Dean & the Dixon Chicks: Four? Really? Already?

Wow, how did this happen? Just yesterday you were so tiny and helpless. I had to do everything for you. And now, suddenly, you are becoming your own little person. With your own sense of humor, kindness and sweet personality. Oh Natalie, I'm so proud of your four year old self!

You have become such a social gal... you freely go up and introduce yourself to other kids, you say hi to everyone and almost always remember to say thank you.

I melted at your birthday party when you went to every kid and gave them a big hug and said thank you for coming to my party. I was so proud. I see that you actually do listen to what your dad and I try to teach you. And that you are kind, emotional and happy. I couldn't ask for more.

This may be my favorite age yet. You are beginning to understand the world, and have endless questions. I love that.

I love that every single time I pick you up from preschool, as soon as you see me you yell "mommy!" and come running for a hug.

I love that you tell me, everyday, in the sweetest voice "mommy, I love you. You always take care of me." And while I know you are starting to get a sense of how that makes me feel, you really have no idea. When you're in that sweet mood, I just melt. In that moment, there is nothing I would not do for you. Or say yes to. Thank god you don't yet know the power you yield.

I love that you still wake up singing every morning. (not so much at 5:30 in the morning, but it's still pretty darn cute)

I love watching you swim in the pool with your dad. And that at almost four, he got you to jump in off the edge.

I love how sweet and caring you are to your baby sister Katherine. You get so happy when you make her laugh. And you are the best little helper.

And to be fair and honest, there are a few things I don't love so much:

- the newly found high pitched screaming. Yeah. That's got to go.
- the daily rounds of "I don't waaaant to play by myself"
- the fact that on school days, I have to wake you up at 7:00 to get you to school on time, but every other day of the week you like to start your morning singing around 5:45/6:00. Really, what's up with that?

But those complaints are small and minor to the joy that you have brought your father and I. We love you so very much Natalie, and look forward to all the adventures your fourth year brings.

And here are some highlights from the weekend birthday extravaganza.

Friday was her preschool party, which mommy got to make 40 cupcakes for. Yay. The Montessori school does a cute birthday celebration where you walk around the world and say the four (or whatever age) things you want to do that year. In case you can't make it out Natalie's were, in order:

1) Help mommy make pancakes
2) Help mommy do the dishes (right on, but I've no idea where that came from)
3) Play with my baby sister Katherine
4) Play with my friends