Cailin Hope - 4.5

Oh sweet girl, I totally missed the 4 year old post.  So we are celebrating who you are at this precious age of 4.5!

You continue to be a very active, upbeat kid.  You have sorted our family into "Louds" and "Quiets" and placed yourself on the Loud team (with Dada and Matthew).  You love to sing, dance, dress up, and perform. You use one volume and it is just so loud.  When you're wearing headphones, you yell and you have no awareness of it.  It's simultaneously hilarious and headache-inducing.  Daddy, another Loud, finds it endearing.

You and Daddy have such a sweet bedtime routine these days.  You turn off the overhead light and use your nightlight to read books while snuggled under the covers.  After books, he sings you the "Cailin" song (by Unwritten Law) and you now know most of the words.

You are beginning to ride a 2-wheeler!  You've figured out how to balance and how to stop, so all that's left to learn, is how to start unassisted.

You chose to take Soccer this spring, purely to be with your buddy Carys (thanks to constant rainy weekends, little soccer has actually been played).  If asked, you'd list Maura as your best friend, but really, I think we all know you and Carys are BFFs.  Potentially even soulmates.  Your favorite activities are emptying closets, dressing up (in each others' clothes), eating snacks, and being loud.

You are wrapping up your 3-year-old preschool year and it's been such a fantastic fit for you.  The messy art projects, the magnifying glasses for Science, and the silly music teacher have really made this year fun.  Your teachers regularly remark that you could teach the class.  Your favorite part of school is when it's your turn to be the Leader of the Day - and the best part of that is you don't have to clean up, cause you're in charge of the rain stick.  I feel ya kid.  Cleaning up is the worst.  You've surprised us lately with your alphabet and number knowledge.  Charlotte is apparently teaching you everything when we're not looking.

You don't like pizza.  And rarely eat french fries.  It's so bizarre.  You do like pasta, peanut butter, fruit and all kinds of sweets.  You watch the clock in the afternoon and know that at 3pm you can start having a snack.  You independently grab a granola bar and some fruit and set yourself up at the table.

You and Matthew have become closer this past year.  You are both wildly imaginative and you play off of each others' fun ideas.  You guys love to paint together while Baby sleeps and Charlotte is at school.  You both love music and you often make up songs about what you're doing.

I apologize for missing the 4 year old post.  Thankfully, I know you'll say "That's ok Mama" and move right along.  Nothing phases you.  I'm seeing this as a blessing more and more.  A friend recently pointed out that when you are a teenager and someone tries to encourage you to make a bad choice, you'll confidently decline and move on.  And probably judge them.  Loudly.  Because you are YOU, and no one can change that.  I love you Baby Hope and am so proud of who you are and who you're becoming.

All the love,
Mama