Elise Noelle,
I can hardly believe you are four. I remember the day you were born - it was traumatic for both of us! And though the transition to motherhood was a little tough for me, you and I have grown so close. I enjoy who you are very much and it is such a delight to spend time with you.
One of the things I love about you is how much you love and care for people. You absolutely adore your grandparents, your aunts and uncles, and your friends. You love people, and you love them well! You are very thoughtful. Just recently, you were at a birthday party and your Nana and Papa J were home with Lilah. You asked the hostess if you could take home yogurt pretzels for your Nana and Papa J because you thought they'd like them. So sweet of you.
You are also FULL of compliments. No kidding, when we are in the drive through, you shout from your window, "I like your hair" or "You have pretty earrings" to the cashier. I have to say, you are very good for your mommy's self-esteem. You shower me with (undeserved) praise - "You are the best mommy in the whole world" and spontaneous "I love you, Mommy!" statements.
You are a very funny girl! I certainly laugh more because I have you in my life. You like making people laugh and really enjoy being the center of attention. You have an abundance of ideas, and you like to lead. We have to sometimes talk about asking your friends if they want to do something rather than just assuming they want to go along with your schemes. At preschool, you always want to be called on, and you don't like when you don't get called on if you know the answer.
You are quite a little smarty - particularly in your command of the English language and your sharp memory. You use a lot of big words for a little girl and generally get them in context. Words I've heard you say recently are particular, unusual, and reasonable. Daddy and I can't rely on spelling out words to keep you from knowing what we are saying - you usually can pick up enough context clues to know exactly what is going on. We've found, you are ALWAYS listening, even if you are in a different room of the house.
You don't like to be alone - AT ALL, and you abhore silence. The only way I can get you to spend time by yourself is if I put music or stories on the background. You also are a Chatty Cathy - I really can't believe how much you talk! I won't lie, sometimes it drives me crazy, but generally it is very amusing. Right now, your interests are princesses, beauty supplies, technology, reading, games, and crafts and art.
The last thing I want to remember about you at this age is your inquisitive mind. You ask a lot of good and hard questions. You are particularly curious about your faith. A couple questions you've asked me recently: Do all people go to heaven? Will we recognize each other in heaven?
Elise, I love you so much! Happy Birthday!
