Daniel turned 4 almost two months ago, and I cannot believe I didn’t write a commemorative post (that sounds odd) or a recap of his birthday party or anything. June was a busy month, and the entire summer is zooming by.
Daniel’s birthday party went very well. Eight preschoolers jumped, climbed and bounced to their hearts’ content, and then we threw pizza, cake and ice cream at them. Daniel was thrilled with his garbage truck cake, and he, Jimmy, my mother and I were all exhausted when we got home (although no naps were had by anyone).
I feel like I need to knock on wood as I write this, but age 4 has been so much easier than age 3…so far. I wrote several times last year how unprepared I was for the huge changes and challenges age 3 brought almost overnight, and we’ve been waiting and watching, but so far, so good. I’m not saying it’s an easy age. Age 4 has its own delights, but we can reason with him and are beginning to be able to use logic. We can have conversations with him and that helps SO much. He’s funny and sweet and delightful and infuriating, often simultaneously.
Four is Inquisitive
Daniel: Mommy, do starfish have toes?
Me: No, they have feet but no toes (according to our starfish book)
Daniel: Why not?
Me: I don’t know. That’s just how they were made.
Daniel: You do to know.
Me: ????????????
Four is Inquisitive and Chatty
Daniel: Mommy, what’s your favorite color? Do you like garbage trucks? Do you know I like Word Girl? What’s that, Mommy? Do you like Thomas? Do you like Percy? Do you like…<insert every train he owns>? It starts from the moment he gets up, to the moment I pick him up, until he finally lays his little blond head on the pillow and falls asleep.
Four is Inappropriate
Daniel: Mommy, do you wear underwear?
Me: Yes
Daniel: Mommy, what do they look like? Are they pretty?
Me: ummmmm we don’t really talk about our underwear
***
Daniel: Daddy! What’s in your pants? (reaches hand down Jimmy’s pants)
He was actually referring to what Jimmy had in his pocket, but we weren’t sure at the time.
Four is Bossy
Daniel: Mommy, do not argue with me. Do not say that word. Do not call me that name. I must be first! I own purple!
Four is Sweet
Daniel: Mommy, who am I married to?
Me: I don’t know?
Daniel: I am married to you, daddy, and Word Girl (he blushes a bit and my heart melts. I also suddenly hate Word Girl)
Four is Infuriating
Me: You need to finish your green beans.
Daniel: No.
Me: Yes, you do or you won’t get dessert.
Daniel: But I waaaaaaaaant dessert
Me: Well, who controls that?
Daniel: You.
Me: No! You do! (suddenly feeling like I’ve lost control of the conversation). Just eat your green beans!
Four is Sensitive
Daniel: I’m a robot
Me: Are you like one of Toby’s robots? (from Word Girl. Toby is a bit of a punk)
Daniel: (chin quivering, face crumbling, tears falling) I AM NOT TOBY. I AM NOT ONE OF HIS ROBOTS. HE’S A BAD BOY. NO ONE IN THE FAMILY IS TOBY OR ONE OF HIS ROBOTS.
Me: OK, OK, OK! (Maybe it’s time to teach him about similes)
There is never a dull moment around our house; that’s for sure.
Family Building With a Twist 