Four.

My little Renae turned four this last week. 4! FOUR! f-o-u-r!

I'm a little stunned. I don't know why it's been so shocking. Maybe it's because in my mind, she's now no longer a toddler...she's a KID.
And that means I've got to have my act together! ! No more cruising through the years she won't really remember. It's like the learning part's over and the test is starting. Eeeek!

But enough about my parenting anxiety at having a four-year-old.

Because, in all reality, this little lady makes being her mom pretty easy.

 

At four, she is goofy and sensitive and thoughtful and responsible. I call her my Little Mama because at least once a day I have to remind her that she is, in fact, NOT the Mama. (She wears her oldest daughter role well...)

She is still ALL girl. She loves pink and ponies and dresses. And camping. And riding her bike.

She is tender-hearted and friendly. I can count on her to play kindly with other kids and take smaller kids under her wing.

If toddlerhood is really anything like teenagehood...then I will have my hands full...and my heart full, too...because this sweet and sassy girlie makes sure both are overflowing. 

Happy Birthday, Renae-nae! Here's to the next stage of kid-hood!