The Magic Year

Today, January 4, 2012, my baby turns three! Happy birthday Pop.Bop.Shop.!

The blog was born with this post. When the blog turned one year old I was mostly in shock and disbelief that I'd managed to stick with it! When the blog turned two, it had just been named the #2 blog on Boston.com's A List, an incredible honor and sense of validation. Today the blog turns three and I find myself wondering - what's so special about year three?

Well, according to HealthyChildren.org, "When your child turns three, the 'magic year' begins - a time when your child's world will be dominated by fantasy and vivid imagination. During the next two years, your child will mature in many areas." The website lists a few developmental milestones for three year olds:

• Draws a person with two to four body parts
• Uses scissors
• Understands the concepts of “same” and “different”
• Has mastered some basic rules of grammar
• Speaks clearly enough for strangers to understand
• Tells stories
• Correctly names some colors
• Interested in new experiences
• Cooperates with other children
• Dresses and undresses
• Engages in fantasy play
• Hops and stands on one foot up to five seconds

Pop.Bop.Shop.Hop? Ha!

In all seriousness, turning three is a major accomplishment. In the past year I've written 327 posts; this post is Pop.Bop.Shop.'s 818th since birth! Over the past three years you all, my incredibly loyal readers, have allowed me to share my rants and raves and best of all, you've really listened. You've left thoughtful comments, sent kind emails and text messages, and offered countless suggestions for things I might like. You're like my very own recommendation engine! From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Cheers to three! Let the magic year begin!