Age 4

I am *really* loving age 4. I mean, I've enjoyed Audrey at every age, but she is such a neat person to know. Intelligent, witty, charming, thoughtful, loving, endearing. Still strong-willed and dramatic. But I love those aspects, too. Her brother adores her. She makes friends everywhere she goes. Curious. Entertaining. I get asked at work for some good "Audrey stories".

She stopped napping when she turned 4, and now loves being called an "expert fall-asleeper". Never thought I would say that about Audrey! She does still wake sometimes during the night to ask to be covered up. (One night, a loooooonnng night in which the kids were ganging up on us and one kept waking up after another, Audrey called me in her room one last time, to let me know she was going to fall asleep now! But, I digress...) So, while Ian naps, she and I hang out, often cooking, or playing a game, or snuggling on the couch. I love it. She talks my ear off. Sometimes will jokingly ask for a moment of quiet (guess who she hears that from?). And I can always give her one! Or more!

She loves watching a PBS show called Super Why. Ian loves it, too. It's a great show which teaches literacy. Yesterday morning, when I came downstairs, ready to head to work, she and Ian were hanging out in their pjs, anticipating their day at home with Eric. Super Why was on, and I noticed that Audrey and Ian were right up by the tv. (Sorry Grandpa S, they were indeed too close to the screen!) I noticed that Ian was holding out his finger, waiting for Audrey to guide his hand to the right letter on the screen. Which of course she did. Repeatedly. I'm tearing up again just thinking about it. How thoughtful this little girl is. No wonder Ian adores her.

Of course I mentioned to her soon after how good of a big sister she is, and how proud of her I am, "Yeah, yeah, mom." Mumbled under her breath.

Never a dull moment with our red head!

March

Daddy, did March come in like a sheep or a lion? :)

(I heard Ian 'roar'. So, I'm guessing I know his answer.)

Circle time

Audrey has generally really enjoyed pre-k so far. While the class size is larger, she loves her teachers and seems to be making new friends. So, I was surprised this morning when she began to cry when it was time to head out the door.

"I don't want to go to school, mommy!"

Why not?

I don't like pre-k!"

You love pre-k! You love seeing Ms. R and Ms. H and all your friends! Why don't you want to go?

"Because all we do ALL day is circle time! ALL day! I don't get to play AT ALL because all we day ALL day is circle time!"

Poor kid! I felt like I was sending her off to military school. Uniform and all! Of course she ended up having a great day and usually has marker or paint on her when I pick her up, so I know she doesn't do circle time ALL day! :)

Pre-k!

Audrey moved up to pre-kindergarten today. Did I just use the word kindergarten?? She has been ready for awhile, at least we think so, and seems to love learning and does amazingly well from a social perspective. Most of her friends have also moved on to the pre-k room, too, so it shouldn't be too big of an adjustment. The classroom size is considerably larger but it seems relatively structured. But, don't get me started on a 4 year-old wearing a uniform! And tights everyday! Audrey doesn't seem to mind though! Of course, she did manage to repeat Eric's statement of, "Uniforms are oppressing!" Gotta watch everything you say around our pre-kindergartener!

Christmas

Audrey had a great Christmas and got to celebrate twice here in Indy and also in Macomb. She wrote a letter to Santa on our Christmas Eve, and made sure to include a request for everyone (including that coat for Isabella). She is such a thoughtful little girl. And of course Santa got some cookies and Rudolph an onion. The gifts under the tree weren't too elaborate, but my favorite was the set of sleds. The kids can't wait to use them!

I have to say, I *really* love the last picture here...

Four!

Audrey had a great 4th birthday. Complete with a new dollhouse and lots of other presents. We were lucky enough to all spend her special day together. She had informed me that she planned for her day to include: something special for breakfast, to get married, and to plant a tree...The actual day included the Children's Museum, especially a few rides on the carousel, and to the "balloon place" for dinner. She even got to eat mac-n-cheese at both lunch and dinner. Dessert only after dinner though...Definitely was her birthday!

Meeting Santa

Audrey was soooo excited that Santa was coming to school, and she couldn't wait when I arrived with her Santa hat to go meet him. Just as I expected, she greeted him without hesitation and sat right on his lap. She had an extended conversation with Santa, asking for a specific Cars toy she had been dreaming up. She was so disappointed though when we got in the car, and she realized she had forgotten to ask Santa for a coat for Isabella. She had been planning to ask him for one for awhile, but she got so excited that she forgot. We will have to include it in our letter to Santa. :)