4 1/2 years young

My "big" little girl is turning 4 1/2 in 2 days. I am learning that half birthdays are a big deal after 4. Maybe it is because she is the youngest in her class and has seen all her friends turn 5 and she wants to celebrate something but she is all into turning 4 1/2. For weeks, she has been telling us all the things she is going to do once she turns 4 1/2, like ride a bike without training wheels, learn to read books and even swim without floaties. 

I have to say that I love Ella at this age right now and wish I could freeze her in time. She is so independent that she doesn't need help with much. She can dress herself, brush her teeth in the morning and even get her own breakfast herself. Which is a huge help because her little sister needs me all the time lately it feels like. And speaking of her little sister, Ella absolutely adores her and is the BEST big sister around. She calls her Maddie Grace, Mad Pie or Sweet Girl (my favorite) for nicknames and is so gentle and patient with her. MG will steal her toys or ruin something and occasionally Ella will get frustrated but 90% of the time, she doesn't get upset at all and really tries to teach her. She shares her snacks with Maddie and loves to pretend school and read her books. We often joke that Maddie is growing up with two mommies but Ella has that nurturing mothering side to her already.

We just had a conference with Ella's teachers last week and I love hearing how much she enjoys preschool and how she is a friend to everyone. They said they rarely have to call her name and that is certainly our little rule follower to a tee. I am so glad that we made the decision to send her to TK next year and not kindergarten. With an August birthday, it was a hard decision but I know her having an extra year to grow and mature with benefit her so much in the long run. And selfishly, I am so glad to have another year, even if it just the afternoons with my girl.

At 4 1/2, she just started taking dance lessons and she loves them. They do ballet and tap and every Friday morning, she can't wait to put on her light blue leotard and skirt and go dance for 45 minutes. I am not giving up all hope yet on other sports but one thing is for sure, she loves dancing!

Other things she is into lately: her favorite movie lately is Frozen and she watches the YouTube clips everyday of the songs. She can just about sing every one by heart. She also loves Katy Perry's Roar song and still her old favorites Call me Maybe and Starships. She is a great eater, eats mostly Kix and Cheerios for breakfast, has to have her pb&j for lunch along with a banana and eats most everything we do for dinner. Loves almost every fruit and a lot of vegetables. Still not a fan of milk but does eat lots of cheese and frozen gogurts for a special treat, we tell her its "pink ice cream" and so far she hasn't caught on. She sleeps great at night, usually 8-8 and has quiet time each afternoon. She is allowed to have books and her new leap pad in her bed with her during quiet time to keep her entertained. She loves to color, paint, stickers, anything to do with arts and crafts and really enjoys playing games as well. Her favorite games lately are princess Memory match game and Guess Who?

I could go on and on about her but I will just end it with that she says to us each night before bed, My sweet Ella, I love to the moon and back and infinity and beyond.

Her 2013 school pic (I have to brag slightly, they chose her picture as the one for the poster to put in school, for the second year in a row. This girl loves taking a picture)

After her recent haircut

Sledding fun

On the way to the circus with Daddy

Learning to ride a bike without training. We just tried it Sunday and for her first time, she did awesome. Still needs lots of practice but for our scardy cat, I was super impressed.

Now, please stop growing up now Miss Ella James!