4

Today Katie turns 4!  I did really well with this birthday.  I think it's because it's not a milestone, like 3, where she turns into a preschool from a toddler, or 5, where she will be starting kindergarten in a few months. 

The past year has been a whirlwind of excitement as she experienced her share of firsts.  First day of preschool, first night away from home without Mom or Dad, first time writing her name by herself.  Katie's vocabulary is ridiculous and it's easy for me to forget that I am talking to a 4 year old.  She uses words like stylish and ingredients in everyday conversation.  Katie does a lot of listening and chooses her words carefully.  Even if you think she is not listening, she is.  She just takes her world in and gives it back when you least expect it.

Katie loves Hello Kitty, Max and Ruby, reading books to herself, Legos, coloring, playing dress-up (whether it be princesses or Batman), and spending time outside riding her scooter or bicycle.  She can get dressed by herself and loves to pick out her clothes.  She has quite a fashion sense, often pairing lavender rain boots with a pink outfit.  The only shoes she will wear to school are her sneakers, unless she knows that they are not going outside because she doesn't like to get sand in her shoes.


Preschool has been a wonderful learning experience for Katie, even if she wasn't so crazy about it at first.  I think she has made a few new friends and gets to play with the friends that she already has.   She still loves learning new things and we practice writing letters at home, as well as reading books to her.  She really likes to get some of Michael's books from school and "read" them to herself.

One of the things that Katie is still working on is sleeping by herself.  Ever since she moved out of the crib, sleeping through the night has been pretty elusive.  Someone has been laying down with her to sleep since shortly after she turned 3.  We have been preparing her for turning 4, when she is going to fall asleep by herself.  Keeping our fingers crossed that this transition goes smoothly.

The relationship between Katie and Michael is one of typical siblings.  She wants to be near him and do what he does.  I think it's hard for her at times to understand that she isn't the same age as him.  When they are not at each other's throats, they can be found playing nicely together.  Michael is very protective of Katie and will go out of his way to make sure that no one does anything to her that he doesn't like.  Of course, it's OK if he does the same thing.

Katie is the daughter we always wanted and makes our family complete!  Happy 4th birthday Katie....Mommy, Daddy and Michael all love you very much.