4.5 years

Dear Addison,

My sweet, sweet girl. You're growing so fast. You no longer look or sound like a baby, even a toddler. Overnight you've become this little girl, with a distinct personality and your own sense of being. You're self sufficient and independent, but still come to me for help when you think something is too hard. Most of the time it's not and I make you do it on your own. The sense of accomplishment I see in your eyes makes me proud. You still have a shyness about you that comes out when we're parting ways with each other. At night you always need one more kiss or one more hug. You like to hold on to my pointer finger as I walk away. You smile at me as our hands slip apart and I whisper "sweet dreams". I always check on you soon after that. I get one last hug and an "I love you mommy". It may be the sweetest thing I hear all day.

You're still not a true girlie girl, which is okay with me. We play dress up sometimes and you love when I paint your fingernails. I know if there is a shade of purple in the mix that you will pick that color. You don't mind when I trim your finger and toe nails as long as there is a tv show to keep you occupied. For some reason you always know when I'm at the pinky toe. You have this fear that cutting the pinky toe is going to hurt. I always fake you out and get it done and then remind you that it didn't hurt. But it doesn't matter. You do the same thing every time.

I do have to mention the small fits you have been throwing lately. I'm hoping it's all a phase that will pass sooner rather than later. Every time I begin to brush your hair I'm met with an "owie" and that's before I've reached a tangle. Then it escalates into a crying fit of no's and I don't want to's. Every morning there are tears. You don't want to brush your hair or your teeth. You don't want to get dressed or put your shoes on. At night you don't want to do this, that or the other. It makes me sad that you're spending a lot of time in your room, but since I've started sticking to consequences it's gotten a little better.

For the past two months or so you've been playing soccer. I think you really enjoyed it. It was so much fun to watch you transform into a true player. Each week you would get in and attack the ball more and more. By the end of the season you were actually kicking it a couple of times per game. There were no goals scored, but that's okay by me. It didn't make me any less proud of you. There were times when you would spend too much time eating snacks and not participate in the game. There was the one time you picked a weed and rushed it over to me, all while the game is going on. And I can't forget the time you ran over to kiss your sister because you needed more energy. I about died it was so sweet.

You and Morgan are attached at the hip. Just like any other siblings you have your moments, but most times you can be found side by side. You give her kisses and hugs as often as you can. Most of the time you play well together and the bickering we sometimes hear is usually over something insignificant. Like the toothbrushes. I finally had to label them because you keep wanting to switch. You don't care that it's gross. Everyday when I pick you up from school I find you both playing together at the fence. Yesterday I had a parent/teacher conference where I heard nothing but good things about how well you are doing in school. You love to learn. You love to solve problems. You love to tell stories. Sometimes they are really long, but I listen patiently. Puzzles, drawing and games are favorites. You like to play Candy Land, Chutes & Ladders, and Hi Ho Cherry-O as much as possible.

This past weekend we went and had family pictures taken. You had two mini candy bars before we left the house, more candy during the photo shoot and the promise of a doll after it was all over as motivation to cooperate and smile. Sometimes as parents you just do what you have to do. I didn't care because it worked. The picture above is one of my favorites. I'm not sharing my ultimate favorite because it's a surprise for the Christmas card, but trust me. You did good.

I love you as big as the sky and as big as the ocean.

Mommy


*Last picture taken by Amy Barry from Couture Wedding Studios. Find her on Facebook HERE!