My 3 Year Old Girl!

Ashton is three! There is no possible way I can describe Ashton in a blog post. You just have to meet her and be around her. Ashton is a joy and privilege to raise! After three years of being with this girl, I can honestly say she is my best friend. I love having her around and being with her.

I love that she always knows when someone needs a hug or a smile. Randomly, she will come up to me and say, "I love you" or "Smile Mommy!" She's beginning to say sorry after consequences are given, which I appreciate. Deep down, Ashton is considerate of others. She recognizes when other kids are sad and tries to help them. Often, she picks up on when I'm feeling frustrated and will ask why I'm mad. Every time, this humbles me and helps me realize that my emotions impact her.

Her drive and ambition are strong. She is persistent and motivated to do well. If you need to get somewhere quickly, you simply have to "race" her and she will run full speed. Ashton desires to work hard and always wants to participate and help. I cannot bake or cook anything without her next to me, helping.

It's fun to see her vocabulary continue to expand. It seems like each day brings a new word or two (or ten). Her storytelling abilities are great and I love listening to her rendition of events. I am surprised at what she remembers. Lately, Ashton talks about events happening "months" or "years" ago or in the future. Such as, "I get to see Nana and Papa in three months." Thankfully, she has inherited the talent from her dad of making up songs as she goes. Joseph has always done this and Ashton follows in his footsteps. I always laugh at these because most of the time, she's able to rhyme with her made-up songs and they have a good tune. Ashton loves to sing songs from church or ones around the house. And the piano is a wonderful thing to her too.

Unfortunately, Ashton has begun the behavior of asking "why" to EVERYTHING! "Ashton, we need to get in the car to go to preschool." Ashton's response, "Why?" And it just keeps going and going! I did this as a kid too so I feel it's justice that Ashton does it as well. All the time!!! Why? Why? Why? I never realized why my mom said, "Because I said so" as often as she did. Now I do! Naturally, she is a curious girl so wants to know how everything works.

Socially, Ashton is an extremely social girl. She loves to be with her friends and talk to people. Anytime she sees a dog, she demands to pet it. Ashton will walk up to the owner and ask to pet it, no hesitations. At times, I worry about stranger danger but we'll get there. Very rarely is she shy. Maybe if she's embarrassed but that's about it.

Typical Day:
Wake up between 7 and 8am
Morning activities (either preschool, playgroup, grocery shopping, etc.)
Lunch around noon and show time
Nap from 1:30-4ish. Preschool wears her out so she takes extra long naps on those days.
Visit the park almost every day after nap.
Bedtime around 8:30 and falls asleep around 9 most nights. She could probably drop her nap most days and push the bedtime earlier but I prefer naptime since it overlaps Tanner's naptime.

Her first picture home.

1 year old Ashton

2 year old Ashton

So proud to be 3