In four years my chunkalicious baby has grown into a beautiful little girl.
head: 21.25
height: 41 inches
weight: 39
hair: long and lucious
(month one, month two, month three, month four, month five, month six, month seven, month eight, month nine, month ten, month eleven, month twelve, month fifteen, month eighteen, month twenty four, month thirty, month thirty six)
At Annie’s birthday dinner I gave her one of those interviews where you ask your kids the same questions every year on their birthday to see how they’ve changed. Her answers were pretty predictable this year (her favorite movie is Frozen, her favorite outfit is a dress) with a few surprises (she wants to be a doctor). I’m looking forward to seeing what her answers are in the future, although I’m not anxious for her to grow up too fast.
This kid is exhausting, but in the best possible way. I hear the words, “Mama, I got an idea,” about five times a day. The ideas range from the simple (let’s read a book) to the more involved (let’s go to Starbucks) to the outta control (let’s build a ship and sail to an island). Her imagination is limitless and I wish I could get a window into the inside of her brain. I bet it’s awesome in there.
At this time last year, we were a few months away from Annie becoming a big sister. At the time I’d assumed she’d like her brother at first, then grow jealous of him. That hasn’t happened at all. She absolutely adores and dotes on her brother. She’ll let him pull her hair, play with her toys, she even begs to change his poopy diapers. I thought she’d be a good big sister but I’ve been truly blown away by the depth of her caring for James. Their relationship makes me so proud I could burst.
We’re really working on her being a good listener. If I observe her not paying attention or not following directions during soccer, gymnastics, or dance, I have her go back in after the lesson and apologize to the teacher. Then at the next class, I remind her that she promised the teacher that she’d do better next time. That seems to be doing the trick. I’m a big stickler for politeness so when she doesn’t listen to an authority figure I get pretty strict. All that being said, her teachers and coaches all give me great reports…I just want to make sure they stay that way.
The most wonderful change over the last year has been my relationship with Annie. The once 100% Daddy’s Girl has become my best little buddy. She wants to sit right next to me, she wants me to do her hair, tell her stories, help her create outfits, draw with her, teach her how to write her name, and cuddle. I love it. I love her. She is my little dream. I’m so thankful for her.
MG says:
My 4th is about 17 months and her 3 older brothers still ADORE her. It is so sweet. The only time they seem to get irritated is when she “messes up their stuff”. Everything changes once they’re actually mobile! BUT, I’m going to take this and enjoy it as long as possible! Such a cute post!
Kayla says:
Wow, so it seems like four is Annie’s number this year – it’s not just her age now, but she’s also four pounds more than the “average” four year old girl, *and* she’s four inches taller than the average! She’s gonna be taaaall!
And that hair oh mah gawd, just amazing! Is it wrong to be jealous of a four year old’s hair? Lol!
Stephanie says:
The weight is probably right as being about 4 pounds more than average, but the height? My daughter was 40″ at 4 years and that was solidly 50th percentile. 37″ would put a 4 year old girl in the 5th percentile.
Heather says:
According to the charts, she’s 79th percentile for weight and 78th for height! I was a very tall kid, and Mike is tall, so we’ll see if she peaks early (like I did) or continues on a tall trajectory like her dad!
Alejandra says:
My oldest just turned 6 yrs old in December. She is 44 inches tall and 45 lbs she’s in the 45% range. I guess she’s tiny compared to Annie.
MissyK says:
Annie is such a beautiful little girl. You have truly been blessed with the most perfect gift.
Stacey says:
Another milestone to celebrate! Her birthday party was amazing – the stuff you put together each year always makes me want to come play
Sara says:
Oh those last lines made me tear up. “She is my little dream” SO SWEET!
Lanie says:
Annie is amazing! Love the last picture of her – she has such great expressions.
kakali says:
Now Annie is finally big enough to see and understand your talents and creativities and that’s why she is very much attracted to you! Of course Mike is very talented but the kids love to see all those creativities from mom. I am so glad you have a perfect little girl!
Paula says:
Annie has grown so much. She’s getting so big and I love that she has a healthy imagination that you and Mike take every chance you have to nurture it and help her explore as well.
Greis says:
I love that kid!!! Give her big hugs from me!! XOXO
Annalisa says:
Ha! Those were near the stats at my kid’s 3 year check up (40 inches, and 39.5 lbs). She’s gynormous, though, kid has never been below the 90th percentile. If you didn’t hear her talk, you’d guess she was 4, and boy do we get dirty looks when she has meltdowns in public places, so I do end up saying “she’s only 3!” to no one in particular (or more aptly, to remind me not to have my own meltdown over her behavior in public :().
I take zero credit for her size, as I was always average size wise growing up. She’s all her dad’s tall freakish genes.
Paula says:
She is so gorgeous! Am a bit worried – 41 inches – my girl is about 43. Maybe they can play basketball together
Pattie says:
What a fantastic 4-year-old — and big sister — Annie has become.