This post is all about Hannalyn. I will do another in which I lament how old my baby has gotten, I dream of slower days and better parenting skills, and I monologue for an indecent amount of time about birthdays and how I don't like them but wished for better for Hannalyn's this year.
But this post is not that post!
Now. Let me tell you a little bit about this sweet 3 year old that is part of my life.
Hannalyn is quite possibly the best sleeper I've ever met. This worries me for two reasons: 1) if we are ever blessed with another child, I'm quite certain that that child will be an awful sleeper. and 2) she sleeps so deeply she doesn't wake herself up when she rolls out of bed. Which isn't the worst thing, really, except that I worry she'll hurt herself. But really, she is an amazing sleeper. I could take credit and say it is all the great food I feed her and that she is very active during the day but really I think she just likes to sleep. We have to wake her up in the morning almost every single day otherwise she'd sleep past nine. What a charming kid.
Hannalyn HATES going potty on the toilet. Possibly because it is cold? She cries when she sits on the toilet. So... it's an uphill battle here. She does go potty in the mornings and usually once in the afternoon but then the rest of the day is a toss up. She makes it through the night, but then there is that whole we-have-to-wake-her-up-and--run-her-potty-before-she-pees race. It's fun... If you like that sort of thing.
Hannalyn loves eating breakfast, but if you try to feed her the same thing two days in a row (even if it's pancakes!) she'll reject it and request something else. She is very particular about that at lunch time too. No matter how much she loves pb&j - she will not eat it two days in a row. And I will continue to adamantly declare that she does not get that from me. ;)
Hannalyn is a great napper. Which amazes me with how much she sleeps in the morning, but those two hours are perfect bliss for me and nap time is sacred at our house. I have a sign on the door that has been there for two years that ringing the door bell between 12 and 2 is NOT allowed.
Hannalyn's favorite activities include reading, playing with dolls & princesses, galloping, being chased & tickled, playing the piano, unfolding and refolding blankets, and quietly opening cupboard doors & drawers before mommy finds her and tells her to "stop playing with the knives". She loves being outside and running, she loves cats (unless they love her back), she MUST be on stage when we go to the theatre, and give her a microphone and she will serenade you with "la"s from Heaven.
She's gotten into the habit of covering her mouth when she laughs which is in turn adorable and then makes you wonder if she's faking it and just laughing to humor you.
Hannalyn also loves to brush her teeth but hates going to the dentist. Like - kicking, screaming, "I'm being killed in here" hates going to the dentist. *sigh* We'll see how her next doctor visit goes...
Hannalyn loves being in the car, swishing her skirt (or shirt), and gives the best hugs & kisses you could dream of. I'm not even saying that as a biased mother. People tell me that whenever they are on the receiving end of Hannalyn's affections. She gives the type of hug that squeezes just a little and lingers. It is the sweetest, most incredible experience ever.
Hannalyn is known by many names including: Lyn, Lynners, Lynnie-loo, Monster, Stink Bum, Munchie, Little Princess (that one goes to her head), and Havanalanalyneeloo. True story. She responds to all of them but has selective hearing at times. Don't think she isn't answering, she is truly ignoring you. It's personal. But that's ok.
This sweet girl is very texture-sensitive and very orderly. She sets things up and takes them down very carefully and precisely. She likes to sneak into the garage and ride around on a little push scooter thing that is out there. And she likes to pretend to give piano lessons.
Hannalyn is the greatest thing that has happened in our lives. We would not be complete without her. With her, everything is better and brighter. Her spirit is so precious - genuine, caring, fun, patient, and smart. We wouldn't trade this beautiful child for anything in the world. We feel beyond blessed, we are eternally grateful that this girl is ours forever. FOREVER. That is such a huge comfort to me ... always, really. I wouldn't want it any other way.
