4 & 1/2

Yes, today is the day.  The day which starts you becoming closer to 5 than 4.  While your life thus far has been full of milestones, for some reason 5 seems like a big one.  I still have 6 months until you are there, so I better enjoy what's left of 4.  And, there is so much to enjoy.

While you still remain headstrong, sassy and full of pointed opinions, you are continuing to come into your own which also involves compassion, problem-solving, gaining confidence, and being oh so creative.  You truly amaze us everyday.  I've stopped trying to divert you from some of your ideas and try and just let you run with them.  Like earlier this week when you insisted on painting every single Strawberry Shortcake figurine you have (which were mine 30 some years ago) because you just couldn't stand to see any white on them.  White is too bland, only color will do.  So, reluctantly I let you paint them with watercolors (secretly knowing that they have the potential to return to 'normal' eventually).

You absolutely love art.  Everything must be painted, colored, stickered, glued, written on.  There are lots of trips to Michaels, Hobby Lobby and Joann's in our future.  You love creating and making up stories.  You think things through and everything you create has meaning.  You also love to organize.  That of course makes me beam.  My own little organizer.  You spend countless hours arranging and re-arranging your hairclips, books, dolls and toys.  Your idea of organization and mine are currently a little miss-aligned, but I'm hoping that won't last long.

Besides art and organizing, you also collect. Oh my goodness do you love treasures.  A rock, shell, leaf, flower pedal, weed, stick, a wrapper, anything that can be recycled.  We often find you hunting in the recycle bin pulling out egg cartons, small cardboard boxes and god forbid any piece of art I happened to recycle from you or your brother.  'But Mom, I can decorate it and use this to (insert any random thought here).' You may just save the world by you enthusiasm for recycling or, just the opposite, you may become a hoarder...I'm hoping for the former. 

Whatever your path, it will be a great one.  We are so proud of you and know your life will be a fruitful one.  One full of adventure looking for treasures armed with lots of glue and watercolors.  We love you dear 4 & 1/2 year old.