Watching Her Grow

March 1, 2007

She’ll be four soon.  To be more precise Marianna’s birthday is only six day away.  I recently looked through some pictures from the last four years and pondered how much she has not only changed physically but personality wise and emotionally. 

Mari’s always had her big eyes that show every expression.  As a baby they quickly darkened to brown and by one they were the same deep shade as her dad’s.  She says a lot with those eye as she raises her eyebrows in happiness or excitement or lowers her (enviably) long lashes when she’s hedging the truth.  

First Birthday

She’s always adored her brother.  If Aiden’s doing it you could guarantee that even as a small thing Marianna would want to do it too.  The times that he is willing to play with her is about 50/50.  They pretend to be “Wild Krats” together, play board games, or chase each other around the house.  But my dear little angel has also learned how to torment her brother.  Frequently our of frustration or even board-um she’ll do the exact thing she shouldn’t like climb on him when he’s doing something or deliberately break something he’s built with his lego’s.

Second Birthday

Marianna also has the system figured out.  My little girl loves stories and at bed time she figured out how to get one additional story.  Since she could ask Marianna has gotten a story read from Mommy and Daddy each night before bed.  About six months ago it dawned on her that her brother could read too.  So after some very “insistent” request at bed time she now gets a story from Mommy, Daddy, and big brother.  

Third Birthday

My favorite developmental change that I see how much more complex Marianna’s imaginative play has become.  A couple of years ago I chuckled when I noticed her hands stared “talking” to each other as if they were people.  Mari now has “friends” like her cousin Ella (who lives in Illinois) or favorite characters from TV shows.  I frequently hear conversations between her Ponies, Little’s pet shops, or babies when she plays.  

My "big" girl

I can’t wait to see what comes in this next year as she continues to grow.  Marianna has been ready to be “bigger” for a long time.  My girl is so ready to catch up and do what her brother can.  We now have to rephrase things and say that she needs to be older to do things.