Katie, almost 3

I'm never really sure how Katie sounds to those of you who read the blog but don't interact with her regularly. She's such a confident kid and so much fun to be around. Katie finds joy in everything, even the most mundane tasks. "You're making coffee Mommy? Can I put the sugar in?" Yesterday we went shoe shopping and she was so thrilled to try on shoes. She kept saying that each pair hurt and I think she said that so she could try on more. Today we did laundry in our building's basement laundry room. Not an even remotely exciting place, just a dreary city laundry room, but Katie still manages to have fun. She brought a puppy (Brother), her laundry card, and her doll stroller. There happened to be a girl there about her age and Katie immediately went over to talk to her. Within about 2 minutes, they were playing and chatting and having the best time. I heard her say "I'm Katie. I do ballet. My new friend Anna and Daniella and Sophie B. do ballet too. Do you do ballet? " And she was dancing the whole time she said this. I love the fact that Katie is gaining an identity from taking a ballet class. But I also love the fact that she's so confident and will go make friends with other girls her age. When we go to our friend Kevin's playroom, she's generally the only one among her friends who will talk to the other kids. Recently I heard her shout to the girls across the room, "Big girls. Big girls. Come play with me."

Katie's the kind of kid who looks forward to going to the dentist. Now being the person I am with a zillion cavities, I don't get it at all. But you learn a lot of your fears and apprehensions and I've tried my best not to pass these on to Katie. And Katie loved going to the dentist. She still talks about it. The dentist, by the way, congratulated me on how clean and beautiful her teeth looked and said, "Save your money for braces. She's going to need them."

One of my favorite things is seeing how she entertains herself. Katie sings songs and has imaginary conversations with her friends. She'll make lots of pretend snacks and tea and coffee. And she makes sure to share Meadow's food with her puppies because inevitably Sister or Brother or Cousin is hungry too.