Allie's 4th Birthday!

Today is Allie's birthday, and we celebrated by decorating last night so when she woke up this morning she was surprised by balloons and signs. I put streamers and a big number "4" on her chair, along with four balloons that had number fours written all over them. She didn't seem wowed by the significance. She did, however, like the free-floating balloons, and even drew on some later in the day. (Allie will draw on pretty much anything she can get.)

It just happened to be her Little Gym day, which was perfect since it's one of her favorite activities. Her teachers knew it was her special day and wished her a happy birthday as soon as she came in. After class everyone sang "happy birthday" to her. We had made chocolate chip cookies to bring with us and give to all her classmates (and their parents and siblings)––big hit. People love free food. Especially if it's peanut-free.

The rest of the day was pretty typical, until Nate came in from work, and dinner got trumped by the fastest gift-opening ever. Allie barely even looked at each thing once the paper was ripped off before she grabbed for the next present. I didn't know whether to be amused or disturbed. Her favorite presents seemed to be a doctor's coat (her request) and a collection of washi tape (think amazing crafts). The other things––books, a dance outfit, a sketchbook––did not get a second look, at least not yet.

Lastly, we had birthday cake with singing and candles after dinner, and everyone was allowed to have a second piece! Generous, right? But no, the kids begged and cajoled and argued for a third piece. Allie described repeatedly about how much room she still had in her tummy. Finally she settled for a banana to fill the cavernous void (this is after she claimed she was too full to finish her dinner). Oh, kids are something else.

Rowan really enjoyed the cake affair, clapping his hands and shoveling cake into his mouth as fast as his little fingers could move. It was only time I remember where he voluntarily did the "more" sign after he finished. Usually I have to remind him to "show me the sign," and even then it takes a couple tries before he does the appropriate sign. Leave it to cake to bring out the language in him.

Happy Fourth Birthday Allie!

Allie's morning started off with lots of hugging from Rowan!

She opened her card right away and discovered a princess castle inside.

Nate shows Allie a sketch book during the gift opening.

This is probably her favorite gift––a doctor's coat. She asked for it weeks ago
to go with our doctor kit, and she really does love pretending to be a doctor.
Just ask the perpetual patient, Nate, how many times she's cured him.

Her second-favorite gift...washi tape in a pretty pencil case.

Doctor Allie is in the house!

Waiting for cake.

Priceless.