FOUR

HOURS OLD!

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

Amelia is FOUR!  We have had a crazy week!  The kids and I were on spring break on opposite weeks.  We split the difference and took a few days to drive to visit the Minnesota family.  So it happened that we were gone over Amelia's birthday and Easter.  Sadly, we had to drive home on Easter, so we didn't celebrate as I would have liked.  For example, we had PBJ sandwiches in the car and for Easter dinner - Wendy's.  Yes, friends, my children had some of their first fast food in honor of the Easter holiday.  And in honor of the fact it took us a long time to get packed up which forced us to purchase dinner on the road.  I strongly prefer not to eat two meals in the car.

Anyhow, I'm feeling badly about not putting down my memories about Amelia's birthday one week later. 

The highlights:

Amelia got up Saturday morning and said "My hair is longer, I am taller and I am FOUR!"  Such a silly girl!

Grandpa stayed up late and made a very special birthday breakfast: home made caramel rolls....delicious!

The cinnamon/caramel goodness...mmmm....

 Amelia requested molasses cake - a family favorite and helped Grandma make the cake on the morning of her birthday.  I was in and out of the kitchen during cake prep and Amelia was chattering away.  

Amelia LOVED getting to be the only helper in the kitchen during the cake making.  She just ate up the personal attention and talked poor Grandma's ear off.

Amelia and the finished product

Blowing out her candles...William is trying hard to use self control and NOT blow out the candles.

Her hands down favorite gift?  A real china tea party set in a gorgeous basket.  Even William couldn't wait to get his hands on the little delicate cups.

To cap off the day, we colored Easter eggs.  Because we are crazy and nothing says Happy Birthday like hard boiled eggs.

After the cake baking session, I decided I need to do a better job of getting Amelia out on her own and started hatching a plan of a special girl trip when we get back home. I have some good ideas.

We had a LOT of family around to help us celebrate her big day.  Megan/Andrew and her family drove down for the day and Kaye/Scott joined us for cake as did Grandpa Heidt.  Amelia enjoyed the crowd and the limelight very much. 

Things Amelia loves:
Her siblings

Strawberries

Fingernail polish (although I am sad she no longer refers to it as fingerSnail polish)

Books

school/learning

Cutting

Coloring

Shopping

New clothes/shoes

Dresses

Things Amelia doesn't like:

Being told what to do

Not being treated as an equal with her brother

 Amelia is working very hard still to keep up with her brother.  She is frequently in over her head, but that doesn't slow her down.  It isn't uncommon for me to remind her that when William's pencil is HITTING HER IN THE NOSE, it means she is TOO CLOSE.  She loves to do "homework" and has learned all of William's sight words from this year (that William knew going in to kindergarten).  She loves being read to and reading herself.  She has really started to pick up on words and sounding things out in the last month.  

Amelia is still shy around people she doesn't know, but don't mistake her for a shrinking violet.  Her teachers have reported that she is very helpful, a great listener, and a good friend to everyone.  Unless of course you take her toy or don't play fair.  Then, you better look out because she will let you know.  And everyone else too.

Amelia continues to enjoy shopping (did I ever post the shopping with Grandpa video?).  This month we were at K0hls picking up a few summer items for the kids and Amelia finally got frustrated with me. 

Amelia: What are we LOOKING for?  This stuff is for babies!
Mama: I'm looking for something for Gemma.  Gemma is still kind of a baby.

Amelia: Huh.  For Gemma?

Mama: Yes.

Amelia: (Sigh) (Bigger sigh): Ok.  What are the numbers?

Mama: What?

Amelia: What will the numbers say?
Mama: Numbers don't say anything?  They don't have sounds?
Amelia: (Eye roll, big sigh) No mom.  What numbers does Gemma need on her shirt?

Mama: Aaaaaahhhh HA!  Gemma needs at 18-24 month size.

Amelia: Here.  Here.   Here.  Here.  Here. 

And she immediately produced 5 different options for Gemma in the correct size.  

Most of all, we are so proud of how hard Amelia works.  We love her laugh and beautiful smile.  She is so sweet and caring towards her brother and sister, which makes me so happy!  We love you Amelia Ann!