Lilah Four and a Half

Lilah,

So we are a few days late with this post, but you are four and a half. I just wanted to document a few tidbits about you at this age.

- You still are in love with babies. You love mothering everyone. If we are with friends that have a baby, you are attached to the baby. You are constantly playing with baby dolls. One can find babies laying all over the playroom or living room with a blanket over them most days. Your babies take a lot of naps on their "cots".
- You are still a little girl. Probably one of the smaller ones in your class, but you are also probably the bossiest. You definitely make your presence known.
- At a basketball game recently you took a 3 year old boy under your wing and by the end was bossing him all around the stands. His parents were laughing so hard because he is usually the bossy one, but they said he had met his match.
- You also love playing school with all of your "kids" as you call your stuffed animals.
- You are a girly girl, preferring to wear dresses or frilly skirts over jeans.
- You are a teacher's pet at school. Always wanting to be the helper and get all the other kiddos in line.
- The first quarter of the school year we had several notes home saying you had trouble staying in line or always talking to friends instead of listening. However, by the end of the year you rarely had a notes sent home. So Ms. Cathy has straightened you out, haha. Mom told her to be hard on you in the beginning so that you learn how to be in a more structured environment.
- You rocked your Christmas program, signing at the top of your lungs and creating a couple solos.
- You love gymnastics. We just switched you to a new program that is a bit more focused on correct form and will push you a bit more. You loved the first lesson and we are excited to see where you will be by the end of the semester.
- You still operate at a very loud volume. While you are mostly an observer, when you speak you make sure everyone can hear you.
- You and your sister are still best buddies. At the end of Christmas break your dad and I noticed that for the two weeks you and Addy spent a lot of time together. You were still playing very well together up until the last day of break.
- That thumb isn't going anywhere. You have no intentions on giving it up anytime soon. Especially when you are tired, you will be seen with a silky and thumb in your mouth.
- You still take daily naps. Your sister had so much trouble with daily naps at your age, but you are quite the opposite. While you don't want to miss out on the action and will whine when you have to take a nap. You usually fall asleep pretty quick and I have never gotten a note home from school saying they had trouble with you at naptime. You still need those naps.
- You have gotten better at saying I am sorry, but it is still pretty hard for you to do. Admitting that you are wrong seems to hurt your soul. It is so hard for you. Also, when you know you have done something naughty and you are in front of others you get very embarrassed when being corrected.
- You still love books. Addy is convinced you can read at times, but you are just following the pictures. But it is so cute, Addison will read to you and prompt you of the words to teach you to read. This has been great for both of you. You are so proud of yourself and Addy is just thrilled for you.
- Your facial expressions these days are so hilarious. You really work your eyebrows and over exaggerate your expressions.
- This week Addy was teaching you letters and whatever else you guys learn in your evening school together. And you ran into the playroom saying "I'm so essited (excited)". This just shows your love for learning and your sister. Anything she can do you want to learn. You two have such a special relationship that I pray only grows stronger each year.
- You have been very loving lately. Daddy and I are getting lots of kisses and hugs out of you and I love it so much!

Lilah, you are so sweet and a little spicy. You are just a bright light in our family and love the fun that you bring. We love you so very much and thank God for the privilege to parent you!