Sisi is 4!

Siena Marie is 4 years old today.  She is a big girl in so many ways, but she is still babyish, too.  I know we are right on that cusp between toddler and girl, and I'm hanging onto it with all my might. While she does plenty of big girl things, she still likes me to dress her, take her potty, and brush her teeth for her.   It's an interesting phase and I know it will be over before I know it.

Although I didn't intend on waiting so long between babies, I am so glad it worked out this way.  While we had a few really rough weeks where Sisi was weepy, depressed and incredibly needy (I thought I'd lost my easygoing and independent Sisi forever!) she is quickly adjusting to our new family dynamic, and is a genuine help around the house. She's pulling her weight around here, lol. Her attention span and thoroughness for chores astounds me. She takes her jobs very seriously because she is so conscientious in general.  She rubs stain remover all over Matteo's soiled onesies (doesn't miss a spot!). She scrubs dishes like a champ.  She scrubs Matteo's feet in the tub, powders his butt, and even "babysits" him for me while I do things around the house.  My heart bursts when she lovingly hugs him and declares how cute he is.  Or tells me, "Mom, Matteo's crying!  Go feed him!" I guess he won her over :)

Sisi at a glance:

• It's been almost 2 years since she started wearing a tail every single day, and that phase is still going strong.  This kid is consistent! Dental floss, shoelaces, rope, feather boas- you name it, I've pinned it to her booty.
• Except now it's a dinosaur tail instead of a dog tail. She eats, sleeps and breathes dinosaurs.  That show Dinosaur Train is her favorite right now.  
• Her favorite time of day is "Mommy and Sisi time" when I set the timer for 15 minutes, and play whatever she wants to play (always dinosaurs) with absolutely no interruptions (even if the phone rings or baby fusses, they must wait.)  She appreciates this undivided attention, as short as it may be.  I treasure it, too. 
• Her favorite cds are the Annie soundtrack and the Sound of Music soundtrack.  My sister bought tickets to Annie the Musical for her birthday, which is going to be an incredible first musical experience for her.  
• Her favorite foods are liverwurst on paleo bread, salmon cakes, dates, raisins, dark chocolate, sweet potato fries, tuna salad, and tamago sushi. She will still eat sardines any time of day.  She LOVES my paleo baked goods, even the ones people think  taste weird or not sweet enough.  
• She is very honest.   If I ask her a question, I can usually count on an honest answer, for better or worse. And when she makes me a promise, I can trust her to follow through. 
• She is still very afraid of authority.  All I have to do is give her my "mom look" and lower my voice an octave, and she is putty in my hands, at least most of the time.  Even the gentlest reprimand can bring her to tears.  I have to be so careful with my sensitive little girl.  
• Prefers her hair long, but I insist on semi-yearly trims.  She's had at least 5 haircuts.
• Still uber cautious, doesn't like slides or swings or carousels. Hates mall Santas, scary movies (she considers The Little Mermaid a scary movie!), and won't even attempt to ride a tricycle.  But on the other hand, loves climbing trees, barefoot hiking, and off-roading with Joe.    
• Still very much an introvert, but is becoming more liberal with her hellos, hugs and kisses.  
• She is generous and usually happy to share her toys with others (which is a relief, because we don't believe in forced sharing and were patiently waiting for her to learn to share on her own.)
• This year we didn't travel to any exotic destinations, but Sisi went camping three times, we did a week in Tahoe, and our Mommy-Daughter road trip up to San Francisco.  

Sisi, I am so proud to call you my little girl.  I love you with my whole heart!  Watching you play, grow, learn, struggle, and triumph has been such a joy.  God blessed me abundantly the day you were born!