33 mths' milestones

Ashley is definitely developing into her own little person. What's my darling like?

Ashley is sweet. A couple of times, she quietly came up behind me and massage my shoulders and ask "Mommi, got pain pain?" ( i gather tt's bcos she's seen me asking Alan to massage my shoulders.)

Ashley is patient. Even the teachers at JG praised her for it. She waits patiently for her turns at doing craft activities, washing hands, playing at playground. And she sometimes even halts me when i tell her to go ahead. :-)

Ashley is cautious, but willing to try given lots of encouragement. I noticed this whenever she's faced with challenges that she's not confident of doing, such as climbing boards, obstacles activities. Initially, she needs me to guide her, but subsequently she grows confident enough to do it on her own. (P/S: I like that my Ashley isn't reckless to plunge headlong into new activities, but instead observes, n reacts with caution.)

Ashley is asserting her own independence. There are just so many incidents to cite - dressing/undressing herself, choosing which videos she want to watch, which clothes/shoes to wear, what activities she wants to do.

Ashley is obedient (to a certain extent :-P). Most times, she's cooperative enough and listens to me, especially when i raise my voice and let her know i m serious. This is clearly evident during mealtimes when i tell her she must eat all the different types of food i place on her plate, be it fish, meat, veggies, rice, noodles, etc... Alan and my mil both tell me Ashley doesn't eat wat they tell her to eat... hmmm... this leads me to the next characteristic.

Ashley is a smart little cookie. Like most kids, she knows how and to whom to play out her cards. She knows i don't accept nonsense with her and so, she doesn't really try out her luck with me. But when it's Alan or my mil or other pple, she can be rather naughty too.

Ashley is more sensible and independent. I still remember abt 4-5mths back when i started on my new job. There was a time when i had a conference call at 9pm, which is her bedtime. I told her daddi will sleep with her first while mommi work and when mommi's work is done, i'll go in n be with her. She made a real fuss and cried so badly until Alan got real upset too. In the end, i couldn't join in the teleconference call and had to pacify her. 5 mths later, now, when i tell her i need to work, she will nod her head and tell me "Mommi work work done come sleep with Ashley, ok?"

Hmmm... it sounds like my Ashley is an absolute angel all the time, doesn't it? Of course not, she's still very much a little child, with her tantrums, her playfulness, her cheekiness, her naivete. She still makes me angry at times, especially when she whines (and Alan told me i m really really fierce when i scold her). But that's the beauty of it, isn't it - raising a child, moulding a person's character. There will be good times and there will be bad times. I love it. I love my Ashley.