One more forgotten post: Chloeisms

This post was written last May about the one and only: Chloe Mae Andersen.  As I read this I'm realizing that not much has changed.  She's still in love with her brother, feminine as ever, generous, compassionate, argumentative, and the friendliest, most outgoing 5-year-old I know.  The post was lacking in pictures so I inserted a couple that were taken the same month this was written. 

Originally written 26 May 2010
I cannot believe Chloe is 6 months away from celebrating her 5th birthday! How is this even possible? I had originally planned to write a post on or around her 4th birthday summarizing her recent updates and milestones, but seeing how that was half a year ago, I think it's safe to say I passed up the opportunity. I'm sure I've forgotten half of what I would have said.  I haven't been so good about jotting things down lately but before my brain turns to complete mush, let me share the few updates I can remember.

Chloe.  Wow.  Never a dull moment. Her spirit and personality are like a flaming torch that never burns out.  She loves her little brother, and sometimes shows it a little too much. He loves her too, but easily gets annoyed with her constant touching, hugging and picking.  Can't really blame him!  The sibling rivalry has officially begun too. Some days I feel like all I do is referee. The problem is, they BOTH like to egg each other on. Usually it's Ryan trying to pull Chloe's blanket away from her while laughing, or Chloe trying to pick Ryan up or hug him when he just wants to be left alone. It's pretty funny stuff, actually. I always have to laugh extra hard when Chloe comes crying to me that Ryan hit her. As if he could really hurt her, or would do it intentionally. She's such a baby sometimes, yet the very next second she's back to tormenting him.

{May 2010 - How do you like Ryan's soft, wispy mullet?}

Chloe continues to love wearing skirts and dresses, putting on her princess shoes and dancing around to a movie that has singing and dancing in it. Her current favorite movies are 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers', 'The Slipper and the Rose' (a Cinderella story), 'The Sound of Music', and, of course, the all time fave, 'Mary Poppins'. It's pretty cool seeing her grow to love these classics that I loved, and watching her dance around and sing to the same songs that I danced and sang to.  There are moments when I feel as though I'm peering back into the past and seeing 4-year-old me.  My parents talk about that more and more too.

Chloe is a very compassionate person, always worried when she senses someone is sad or having a hard time. At the end of March, our good friend, Cindy took Chloe to an Easter egg hunt her work was hosting. While they were waiting to go outside to begin the egg hunt, Chloe noticed 2 boys, who appeared to be brothers. One of them had just hit the other (or something), and made him cry. Chloe was watching them, and suddenly said to Cindy, "He's sad. We should take him flowers."

Chloe is also very giving. The minute a guest walks in the door, she's bombarding him/her with various things such as a piece of gum, a band aid, some chips, or, when she's feeling really generous, her most prized possession (at the time). Sometimes I get annoyed by her intense desire to please and make those around her feel comfortable because it seems as though she's causing more inconvenience than convenience. I certainly don't see anything wrong with making the effort, but the way she goes about it at times is very IN YOUR FACE. I have recently realized, however, that this nature is a blessing and something I ought to encourage. It's satisfying to know my daughter thinks of others and tries to do what she can to spread happiness.  I know with time and growth, she'll gain a better understanding of social skills and proper boundaries.

{May 2010}

Chloe continues to be quite the negotiator. She is constantly presenting me with ideas that will benefit her, such as, "Mommy, I drank all my milk, so now I get to have a piece of candy!", to which I'll usually respond, "Okay, you may have one piece." Sometimes, but not always, she'll push it and then say, "How about two pieces! Just two pieces!  Yes?" She's too much.

Chloe is so friendly, it's embarrassing. Sometimes I just want to go to the grocery store without having to make new friends, but Chloe doesn't seem to understand that. She's constantly waving at, saying hi to and conversing with complete strangers. She's got no shame, and it doesn't matter who happens to walk past us or how scary they may look. When I'm out and about, I'm usually in a hurry.  What can I say?  It's tough dragging two little kids around everywhere you go, and so the faster you can be, the better. Her need to talk with everyone definitely slows things down and sometimes I don't have the patience for it. The other day we were backing out of the driveway, and she noticed our neighbor and immediately rolled down the window and started yelling, "HI MOOOOOSE!" (that's his name).  I recognize, again, that this is a good thing!  I'd rather she be outgoing and able to strike up a conversation with anyone than be shy and unwilling to look anyone in he eye let alone talk to them.  It's just a matter of guiding her along to know when it's appropriate to converse and when it's not.  And further, some of the topics that are and aren't appropriate to discuss such as a woman who may look slightly overweight but isn't necessarily pregnant.  Yep.  We learned that one the hard way.  I'll save that story for another day!

All in all, I am so impressed with Chloe's growth and progression.  She is such a light in the lives of her family and loved ones, and I'm happy I get to spend my days with her.  She has taught me many lessons, and I'm grateful that she is patient with and forgiving of my shortcomings as her mother.