My Baby is Four!

I had an emotional week leading up to Lily's 4th birthday.  I'm not an emotional person but with the month we had with the move, snowbird, and then moving into our rental, Lily turning 4 was a little too much for my emotions I guess.  I'm getting teary eyed writing this because it means we're moving on to a new chapter in our lives.  A chapter I'm very excited to embark on but still the truth of it kind of stings a bit.  We no longer have a baby.  Well, lets be honest.  We haven't had a baby for a while but somehow I was able to convince myself she still was because at 2 or 3 you can still get away with thinking she's a baby.  But 4?  FOUR?  I'm at a loss for words.  She's a beautiful little girl.  Everyone says she's my mini-me.  I'll take that compliment any day.  She's such a sweetie and I love her fun personality.  Lily's definitely meant to be the youngest because she can keep up with everyone. She tags along with Ella, is Taylor's little baby doll, and bosses Braden around to get what she wants.  Sleep has been overrated for years.  I can't remember the last time I put her down for a nap.  She's a happy girl who knows what she wants.  I'm working on teaching her the world doesn't revolve around her.  Tough process and most of the time she's not getting it but we're trying.  She loved going to preschool last year which was the best thing I could have done for her.  She would have been so lonely with Ella being gone at school but with preschool and gymnastics she hardly noticed.  She loves gymnastics just like her sisters.  She has her handstand to backbend, arch up, kick over, backbend. handstands, and cartwheels.  She has a real natural ability and her lines are beautiful.  Pointed toes, straight legs, she's good and she knows it.  She gives the best squeezies (hugs, but that's what she calls them) and loves to give kisses and snuggle.  She won't go to bed until she's gotten the "biggest squeezie ever!"  We call her our fruit girl.  She loves to eat fruit and vegetables and chocolate.  Boy does she have a sweet tooth.  But she isn't a fan of meat.  Doesn't care for it at all and won't eat it.  She sings all the time.  When she plays all the dolls sing to each other.  I think Lily would prefer for her life to be a musical.  I love it.  And I love her!!   She got to celebrate her birthday with Papa, Madelyn, Carson, and Aubrey.  Then more cousins came the next day.  We celebrated by going swimming at the Rec Center, making chocolate cake with hot pink frosting and sprinkles that Braden and Carson wouldn't touch (so funny!).  Too bad her present came a few days late (it was a crazy month) but she loves her purple razor scooter and rides it like a pro.  We're all crazy about this girl.  We love you LILY!!