B Nearing The End Of 3

Just two months away from her 4th birthday, I realized I haven't spent much time lately reflecting on who she has grown to be.  I am perpetually astonished by how much she retains (her memory is much like her mother's!), understands, and imagines.  Daily conversations usually leave me laughing, hugging her, or stunned in amazement.  I am a lucky mother.

B loves:
-- all the DC Comics and Marvel Comics superheroes
--Thomas the Tank Engine (although he seems to have lost some ranking to the superheroes these days)
--"How to Train Your Dragon" and "Lilo and Stitch"
--the Disney princesses (as much as I have tried to keep them from her)
--Mac 'n' Cheese...she even tries to order it at Chinese and Thai restaurants!
--the dogs (mostly the younger black one, Au Sable, who she'll often call "my best friend")
--helping with chores and yard work
--insects, especially ants and beetles
--hot chocolate
--spending time with her dad
--going to the playground
--"Downton Abbey", "Family Ties", and "Phineas and Ferb"
--running, running, running
--spending time with her relatives
--playing with her Nabi (children's tablet computer)
--pretending to pick up dog poop
--peppermint tea and butter cookies with mama

B can't stand:
--having to finish her vegetables
--naptime
--the sun going down
--being woken up in the morning
--leaving the house to go out....or going home from a fun excursion
--having to wear winter clothes in the winter
--having things done for her when she wants "to do it all by myself, Mom!"

B misses:
--Michigan friends and teachers
--school and learning (even though she claims not to)
--having friends, in general, to play with

She is loved and hugged and kissed every single day.  I often wonder if my overly-abundant kisses will give her rashes or acne one day.  My favorite moments with her are sipping tea and chatting, watching our favorite movies together, going on excursions where she runs a live commentary of all the things we're seeing, and lying down with her at naptime and watching her fall asleep.  She is funny and smart and witty and kind and (usually) generous.  My heart is so full for this child.  I am so lucky.