Hannah - 3 1/2

This summer has been a lot of fun with this three and a half year old!  We have enjoyed lots of activities including VBS, library time, swimming lessons, gymnastics and many days at the community pool with friends.  Here is a little glimpse at Hannah right now:

Since her birthday, she has completed half a school year at "speech school."  I can tell a HUGE improvement in her speech from just even 6 months ago.  Her confidence and vocabulary are blossoming (sometimes I have to laugh at what comes out of her mouth now -- "Okay Mommy, I make a deal with you!)  and her articulation is getting stronger all the time.  I am thankful her IEP doesn't expire until her birthday and hope she gets at least another year to fine tune her speech.  We are so proud of our little student!

Hannah is growing more independent every day and we are definitely in the "terrible threes" (that's how I feel a lot of days!)  She has some really good moments when she is listening and obeying really well, and then others where it is a struggle for her to follow directions.  This is especially true when it involves her baby brother who is "getting" her.  I know it's all part of growing up, and we are working on it.

On another note, Hannah is learning so much social skills with the variety of activities she has been doing.  I love watching her interact with others and learn how to be friends with those around her.  This also means her brother.  Like many siblings, there are good days and not as good days.  As most brothers are, Cameron's favorite thing is whatever Hannah has at the moment.  This causes some strife and frustration for our sweet girl.  Then there are other moments when you can see the love she has for her brother ("Cameron, I love you sooo much!")  she is becoming a very caring and compassionate little girl with all of the people she interacts with.  I am excited to continue watching this throughout her activities and the start of preschool in the fall.

I also love watching her play right now, whether it's alone or with her friends.  She is beginning to get an imagination and loves to play "babies", with her kitchen, having tea parties and so much more.  Sometimes, she will go to her room and play by herself for thirty or more minutes.  I'm thankful that she has a good balance of both right now.  She also has been getting into watching movies more.  I have a handful of Disney movies on the DVR and she enjoys watching them off and on. 

Hannah is making baby steps to get ready for preschool this fall.  She has been able to identify the letter "H" for quite some time and now practices writing both an H and A for her name.  I hope to work on the N before the summer is over as well.  With her speech coming right along, she is also starting to sing more songs.  She loves singing her ABCs, Twinkle Twinkle and the You,You, You song from VBS.

We have really enjoyed watching Hannah grow and change over the last six months.  She is a happy girl who brings a smile to our faces and loves her brother.  I am so thankful to have a job that allows me to spend quality time with her over the summer.  Here's to the next six months!