Your birthday fell on a Thursday this year. We had a birthday treat (Glazers donuts from KT) for you and all your friends at daycare in the morning...
Later that day, you and I made some cupcakes to share with our daycare friends, as well as with our family.
You opened two presents from your family that night: a molding clay kit to make and decorate sweet treats, and a strawberry shortcake treehouse...which Lia obviously thought belonged to her (notice picture below where Lia is trying to grab the box from Jessica's hands, while saying, "mine.")...
On Friday night, our family went golfing at Pine Creek golf course in La Crescent. We golfed with Grandma Chris and Grandpa Bob, and were joined by Grandma Barb and Grandpa Terry in the clubhouse afterwards where we all enjoyed some dinner and cake.
Jessica you are surrounded by boys at daycare, but that has not stopped you from interacting with your friends. You demonstrate willingness to work together with all your "boyfriends" while running along side them, with a super hero or power ranger in hand, "fighting the bad guys." And, once the boys and you have successfully completed your mission for the day, you happily take on the mom role while the daycare boys play the dad and brothers in a fun game of house.
I feel so lucky and happy to have been home with you for the past four years - watching you, interacting with you, and teaching you --
Your Dad and I agree, if we had to use three words to describe you, these are the three we'd pick: creative, caring, and independent.
Jessica, you have grown into a strong, independent young girl. It's refreshing to witness your ability to play nicely with others, and then make the transition to independent play time without any trouble. Your creativity and attention span are impressive for such a young girl.
As with every person, with every new age, comes new challenges. The trials you face right now going into your fourth year of life are listening to your parents' wishes on the first request, and practicing how to appropriately show affection and play with babies and younger kids... VS bringing them to tears by smothering them with your hugs and kisses.
Your Dad and I feel you understand how to improve these two areas, but as with anything that doesn't come naturally, it's going to take some practice.
Jessica, you are a smart girl and seem to have most things figured out (or so you think anyway). Here are a few of our more recent conversations, just to give you an idea...
Jess: "Can we get that? (speaking about something expensive on TV)
Me: "Nope, that cost too much money."
Jess: "You mean we do not have enough dollars?...then, let's go get some more."
Me: "Sounds good. Do you know how we do that?"
Jess: "Yep, you go to the Dollar Store."
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Jackson: "Jessica, do you know what 4 + 4 is?"
Jess: "No."
Jackson: "Why not?"
Jess: "Because I am only a kid, Mom and Dad are older than me and it's their job to teach me that stuff."
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Me: (on the morning of your birthday) "Happy Birthday Jessica! Today is your special day!"
Jess: "You mean I am 4 now?"
Me: "Yep, you are 4 years old now. How does it feel to be 4?"
Jess: "Good. But, Mom, I need to buy a new backpack."
We have been telling Jessica for almost two years now (ever since big brother started Pre-K), that she will be going to school when she is 4.
It's almost your time to shine at school, big girl! We have no doubt you'll be ready, and excited, for school to start next Fall.
Some of your interests right now include: cooking with mom, pretend cooking in your play kitchen, riding your training wheel bike, playing house, playing Super Mario Bros on Wii, doing arts and crafts. We proudly display your art projects on the cabinets in our kitchen, and your "special arts and crafts" box is being quickly filled up with all the craft projects you do with Mom during daycare.
Your Dad and I look forward to continuing to foster your current interests this summer by signing you up for a cooking class, and possibly an art class at the Y. We also may introduce you to a few new activities this summer like, soccer or T-ball.
We love you Jess! You bring joy and happiness to our family every day.
Happy fourth birthday to you, Jessica!
Love, Mom and Dad
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