skills in your future, but I imagine you'll be negotiating punishments one day; when that day comes, I'm not sure I'll be able to hold back my laughter.
With Brianne in Pre-K and then starting Kindergarten, you've had a lot of 1 on 1 time with Mommy. Play dates became a norm for you, you made a lot of friends through Brianne's classmates and their birthday parties, Bible Study Fellowship, and visiting Word of Bounce and Little Greenhouse. You've really enjoyed your time alone with Mommy, and just between you and I, I think Mommy did too. It won't be too much longer and you'll be starting Pre-K as well. What Mommy will do when both of you are in school, I haven't a clue.
Of course, the kitchen has been your new go to place this past year. From helping Mommy bake goodies, to raiding the fridge for cheese and tortillas, you seem to have a likeness to it. Additionally, you enjoy a bowl of cereal every morning and a ripe gala apple is always one of your go to snacks. I'm actually surprised you haven't turned into an apple yet, considering how many of them you eat. You know what they say, "An apple a day, keeps the doctor away!", time will tell how true that may be for you, as you definitely have an apple a day (at a minimum).
We filled your summer with an adventure this year, and you handled it pretty well. From hiking in Hocking Hills, visiting Nana and PawPaw in Tennessee, fishing, visiting the Zoo and the Wilds, seeing Big Muskie, and so much more! You were in awe of the Big Muskie's scoop, and you successfully walked a few of the hikes we did, but we're insistent to ride in the backpack for a few as well. Next year, I imagine you will be ready to tackle everything we throw at you. I look forward to seeing your adventurous side grow and your ability to walk/hike without any assistance. Next year, I want you to become more comfortable with your own abilities, realize you are capable of doing most of the things we ask and to push yourself to do even more than we ask.
Over the next year, I want to encourage you to work hard on your education, learning to count, your colors, letters, and so forth. I want to see you put more effort into it and not the three year old mentality of "I don't want to" or "I can't think." I know that you've achieved some progress in this area already, but I also know you are capable of a lot more. You are a bright little boy. You've surprised us with the vast amount of knowledge you do know, such as, being able to name every train character in Chuggington (and that is no small feat), we can only imagine what new things you will learn next year and how you might apply that information into your everyday life.
Love,
Mommy and Daddy
