Four.

Yesterday Caroline turned four. FOUR! Over the past handful of months I’ve watched her quickly outgrow toddlerhood and into a little girl. She dresses herself. She makes her own snacks. She teaches, disciplines and loves hard on her little brother. She’s lost every ounce of baby fat. She is a sponge in school absorbing as much knowledge as she can. She can tell you about 12 different species of penguins, the meaning behind every holiday, she can describe butterfly metamorphosis and how bees make honey, she can name more types of insects and birds than I can. She loves worms — dried up on the sidewalk or squiggling in dirt, it doesn’t matter she will pick it up and inspect it. She loves to collect rocks which always end up at the bottom of the washer. She’s unafraid to cannonball into a pool, climb on top of her playhouse and jump off of things. She’s creative and loves to paint, draw and color. She loves to wear jewelry, steal my makeup and pig tails. She loves a pedicure. She loves to cook. She loves her teachers and friends. Austin is still her best friend, going on 4 years. Her favorite colors are pink and yellow. She loves broccoli, french fries, Lucky Charms, edamame and hotdogs. She loves Jesus. She doesn’t sleep. She has the sweetest little voice. She loves her daddy more than anyone else and wants to be mommy.

As proud as I am to watch my little pookie grow into a little lady, I can’t help but already miss her toddler days. She was such an adorable, cuddly and fun 3 year old. In fact, age 3 will forever be my favorite age. The age where her clothes still ended in “T”, her books still rhymed and she forgot the first letter or added a “y” to most words. To be honest, I’m nervous for what 4 will bring as she continues to learn how to navigate tough emotions, is opinionated, must do everything herself and negotiates every little thing. But I’m also excited.

Yesterday we kicked off her birthday with our pancake breakfast tradition. Later she celebrated with her classmates over Harris Teeter cupcakes she picked out. Then I scooped her up early and gave her the option of getting pedicures or making necklaces as her birthday gift. She picked necklaces! So off we went to Beads to make necklaces together. It was the best experience and she couldn’t stop smiling. Happy birthday, sweet Caroline. We love you “as high as the sun” as you always say.