Lately, I've been loving age three

*warning: frequent use of the word cute in this post*
Ask me this question about 6 weeks ago and I would have told you 3 was the new 2. I was about ready to sell Jenna to the gypsies. However, we've experienced a really nice change the last couple weeks and I'm hoping this new and improved Jenna is here to stay. I could be wrong, but I'm thinking a big part of it is the achievement of being potty trained. It's almost like she could feel the tension before and acted out. Now that she doesn't feel that I'm uptight about it, she's relaxed as well. Mind you, she's certainly not perfectly behaved, but we haven't had any lotion, shampoo, make-up encounters lately (see old posts for reference).
She is just exuding cuteness. I find myself clenching my teeth and squeezing her cute panty-clad bottom and excessively kissing her cheeks and neck! I am I the only one that does that? Sometimes don't you just have to grit your teeth over the cuteness of something?!
She is so expressive right now. I was just feeding the kids lunch and apparently I set Jenna's cup of juice down a little too hard. Jenna exclaimed, "Mom, don't spank it!" Note to moms...don't spank your child's cup of juice! lol She not only expresses herself through words, but loves to dance and sing. I just crack up watching her sing and move to songs on tv and in movies...shaking her hips twisting her hands. One recent favorite is performing the "Augustus Gloop" song from "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." She especially loves the part where Oompa Loompas are swimming and singing in the chocolate river...she lays right down on the floor and imitates the movements.
Jenna has also gotten much more involved with the older kids. She wants to be doing what they are doing. Often yelling out, "Kids! Come on...," or "Hey guys!" This photo is a perfect example. She had to play "Rock Band" with all the cousins. Don't you love how she totally has the drum pose down? She is also a big Guitar Hero (or i-tar as she says) fan. The other day we were adjusting the radio in the car and "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" came on. She immediately started singing the lyrics. Yesterday, she was playing "I Spy" on the computer with her cousin Davis. As we were looking for clues, we came across a bearded knight. Jenna confidently stated, "Mom, that's not Jesus."
I love being with her, playing with her and mostly just watching her right now. Maybe it's because I'm trying to hang onto any bit of baby that is left in her, but I also think it's the big girl that is coming out in her. It's just wonderful to see her cute little self blossom. Ahhh, such a fun age!