Miss D at 4

4 is an amusing age. I cannot believe the amount of things that you do by yourself now. Last night you went in the refrigerator and got yourself your own string cheese snack. I also cannot believe how many times you still ask me and your Dad to help you do tasks I KNOW you can do yourself. (Like putting your shoes on!)

I feel like you're entering another boundary testing phase. Now you are attempting to battle us with logic. 4 year old logic. But a battle of the wits with you is an interesting experience nonetheless.

Last night you tried your hand at throwing a tantrum. It seemed to me that your heart wasn't really in it. More that you were trying it out as a tactic. After I left you alone for a few minutes you came out of you room. Done and ready to apologize.

You are such a girl. You like to wear your birthday tiara (2 months after the fact)or your princess headband every day of the week. You are starting to play a bit more on your own, but you prefer it when someone will play with you.

You used to prefer hanging out with the grown-ups at gathering, but now we bore you easily.

You are SO creative and innovative. The things I have received the most compliments on (parenting-wise) were items that were all your idea. Such as being a bowl of macaroni and cheese for Halloween and having a bowling party for your birthday. (One of your friends is having a bowling party herself this weekend- you little trendsetter!)

You remain perceptive and empathetic, more likely to stand up for others than yourself. On the playground, if I am around, you will look to me to get the kid in front of you to go down the slide instead of asking them yourself.

A child at school called you a baby for sucking your thumb and it ruined your afternoon. You didn't tell the teacher, but you told us in the car on the way home. Your Dada and I tried to tell you what to say when something like that happens, but I don't know if we handled it right at the time. I wish I knew if you were looking for a fix, or sympathy, or just an ear.

You love to run, and dance and jump and climb. Thank goodness we bought the couches we did- purposefully knowing they would be ruined by children eventually.

It is magic to watch you become more and more your own person.