Third Birthday Photos

I know I am a little late (almost two months) but I am excited to finally share Eleanor’s third birthday photos.  I know it sounds cliche, but I really can’t believe she is already three!  If you haven’t already met Eleanor, you probably recognize her from my galleries.  She is my oldest daughter and is blessed with the cutest little face with big brown eyes, long eyelashes and plump lips…someday she will be thankful for these features.

So far, age three has been wonderful.  Two was…two?!  Everyone told me that having a three year old would be harder than having a two year old.  I remember standing in the pediatrician’s office for a checkup and asking the doctor whether or not three could actually be crazier than two.  She felt pretty confident that Eleanor was “peaking” early and would mellow out soon enough.  We hit the “terrible twos” head on at 18 months.  If you’ve ever read a parenting book, she fit the description of a “spirited child” to a “T”.  She was more of everything – she was more energetic, more emotional, more loving and more irrational than the average child.  But three has been wonderful, I love three.  Other family members and even friends have commented on how much she has matured now that she is in preschool and three.  

She is more thoughtful and always looking out for her sister (even if it means – “let me put my candy up high so Mereny doesn’t eat it and choke”).  She is loving- always telling us that we’re her best friends.  But really, Eleanor thinks everyone is her best friend.  It’s almost May and she is still telling me that I am her Valentine.  She listens better and has more patience.  She is creative, loves to paint and color and also loves her Fisher Price camera.  She listens (not perfectly) and takes turns.  She is becoming independent…she dresses herself every morning and has a very distinct style.  While I “know” this is good, I do struggle with this when we have to go out in public.  I’ve even started posting pictures on instagram with the hasthag #eleanordressedherself if you’re curious.  Outfits usually involve mixing floral with some other very busy pattern.  They are further accessorized with fairy wings, a crown, magic wand and plastic high heels.  She is curious and always exploring.  She is silly, very silly – as you can see below.  She has such a big personality sometimes it takes looking at photos to realize just how small she still is.  Of all the things Eleanor “is”, I think what makes me and Jesse the proudest is that she is happy.

I am excited to finally share her third birthday photos…

Enjoy!