Brianne's third Easter finally arrived and Mommy and Daddy couldn't be more excited. This year we bought a set of Resurrection Eggs to help guide her through the story of Jesus dying on the cross. She patiently sat with us listening to each day's story waiting for her chance to open an egg and peek inside. The best part came at the end when she got to open the white egg (which represented that Jesus has risen) and exclaimed "Oh my, it's empty!". The opportunity we had to explain why was fitting and who knows, it may have stuck with her (time will tell).
Along with the biblical aspect of Easter, we also made her very own Easter Egg Hunt outside our apartment and gave her a basket of wonderful gifts. The basket was made by Grandma Wilkin and was decorated with My Little Ponies (her favorite), and inside it was a new Princess bucket for the splash pads, a My Little Ponies DVD, My Little Ponies stickers and toothbrush, and a soccer ball. Plus as a combined gift, Mommy and Daddy recorded a book for both her and Keaten. To say she was excited would be an understatement, she we full of "Oh My!" and "How Cute..." as she unpackaged each item with the carefulness one would need when working in a nuclear reactor.
This past month our daughter has invented an imaginary friend. We are uncertain if he or she has a name, but what we do know is this imaginary friend tickles her. She'll start laughing and giggling and then run over and say she is being tickled. It is quiet funny and acted out very well. Conversations also have occurred with this friend about a variety of topics from events from television shows to rules that Mommy and Daddy have in place. It should be interesting to see how these friends progress or if they just disappear as quickly as they came.
Brianne has also picked up a few new quotes/phrases to add to her every so adoring arsenal of conversation. Things like "Don't worry", "Everything be fine" come in handy a lot, but are second to the persistent asking of "Are you happy?", "I am very happy". The biggest surprise is that she will use all of these phrases int he appropriate context, seriously take that in. English isn't exactly the easiest language in the world, and a three year old is using full phrases in their appropriate context.
Then when in Lima recently to pick up Elijah for the weekend, Brianne was giving Grandma Claudette a tour of our home being sure to add "my house is on the market" and "this is spacious" throughout the tour. We are beginning to think maybe she should be our realtor. :P
Along with our phrases, we've picked up pouting. We now have a specific spot behind the dining room table that was sit and pout at when we are mad. For example, a few weeks ago, Brianne was ready to go to church because Daddy was leaving for church (he was helping out with the services that day) and so we pouted because it wasn't time for her, Mommy, and Keaten to leave yet. Have we told you she loves church? Obviously enough to pout about not being able to leave yet!
At the end of March, Mommy, Keaten, and Brianne all went and visited Auntie Amber and Uncle Kris. Brianne really enjoyed playing in the fields outside, painting on the windows, on paper, and decorating eggs. She also helped Auntie Amber with dinner and making cookies! From visiting parks, to running around outside all day, this little girl thoroughly enjoyed herself.
Last but definitely not least our little girl decided it was time for her to wear makeup. While Mommy was putting hers on, she decided to grab some for herself and apply it as well. Let's just say, she didn't have the gentle touch required and thus it looked more like war paint, but nonetheless, it is yet another experience that Daddy wished would have waited several more years. :P
We can't wait for this month to come and go and the joys and new adventures it may bring to our lives, let alone the opportunity we will have to share those with you in the next update.
Love,
Matt, Kami, Brianne and Keaten