Terrific {Terrifying} Threes

Henry is becoming quite the abstract painter.  Drawing, coloring, and sticker art are also still lots of fun too.

Our family LOVES the beach.  Henry and I experienced a spectacular sunset on our last trip to the coast.  Henry's favorite beach time activity remains digging.  I think digging (sand, dirt, gravel, etc.) may be Henry's favorite all time activity, period.

We got lucky this past week with a few dry sunny days.  Henry INSISTED we get outside to play and ride bikes. 

Henry and Soph make great companions.  Henry recently tried to bury Soph at the beach.  I am so very, very grateful we have such a patient, tolerant, sweet dog.

This is Henry attempting to pay fetch with Soph.  He's getting the hang of throwing a ball, but I'm not sure he's going to enter the Major League anytime soon.

As for other updates, Henry is growing, growing, growing.  And talking, talking, talking! He is also starting to develop problem solving skills, which means he is learning how to manipulate situations (and ME!) to his benefit.  I find three years old to be a really fun age, but also TERRIFYING, because Henry has developed an opinion about EVERYTHING!  He is very vocal about his frustrations and his desires.  Quick to bring on the tears and/or whining if he suspects I am going to push back.  He has little patience and less tolerance for being told "no."  These are all normal characteristics of a three year old, but it is terrifying to watch my sweet, usually compliant baby turn into an independent, opinionated, strong-willed young boy. Used for good, rather than evil, these characteristics will suit him well (all of which are possessed by his Daddy), but at three, it can be a bit challenging to weather.  I try to remind myself to take deep breaths or laugh off most situations that escalate into tantrums.

Henry's favorite toys these days include Legos, Playdoh, puzzles, construction equipment, trains, cars and trucks.  He likes Dr. Seuss books and any book about vehicles (diggers, tractors, fire engines, cars, trucks etc.).  His imagination is blossoming and he likes to play pretend, hide-and-seek, and constantly wants someone to chase or race him (usually me).  All in all, he is stereotypically BOY!

Currently his favorite foods include hummus with rice crackers, pepperoni sandwiches, spaghetti, cucumbers with Korean hot sauce, cold cereal, chips and salsa, beans, apples, strawberries, honey greek yogurt, and english muffins with mayo (not butter).  Chocolate chip cookies and frozen yogurt are his favorite sweets.