M.R.S

 Photo bombed by a stick

 The instant Mallory turned 3 she became a different little girl. It's like she took off on a blazing trail, leaving her first 36 months in the dust. She enjoys conversations and her imagination is exploding. She is also blowing up the growth chart. The little M.R.S. isn't so petite and at her well check the Doctor said "whoa! that's a bit more growth than I like to see in a year." I think he forgot that she is 50% Shannon and they grow'em big on their side.

 Her vocabulary is vast and unique. The following is a list of Mallory's version of English:

swimmy soup = swimming suit

cup cake = cuhpp ccaakee

Popsicle = hopscicle

Santa = anta

school = cool

hand = hind

snow = no

(she forgets her "S")

 Between Brady's approximations and Mallory's Yiddish I am becoming trilingual.

Whatever is coming out of their mouths I am grateful for every word. Now that we know how communication flows for a typical child, it highlights how hard Brady has to work for every word.

M and B

Brady and Mallory are getting along famously. They are two peas in a pod at school. Mallory actually got put in time out because she tried to escape to another area where Brady was playing. I didn't see this camaraderie coming. I figured they would ignore each other and carry on with their business. Instead, they wash their hands together, hang their back packs and grab each others check in tags. Mallory forgot to check in properly the other morning and Brady quickly picked up her slack.

I am so grateful 3 years ago my midwife said "suck it up and have another baby!" Seriously! Jeff and I made our minds up that Brady would be our one and only. Thanks to that frank and honest piece of advice Miss Mallory is currently on the scene.

I couldn't ask for a better sibling for Brady. She is nurturing, feisty, a translator and partner in crime.

She keeps Brady on his toes.

They are equally silly.

I refer to Mallory and Brady as my faux twins. Most people assume they are actual twins and give me a funny look when I tell them they are 2 years apart, not 2 minutes.

I know there will come a day when Mallory surpasses our boy, but I'm pretty sure she won't leave her wing man behind.

 This boy has earned a special place in her heart.

(this is our sweet neighbor, she is so lovely and patient with our kids).

1st Day of Preschool

Mallory has been anticipating the first day of school for weeks. She shouts "I'm going to school" to anyone who is within 100yds. The garbage man knows, the mailman knows, our sweet neighbors Betty and Nancy know and even the 80 year old man with 2 hearing aids knows! The anticipation quickly turned into anxiety as visible in the pictures. I think what she really meant was "my Mom and I are going to school." When she figured out that I am not part of the school deal, she wasn't the biggest fan.

Brady is extremely empathetic and could sense Mallory's discontent. He quickly took action. He knew that humor was the only way to cure his sisters jitters. And by humor I mean dancing, lions, booty shakes, fishy faces and a sweet smile.

"Fishy face Shannon"

 



 

"Sweet smile"

 

and Brady's version of the twerk

 

 

 "Come on Malls, shake your booty"

 Mallory's mood quickly lifted thanks to her spiritual leader, Mr. B.

 



We are just a 5 minute walk from school. The kids love crossing the bridge. It's perfect for his pre school workout. Nothing gets the brain ready to tick like a few pull ups and a light jog.

"Honk if you think school is cool" Only 7% of participating drivers agree. Boo for this quick impromptu traffic study.

Brady's symbol is a leaf and Mallory is a pig. Brady tried to swap out another kids symbol, apparently "Adam" has the coveted car symbol. I think B might try and arm wrestle him for it.

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Brady and Mallory quickly settled into their classroom. I am thrilled they will get to spend this time together. This is Brady's 3rd and final year of pre-K and then he's off to the big leagues.

3 and a slap on the knee

 Everyone says that the year of the Three is tough. "Two is nothing compared to Three!!!" Well I agree, but instead of listing off all the terribly annoying things this three year old does I thought I would focus on the rich sense of humor this girl has! For instance, when the camera comes out Mallory insists on a butt shot. There are a variety of these "poses" in my cue, a rich selection that makes me laugh.

 She is incredibly inquisitive. While at the store she will loudly ask if the man in the check out aisle has a penis! Followed by; does he have a car seat?

 Thankfully Brady is my laid back child and slightly more conservative with his inquisitions. He is more concerned if someone has cookies rather than knowing about their anatomy.

 When heading to a play date Mallory asks the following questions.... in this order: 1. Do they have toys- yes 2. Do they have food?- yes 3. Do they have eggs?- maybe

 Apparently a dozen eggs qualifies our playmates for friends of the year. Nothing makes her happier than 12 lovely eggs in the fridge.

 Before Mallory offers a proper greeting to anyone, she instantly asks "you got games?" as in "you got games on your phone?" The answer better be yes or she will exile you to never, never land.

Yes, life with a 3 year old is challenging, but it is also hilarious, slap your knee hilarious.

Joint Celebration

 

I managed to put together a small birthday celebration for the little ones. I'm not one of those moms who can pull together a pinterest worthy birthday party. Since Brady and Mallory don't have many parties to compare I'm in the clear (for now) with a simple family gathering. In the future I am positive requests will be made and standards will be established.



I took Mallory shopping so she could pick out a birthday outfit. I figured since she spends most days naked or in a "swimmy soup" that if she had executive control over  the celebratory outfit, she might remain clothed for the duration of the party.

She did in fact keep her clothes on, and on, and on and on. Their party was Sunday and she has worn it since.

Of all the pictures I took, I think this one forecasts what the year of THREE will entail.

Wheatfields made a delicious GLUTEN free cake. I was so pumped to find such a delicious cake that Brady could enjoy, but all he did was swipe the frosting off the side. I think he was trying to wipe Mallory's name off the cake.

G-ma and G-pa got Mallory a beautiful doll house. Her and Brady have been playing with it non stop. The way they play is by sitting on opposite sides and pass the furniture through the windows. I'm thinking the move really had an influence on them.

Brady has continued to pose with random objects. It cracks me up. He is such a joke-ster. I wish you could hear him laugh when he picks up the chosen item of the day.

It's Christmas in July!!! And yes, we may have served fruit punch with lots  and lots of red dye.

Mallory's face is priceless!

The three amigos!

 

 

3 and 5

 Tomorrow Mallory turns 3 and on Wednesday Brady turns 5.

 To capture these annual events I thought I would snap a few pictures. Through the years I have learned to spread out the "photo shoot" over a couple of days. One thing I have learned about photographing toddlers is that things can go from this......

 to.....

 this in a matter of 3 seconds.

It's been three years, but I don't think Brady has forgiven Mallory for her early arrival. Our sweet girl arrived a month early and stole Mr. B's birthday thunder. He will now have to share his day of birth with a joint celebration for the foreseeable future. One cake, one party!

I think this is his attempt at a solo birthday proclamation. He quickly broke from his sisterly hug/kiss, stomped over to the tricycle and bucket of side walk chalk. Both seeming to be higher on his list than is birthday spotlight stealer of a sister.