BIG GIRL (4 YRS OLD)

S often refers to herself as a "big girl." She says she not a baby or a toddler, but a big girl. According to her, big girls get to watch videos. And, she's a big girl because she follows the rules.

Momma has been encouraging her to be more independent, like learning how to cross the streat and riding in a booster seat so she can buckle and unbuckle herself. But, momma feels strange to hear S call herself a "big girl."

BIRTHDAY (4 YRS OLD)

S has had a great 4 year old celebration! On the day before her birthday, at Starbright, she was made the center of attention as a "star" during her birthday circle. Ms. Denice told a beautiful story of how she was a star in heaven before coming to Earth to be with momma and daddy. Every student at circle time wished her happy birthday and presented her a card. Afterwards, everyone ate cupcakes: apple cinnamon and pineapple coconut.

On her actual birthday, S celebrated it with family at Rudy's. She was so happy to see Mimi and Poppy back from their trip. Aunt Jenny, Uncle Glen, Miranda, Aunt Cindy and even Om Ngoai was there. Her face was all smiles during the song, cake and present part.

Her big birthday party was a Little Gym again this year. Unlike last year, S ran off to play with her three best friends: Talia, Susannah and Emmerson. There was no running to momma or daddy. She played until she pooped out! So, did all the other kids. The high light for momma was probably the rainbow cake. When asked what her favorite thing was she said it was Talia and Susannah.

YOU'RE RUDE! (4 YRS OLD)

S started saying the phrase, "You're rude!" when she doesn't get what she wants, e.g. an extra treat or the windows rolled down. Momma asked her what rude means. S replied, "It means you're mean." Momma guesses S is right. Momma is mean to her if she doesn't get an extra treat. Momma guesses, it's all perspective, but she just wishes that S doesn't use that phrase so much.

LONELY (-10 DAYS)

S still struggles at how to make friends and play with other kids. Shortly after the teacher's conference, S told momma that she was still lonely at school.

Momma asked, "Don't you play with friends at school?" S responded with "Sometimes." "Well, don't you play with Susannah?" "Yes, but sometimes she doesn't want to play with me," says S. Momma wondered maybe S was just observing, versus participating. "Do you ask them to play with you?," asks momma. "Yes,"responds S, but sometimes they say "no."

Not sure how to respond, momma said, "Well, if you look around, there's probably somebody playing by themselves, like you. They probably feel lonely too. Maybe, you can help them and ask them to play with you." Momma got no responsed back from S.

Hearing such news breaks momma's heart. She was hoping S was doing better at school. S does so well in a structured environment, like spanish class or Little Gym, but left to "organic, free" play, S struggles as a participant.

There's not much momma and daddy can do. She has to learn to socialize. At least momma and daddy are happy that she's learning how to socialize in a caring and loving environment, like Starbright. Momma also thinks S is lucky to have a best friend, like Talia, to fall back on.

NUMBERS(-13 DAYS)

S can add with her fingers. She can add any number together as long as she has enough fingers for it. Momma really likes playing the "adding" game with her, e.g. "What's two fingers plus two fingers?"

So far as counting goes, the highest she can count to consistently is 50. After 50 she messes up her numbers. If momma and S take turn counting she can count up to 100 but cannot yet fathom numbers above 100. Sometimes, she asks momma to count to a hundred for her.

Often, she says things like, "I love you a million times." Or, "I love you a hundred." Today in the car she said, "I love you a hundred, 4 feet, and 5 cents." Very cute!

FOOT (-13 DAYS)

Yesterday, Thursday morning before school, S complained of a hurt left foot. Momma thought it was because she peeled her scab again. S kept asking to be carried and help to stand up. At first, momma refused to help her thinking S was being over dramatic. But, S said she couldn't stand up without it hurting. When she tried to stand up, she limped around.

"Oh no!" thought momma. Maybe it's a sprain ankle. S does run into things alot more lately, especially now that she thinks she's invincible jumping from high places. Momma did all the things necessary for a sprained ankle: ice and ibuprofren. She even tried to bandage up S's ankle but S refused to have it bandaged up, complaining it was too tight.

Not sure what to do, momma got S ready for school and carried to the car and then carried her into the school yard. She placed her down by Miss Denice and was about to talk to Miss Denice about S's hurt foot. Before momma could say anything, Miss Denice asked S if she could help her with the "play" water. S jumped up and down, jumped off the steps, and followed Miss Denice to the hose. When the water pail was full, S grabbed one side and Miss Denice the other and the two of them carried it into the yard.

Not sure what to say, momma kissed S goodbye and left. Momma guesses the cure to all sprained ankle is a friendly teacher. In reality, momma thinks S just wanted momma to carry S around for awhile.

SLEEPOVER (-13 DAYS)

NAP OR REST? (-20 DAYS)

Yesterday, S didn't want to nap or have a rest time, despite appearing tired. Momma gave S the option of napping with her in momma's room or resting, i.e. quietly playing in her room. S didn't want to do either and explained that she would be lonely in her room by herself. Momma retorted that "learning to be alone is a good thing" and gave S her options again. After refusing, momma said she would "help" S to her room. This lead S to give out a scream and go running to her room. After a loud tantrum in her room, S fell soundly asleep for an hour and a half.

These nap transitions are hard on all parties!