Dear 4 year old Emma,

I asked you yesterday if you could just stay 4 forever. You answered with, "no because I need to be seventeen." OUch....We have been having so much fun and I can say with certainty you are my favorite person to hang out with right now. I love having time just you and I-it makes no matter what we are doing a little more fun having you along. Yesterday, I had to get my eyes tested. You, of course, are an old pro at this, having worn glasses since 11 months. You told me all about what to expect, "mama, they will ask you questions about what you see until you get really tired of talking. Then they blow wind in your eyeballs and you have to try to keep them open. Don't be scared." You sat next to me and held my hand, "just in case." We ate lunch together after and talked about all kinds of things like a couple of old friends, catching up. I love how you ask for "lovies" first thing in the morning and crawl up into my lap and let me hold you for a solid ten minutes. The other day, I was very frustrated with Abby's non-stop screaming and put her in her crib to cool off while I unloaded groceries. Then I could not find you. You were upstairs in Abby's crib, singing to her and rubbing her back. Tears filled my eyes. A bully at preschool told you you were the ugliest girl the other day and you came in the car and told me about it. I called the teacher and told her about it. Then I made sure you know you are beautiful. Of course you do, "I have beautiful hair, and nose and heart, mom." Yes, honey, you do. Daddy brought home pretty flowers that night for his pretty girl. You insisted on keeping them in your room to smell when you are sleeping. The words you use for your emotions lately are very impressive. You often tell me when you are feeling frustrated, upset, or a little nervous. I wish more adults could be as clear about their emotions- it makes things easier when I know what I am dealing with. Your drawings of people now contain all the right parts- eyes, nose, mouth, arms, legs, feet, and even hair. You love drawing our house with flowers and a shining sun outside. I love how the sun is always shining in your pictures. I hope it means we are doing something right. You can now sing, This land is my land, this land is your land and I have no idea where you learned that. You say the entire Lord's prayer at night which is amazing to me (go, sunday school!!) and your prayers are often hilarious. "I pray Nana will learn how to knit and God, please help people get on airplanes." Wha????
You can now pump your own swing and confidently climb up all the playground structures. You insist on dressing yourself and picking out your own clothes everyday, but you usually still need guidance in this area or you would be wearing no sleeves in 40 degrees. It almost always is a dress everyday. I just wanted to capture all the things about you right now, before they slip and you get even older. I love who you are and excited to see who you become!