Ofelia will turn 3 in just a couple months. My friend told me a very nice story about how they celebrated their daughter's third birthday: first thing in the morning, cuddled up in bed, they reviewed all the memorable events of her brief but considerable existence. I like this idea a lot.
So much has happened since the last updates that it's difficult to summarize. The theme has been communication. Ofelia went from making up stories only she could understand to more pronounced words and phrases - like, "canu-elpme-opendat?" - to a still somewhat enigmatic but definitely comprehensible language through which we can communicate rather freely. The secret world is opening; we are catching glimpses into what's happening behind those eyes. Case in point: they were studying dinosaurs at school and she was very into it. I asked, "What do dinosaurs eat?" and she said, "Dinosaurs eat meat." This was followed by "dinosaur's gonna eat mommy's face", but then we decided that pizza was better.
She's grown long and healthy. Her breathing is greatly improved, and despite battling a few colds this winter, spring and summer have been mostly unblemished by sickness. We are sooooooo thankful and relieved for this. Instead of worrying, we've been enjoying exploring the natural world around us (mommy activity), getting to know the town (daddy activity), and playing a lot with our friends. Ofelia is still very social,friendly, outgoing, empathetic, and sweet. Mostly well behaved, she is definitely showing signs of a capacity for skillful manipulation. We do not always let her have her way. She's gonna show us both....
Our routine has stiffened up a bit of late, due mainly to me taking on a new job in March. This has been difficult on me, but Ofelia's days have remained stable: Mon, Tue is school, Wed with Daddy, Thurs & Fri back at school, Sat with Mommy. We do family fun time or split personal time on Sundays. I think this is an ideal schedule for her, as she gets a fair amount of stimulation and curriculum during the week, but is broken up with chill time at home. She loves chill time. Ofelia (like most other kids, I suppose) is simply wonderful when properly stimulated. Bored, she becomes difficult and challenges everything, whereas sensory overload makes her meek and she starts wanting to bury her head in the soft of my neck. We strive for threadlike balance. Our assurance comes randomly - she'll suddenly state in a collected way: "Mommy, I'm so happy." [insert heart explosion]
Other things we like to do include frequent trips to the park, visiting with friends, camping, swimming at the pool, playing in the sand at the beach, the discovery museum, short hikes, looking at bugs, building with blocks, snuggling in the big bed in the morning, doing flips, cutting paper with scissors, and reading stories. I try to read before bed each night. Recently, Ofelia is inclined to "read" to me, which is great!
Along with our home photos, I'm including pictures from school. I love these! They give me a glimpse into the piece of Ofelia's life that is outside of "us". We could never provide her with this variety of social experience by ourselves. Being in a safe, comfortable environment with friends her age, lead by ever-patient teachers in endless thoughtful activities is so enriching to her development. Case in point, in her most recent propriety she's started referring to everyone as Miss. So it's not only Miss Laura and Miss Sara (her teachers)... but also "Miss Daddy, can I have some milk?" Daddy doesn't think it's as funny as I do.
I should add here that Ofelia is a fabulously fashionable little girl, being dressed so well by her grandmas. Thank you grandmas!
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