Happy 4th Birthday, Myla James!

Today is Myla's 4th birthday! We've had a great time celebrating. This morning, she woke up and found some crepe paper taped to her doorknob. When she followed it all the way out to our driveway, her new Pinkalicious big-girl bike was waiting for her. By the end of the day, she was able to ride it (pictures/video soon, hopefully). She also got her leotard, tights, and ballet shoes for her ballet class that starts next week.

All day long, she's been able to eat pretty much whatever she wants. So she had doughnuts for breakfast, McDonald's for lunch, and a chocolate pancake with whipped cream and ice cream at IHOP for for dinner and a sundae for dessert. Between the sugar and the excitement of turning four, she was wound up. As it should be!



I really feel like Myla has changed so much since in the last year. She's now such a little person, with her own interests, thoughts, and opinions. She's so much fun to talk to, and she seems to have no limits on what she's able to express to us or understand. I think she's also really come out of her shell--she's less anxious about trying new things and more confident all the way around. Sometimes she gives me a little too much "feistiness" or attitude, and I have to remember that it's a good thing that she's gotten so much better at asserting herself!

She loves watching and now playing basketball, and I was so proud of how she decided she wanted to learn to dribble and just practiced until she could. She's still great at puzzles and is able to write very well for her age. It seems like she's ready to start reading (and she can read and spell a few words), but she'll only do it if you don't ask her.

Other things she likes to do: cook, help me in the garden, dress up, read, snuggle, play with Luke (most of the time). She loves school and has lots of friends there. She's still great about saying thank you--this evening she said "I really appreciate" the new bike. :) She's funny and bright and curious and sweet. I've absolutely loved getting to know her this year, and can't wait for the next!