Christa is Four Years Old!!

We saved the present from Mommy and Daddy for Christa to open on her actual birthday - it's a step-stool with her name on it for her bathroom. We also had a fun toy to give her, but she got the same thing at her party, so I have it set aside. She was very excited about her stool!

Celebrating the birthday girl!! We had a full day of fun, including Dance Camp, a Chick-fil-A lunch, playtime with La-La, playtime at Kangaroo Jake's, and a date with Daddy to see Cars 2!


Dear Gusta-Bear,

You are four years old today!! As I sit here typing this, four years ago tonight, I was getting settled in my post-partum room, trying to process the fact that I was finally a mom!! It was truly one of the best days of my life - one of those days where minute details are etched into my memory. I've gone on and on about how perfect that day was. I can still hear the clanging of the forceps as Dr. Burns got ready to pull you out. I can still hear the nurse telling me that Mimi and Margaret Anne were standing outside the delivery room with their ears pressed against the door. I can still see the garden view outside my room. I can still see the tiny piece of yarn tied into a bow in your fine, soft hair.
You are a lot different today, but still my little Gusta-Bear in so many ways. You are a lot more cuddly today than you were then. You didn't like to snuggle much as a baby, but now you are an expert at finding excuses to snuggle with Daddy or Me! Have I ever told you how we came up with your nickname, "Gusta-bear"?? Shortly after we got home from the hospital, your daddy sang a catchy little tune. It's hard to convey the tune in writing, but the words were, "Me gusta... the Mommy-Bear because she is great.... doo doo doo doo doo doo..." We also said in goofy voices, "Me gusta you," which is another little phrase your silly daddy came up with during a moment of fun one time. The phrase stuck, and we said it to each other and to you. It's our unique way of saying, "I love you." It somehow evolved into, "My Gusta," and then eventually to just "Gusta." I added the "bear" to make you, "Gusta-Bear." We still call you that, though not quite as often as we used to. I think people sometimes think we're trying to say,"Christa," and just are not getting it right :)
Anyway, four years ago, I couldn't imagine being a mother to a big four-year-old girl, but here we are!! And you keep getting better and better!! You are hilarious right now. You say, "tell me why that is," quite often, demanding reasons and explanations for all kinds of things. You LOVE the Clocktower. At the beginning of this school year, you had "C" week at your preschool. We took a field trip to eat "Cookies at the Clocktower," and you talk about it constantly to this day. Every time we are driving around town, you can spot that landmark from miles away, and you always point out pictures of it as we see them. You have Abby Kate saying "cookies, clocktower," too! Last week, we had a picnic at the Clocktower, and you and your little sister thought that was great!
You love anything girly. You are not hugely into baby dolls, but you love any small toys that you can line up on your dresser or on the carpet. Your favorite toys right now are all of your My Little Pony things, and you love to color with colored pencils. You love to dress up in Disney Princess clothes, and we have had a lot of fun the last few days playing with your new Disney Princess cash register. You just discovered Strawberry Shortcake, and that is your movie of choice at the moment, although you are happy with just about any Disney movie or kid-oriented TV show. Over the last few days, you have decided that you are too cool for toddler CDs and want "fast songs." So we have been listening to Hillsong, which is Mommy's only adult CD that she keeps in the car.
You are the best big sister ever! At one time a long long time ago, I might have had a twinge of guilt that you were only an "only child" for just over 2 years. I needed not to have worried a bit. You adore your little sisters. You are usually very sweet to share with Abby Kate or help her if she's having trouble. You love holding Elizabeth, and often pick her up, whether I want you to or not. If I try to get onto you, you say, "I'm just holding/hugging/snuggling with her," in the sweetest little voice, making it impossible for me to correct your "disobedience." I don't want to do anything to discourage your love for your sisters, so I let you get away with not listening to me in this department. You like to go up to your sisters, shake their hands emphatically, and say, "Nice to meetcha!" You and Abby Kate like to "dance" - a.k.a. - run around the room in circles. You took ballet for the first time this year, and LOVE performing on stage. You tell me about words like "plie" and "arabesque" and demonstrate what they mean.
You are still petite for your age, and your hair is finally getting some length to it. It's still blond, which shocks Mommy. I never, ever thought I'd have a blond little girl, and I love it! Most days you want to wear it down, without any bows or ponytails. You call it wearing it "curly." The ends do curl a little, especially when it's humid outside. You will only wear dresses right now. I think this is the first year that I bought you clothes that aren't getting worn. You won't consider wearing your shorts outfits or pajama shorts/pants that I bought at the beginning of the season. Luckily you have 2 little sisters, so I'm considering my investment new clothes for them in a few years!
You can have very adult conversations with us and have learned to "argue." Most of our "arguments" are over whether you can have coke or candy or not, and you frequently talk me into it by bringing up a good example of why I should let you have some. You think that every good deed (such as staying in bed, pooping on the potty, doing what I ask you to, etc.) deserves a treat - such as a gumball - or coke or candy. You also have your own friends. This is the first year that I invited your friends to your birthday party instead of my friends with kids. You say that your "best" friend is Ava, a little girl from your class.
You are growing up so fast, but in some ways, at just the right pace. I have loved every stage with you, but I can not imagine you any older or any younger than you are right now! I try hard to live these years with you to the fullest, and enjoy you exactly as you are at this moment. You make that easy to do, sweet girl!

You make me so proud every day!! You are beautiful, funny, smart, and confident. You are outgoing and kind. I pray every night that above all else, you will grow up to know and love God and to accomplish every purpose He has for you. So far, so good :)

I love you so much!
Mommy