GLN 3.8

Ready Set SWING!

Wow, what a rush.

That is, 3.8 months.  Over 3 1/2 years old.  Such a change from just plain old 3.  Between 3 and 3 1/2 were some really good months.  Cute, funny, blooming personality, loving, caring, listening, it was all so good.  So much better than whatever came between 16 months and then.... And now, here we are on our way to 4.  It really amazes me.  Not that I have an almost four year old, but just what 4 really is.  I've taught four year olds, I've baby sat four year olds, I know 4.  It's just, that it seems so different now.  You are not just a little girl anymore.  You know the difference between boys and girls.  (no, not that difference -- I mean your "pink is for girls blue is for boys" delineation, "girl" toys and "boy" toys, etc.)  The way you chew your gum, put your hand on your hip and talk with your other hand seemingly explaining the meaning of life, or how you want a pair of roller skates.  

Yes, this is the first time in your life you actually WANT something.  (Besides that one time last November when you spied that Tinkerbell rolling backpack and asked in wide-eyed wonder, "I can't take this home can I?" You made me melt, I caved, you still love it.)  It is all daddy and I can do not to buy you those skates, but we agreed you will get them for your birthday.  That, and the scooter you tried in the store and are also talking about.  Your new swing and new bike are the pre-4 excitement for now.

There's something else about being 3 1/2 though, another point which isn't on my list of favorite things that you do, but I realize it comes with age.  You have your own agenda of when and how things will be done.  "Take your jammies off so we can get you dressed" can take a half an hour unless threats are involved.  You also seem to think your sister is a wrestling dummy.  I know she laughs hysterically when you lay on top of her and jump on her stomach, or whap on her head, or flick her in the cheeks, but for some reason I don't.  All I see is a potential injury with hospitalization. 

So, I can't wait to see what 4 brings. Right now you are so bright and busy, but you still crave attention from us instead of playing with your toys.  Your teacher is raving about your behavior in school, and you are learning so much there.  You are developing "best friends" and are fully aware of people you decisively do not want to be friends with (and for good reasons too).  I think you are a remarkable pre-4 year old.  But, please stop blocking your sister from coming into the room...unless you are going to be the one to change her diaper.