Avery is FOUR!

So, I ended up getting the token "cheeeese!" picture...

...but I'm sticking with this one since it captures your personality... sass-a-frass:

As I sit here to reflect on this past year, I type with a big ‘ole lump in my throat. This year has brought so many changes and so many milestones – you have grown in so many ways! The change from three to four has been huge. You are officially a big girl, and you love it… you love to be the big girl, the big sister, the big helper… You have gained a tremendous amount of confidence this year. Last Friday, Daddy, Deda & I brought cupcakes to school to celebrate your birthday with your class. 

Your teacher had you stand up on a chair so that everyone could sing “Happy Birthday” to you – she asked you to be the center of attention, your worst nightmare. You had a funny little smirk on your face, and you avoided eye contact with virtually everyone, but you climbed up there, and you did it! 

The biggest shocker came during your birthday party the next day… when it was time to do cake and sing to you, you said, “Mommy! I need a chair!” 

Speaking of school, you have learned so much in your new classroom. You moved up early to the 4’s class (in January), and you have just thrived there. You are challenged at school and happy when you come home. You are working on sight words, can count to 100 by 10s (with the help of your song) and to 40 by 1s, and you are writing your upper and lowercase letters really well. You love to ask me how to spell a word in the car and write it on your little dry erase board – or you will write a bunch of letters and then ask me what it spells!

Here you are with your teacher, Ms. Mirella:

Your desire for independence has grown as well. You like to do things all by yourself and only ask for help when you get really frustrated. You are shy, but very sweet. You are very, very sensitive – you get your feelings hurt easily. You love to laugh and learn new things – we hear, “Daddy, watch this… Mommy, watch me!” all the time! And you constantly crack us up… you were recently re-telling a story, and you exclaimed, “It scared Mommy out of her Heavens!!”

You love all things music – you always have a request when we get in the car - usually “Get Me Halfway” (“Meet Me Halfway”) or Lady Gaga.  You love to dance (when no one’s watching!), and we are always surprised with how many songs you can really sing.  It’s fun listening to your version of the lyrics too. :)
You have a love of fashion – you get yourself dressed each morning for school (thank you GOD for a uniform), and you like to change into a new outfit and new shoes after we get home from school.  And I wonder why there is always so much laundry!

You are an awesome big sister. You are a big helper, and you love to show Anna new things.  We hear you say, “Anna watch sissy!” quite a bit! You and Anna always give each other a hug and a kiss before bedtime, and it never fails to bring a tear to my eye.

Here are a few more things I need to document!!

Favorite things you say:
Hangabur (Hamburger)

Favorite colors: 
Purple, blue, sparkly & rainbow

Favorite foods:
Tomatoes, grapes, chips & guacamole, spaghetti, “white” pizza (cheese), donuts & blueberry muffins… oh and of course cookies, cupcakes and cake. Still milk and water only… we’ll see how long this lasts.

Favorite TV show: 
You have a new love for Sesame Street – particularly Elmo’s World and the Flying Fairy School.

Favorite thing to do outside: 
Ride your bike, your scooter, or most recently - play volleyball!

Favorite book:
Horton Hears a Who (and yes, we have to read the WHOLE thing every night)

Favorite toys:
DINOSAURS – crazy, but this started at school! Every day when I pick you up, this is where you are… and it is at the very top of your birthday list!  
Anything princess or dolly (dolls)

I cannot believe that this day, four years ago, I was blessed with a beautiful, dark-haired, blue eyed little angel. 

We love you Avie Bug – Happy 4^th Birthday.