Letters to Avery: 4 years old

Avery,

3 1/2 no more, you, my daughter, are four!  Yesterday, when we were discussing how this was your last day as a 3 year old, you started talking about how next you'd be 4 1/2, then 5, then 5 1/2, and I just wanted to hug your 3 1/2 year old self so tightly and whisper "shhhhh!" in your little ear.  I've loved watching your live your 3 year old life this past year.  You grew so so much, both physically and emotionally.  For a girl who used to make herself puke when she didn't get her way, its amazing how far we've come.

You woke up this morning and when we asked you how you felt, you said, "I feel like a grownup."  Your teachers joke and say you could run the class.  You seem older than your peers, perhaps its a the September birthday, or having older brothers, or just being a girl.  But I certainly see glimpses of a grownup girl, which makes my heart swell and break at the same time.

You are a very mature young lady, in your speech, your actions, and some of your hobbies.  Unfortunately for you, you don't have a mom that "gets ready" very often, but when I do, you're in for it.  You'd prefer to pick out my outfit and will offer up your opinion when our visions don't align.  You'll do makeup side by side with me and offer advice on what jewelry and shoes I should wear.  You love putting my earrings in, and some days, your entertainment consists of taking my earrings off, then putting them back on.  Repeat.  Thankfully, you've gotten good at this skill after a few initial painful pokes.  You love when I let you do my nails and the outcome is better than one might expect.  You're good about tagging along with any of my daily tasks from getting dressed to cleaning up, to cooking meals.  I'm raising a wonderful housewife, I suppose (insert eyeroll emoji).





Avery, I love doing life with you each day.  You make me laugh, make me smile, and make me slow down to appreciate things like squirrels, leaves, and dead ladybugs. I love your crooked smile, your warm hug, and your fast feet.  I love you always, my little grownup.

Love,
Mom