Monday, July 05, 2010

Kathryn at 3 1/2!!!

In the busyness of the fourth of July celebrations, it just hit me this evening as we were bathing the kids that today Kathryn is three-and-a-half!!! (Good thing we had a family fun day and spent time together today just playing and hanging out, and then went to Bruster's for ice cream after dinner!) So, here is a very-needed update of our not-so-little girl these days. Kathryn has become quite the sweetheart. Gone are the long days of constant discipline, and instead they have been replaced with sweet times together. Of course she still needs some, umm, guidance often enough, but in general she is truly a joy.
She loves riding her "big girl bike" with training wheels, and even does cool tricks while riding (that she came up with by herself). Check it out!

She loves to sing, and knows the words (and motions) to more songs than I can count. Her favorites are Amazing Grace, Come Thou Fount, and Jesus Loves Me (at bedtime). She also knows countless Bible verses because of hearing them in songs.

She still takes one afternoon nap, although oftentimes her nap is either in her recliner chair (in her bedroom) or on the floor. In fact, even at night, she usually falls asleep in one of those places as opposed to in her actual bed.
She plays with various things on various days, so depending on the day/week, she is into different things. She loves to do arts and crafts (coloring, gluing, painting, etc.). She also still loves playing outside, no matter how hot it is, or even if it's raining (although that hasn't been a problem lately!).

Kathryn is really into picking out her own clothes, and most of the time does a pretty good job of it (as in, they actually match, at least somewhat). We have walked out the door in some pretty interesting outfits, though, too! Her most frequent request with what to wear, though, is anything that will make her a princess (usually some pretty, frilly dress). She loves to be dressed like a princess.
Kathryn has been learning a lot lately! She's started writing some letters. She wrote this "K" all by herself (after I demonstrated how to do it)!!! Can you tell how proud she is?!?

(On a side note, check out her leggings and high heel dress up shoes, a great example of one of her more "interesting" outfits!) She has also been working on recognizing her lower case letters, sounds of letters, recognizing numbers (and reading the numbers on a clock), counting past 20, and more writing/drawing. We don't do a regular learning/school time yet, but I recently got her some basic preschool workbooks to do together when we have a moment. Her latest big accomplishment has been learning how to spell her name so that she can tell others. We made up a song to the tune of Bingo (you know, the dog song), and after one day of singing it, she knows how to spell her name! We are so proud!!!

She loves that Daddy is a baseball coach, and can tell you quite a bit about the game of baseball. That also makes us proud!
She's quite funny, too. The girl loves treats. As you can see in this photo, she was hamming it up while eating a lollipop! Two of her favorite treats are chocolate and gum!
She also loves doing big girl things, like helping out at the grocery store, cleaning, water flowers, etc. I see a lot of my personality in her in that she loves to be useful!
Looking like a movie star at the beach!

Kathryn has an amazing understanding of spiritual things, and we already see a love for the Lord in her heart. We pray daily for that love to continue to take root and grow, so that she may live for Him.



Kathryn, we love you more than words can say. We are so proud of the little girl you have become, and can't wait to see how God continues to mold and shape you into the person He has made you to be. Keep following Him and loving Him with your whole heart.

6 comments:

Daniel and Kimberly Jordan said...

wow...she's so grown up. i LOVE the last beach pictures--gorgeous!

Cindy Perdue said...

Love the pictures!!!!! I would like to have some copies of the beach pictures, if you don't mind.
She is a beautiful young lady.
Love to all!!!!!!!!!!

Krisha said...

She's so beautiful! I love all the photos. Priceless! I cannot believe how much she's grown and matured. The pix with her hair braided- you better keep those away from the boys!! She's gonna be a heartbreaker. She just looks so old and sophisticated with her hair. So... I decided she does look like you b/c she has that great chin/jawline and looks great with hair down or hair pulled back :)

The Crabtrees said...

Hi Cristen,
Great photos. She's so beautiful.

The Crabtrees said...

Hi Cristen,
Great photos. She's so beautiful.

The Riggalls said...

This is wonderful to read! You've done a wonderful job, Cristen. She is absolutely beautiful!