AWANA Cubbies

We completed another year of AWANA Cubbies!

This year I stretched myself and tried something new:  I volunteered to be an official leader in the Cubbies program.  (Cubbies is the AWANA program for preschoolers).  In all the past years of my kids participating in AWANA, I had never signed up as a leader.  I would still attend club each week, and assist in the various classrooms.  But, this year, I made that official commitment.  It was a good experience.   

I had 2 kids in Cubbies this year.  Jersey #4 and Jersey #5 are 18 months apart in age, and 1 year apart in school.  The Cubbies program runs for 2 years, so they spent a year in the club together.  This was exactly the same thing that happened when Jersey #1 was 4 years old, and Jersey #2 was 3 years old.

At the end-of-year Cubbies Awards Potluck, we celebrated our year of accomplishments.  Even though he has been avoiding crowds, and finds large gatherings overwhelming, The Referee made a point to attend.  He has always attended their awards programs in the past, and he knew it was important to the children.  I was glad to see him too.  I remember how important it was for me that my own parents attended my awards programs when I was a kid, so I was glad he was making that effort for the kids.  I was also thankful to have the help.  One thing I did not consider when signing up for Cubbies Leader is that it would be hard to be a leader and supervise my own kids at the same time, during the awards night dinner!  With The Referee there to sit with the kids, I was free to roam as a leader.  Plus, knowing how much I cherish pictures, The Referee offered to take some photos for me too.  What a blessing!

This was our 6th year in a row of attending a Cubbies Awards Program.  Our family started AWANA when Jersey #1 and Jersey #2 were both in Cubbies together.  Jersey #1 only completed one year of Cubbies (since she started at age 4), and then moved on to Sparks.  Jersey #2 completed her 2nd year, followed by 2 years for Jersey #3.  Jersey #4 completed one year alone as well, then had her little brother with her for her 2nd year.  Next year, when we graduate our final Cubbie, that will mark 7 years in a row of being part of the AWANA Cubbie program! 

It was so much easier this year, with our two youngest children in Cubbies.  In years past, we had toddlers and babies to hold, carry, stroll, and entertain.  Two preschoolers are much easier to manage.  (As one friend described it, "life is just more challenging with a baby and a toddler, regardless of how many children you have").   

The Awards Dinner went great.  Jersey #4 is very excited to move up to the Sparks program in the Fall.  Most of her peers were excited about the new red vests they would wear in Sparks.  Jersey #4 tells me that the reason she wants to go to Sparks is because she can't wait to get to use the bigger playground area outside the Sparks classroom!

FIVE

My pretty princess is 5 years old today.

Happy Birthday Jersey #4.

I love age 5.  It is such a big milestone.  The baby, toddler, and preschool years have passed, and a new level of independence blooms.  If we have taken the time to be consistent through the previous "training" years, then discipline becomes less frequent, and obedience becomes the norm.  I usually really enjoy this kindergarten age as a reward for all the effort required up to this point.

With Jersey #4, I have been in complete denial that it is even possible for her to be turning 5.  She seems so young.  She seems so small.  It just doesn't seem that 5 years has already passed.  Developmentally, I realize that she is 5.  She is really ready to be a kindergartener this Fall.  I've decided that the years must have been more blurred, because she can be such a challenging child.  Maybe I was too wrapped up in her constantly testing my parenting consistency to actually notice the passing of time?  

I don't know if it was the truth in the calendar date, or the new, bigger clothes she received as a birthday gift, or what, but Jersey #4 certainly emerged into a five year old today.  She even seemed older to me.  Dare I say she even seemed like a more compliant child?

(No, I don't dare say such a thing.  As the parent of such a strong-willed daughter, I know better than to let my guard down.  She will catch wind that I have relaxed, and will immediately test to see if the boundaries are still the same.  I must always be prepared for her random attempts to push the boundaries, and respond with consistency that the limits are firmly in place!)    

For her birthday this year, Jersey #4 wanted to celebrate at a miniature golf place.  It wasn't the golf that drew her, but more their really large safari animal statues.  The owners even let her climb on them, which she loves.  

The party  was fun.  Jersey #4 had a wonderful birthday.  Her friends and family really spoiled her.  She received many new toys and outfits.  She is at a sweet age, where she still enjoys baby dolls and play kitchen/food sets.  

It is almost time to order homeschool curriculum for the Fall (to get the discount price).  I am still wrapping my mind around having a new kindergartener to school.  Someone told her that she would get to learn how to read in kindergarten, so Jersey #4 has been busy trying to master the sounds of the alphabet letters, and how to blend 2 letter sounds together.  It already looks like she is going to enjoy academic learning.

I suppose I cannot deny it any longer.  Jersey #4 celebrated her 5th birthday.  She is officially 5 years old.

She just insists on growing up.

Cheerleading Boss

Jersey #2 and Jersey #4 are enjoying Cheerleading this flag football season.  Both love the spotlight and pom poms.  

Jersey #4 has really surprised me with the way she will stand right in the middle of the gym, in full view of all the fans in the stands, and soak up the attention.  Typically, she is not a very friendly child, so I did not expect her to enjoy the crowd like she does.

It turns out that Jersey #2 is actually really, really good at cheerleading.  She has a gift for rhythm.  She loves the beat, the music, the routines.  She loves to be loud.  She loves attention.  As much as I would prefer my daughters to play the sport, rather than cheer for it, I have to admit that Jersey #2 is a natural cheerleader.  I am starting to think we may want to seek out a gymnastics, dance, or drill team for her.

This season, the cheerleaders learned a little dance to perform at the halftime show.  The dance is a series of ripple steps, set to an 8-count beat.  Every 8 counts, the pom pom motion changes.  The coach was wise enough to position the younger girls in between the older girls, so that the older girls could keep the routine in place, even if the younger girls changed motions on their own schedule.  Jersey #2 was slated to be the last in the ripple line, because she could hold the count and position, in spite of what the younger girls around her were doing.  

It was going very well all season....

Until this week.

Jersey #4 does not grasp the 8-count beat or the ripple concept.  She is convinced that her big sister is delayed on following the motions.  This week, she decided to become vocal about it.  During the performance, she stood next to her big sister, and watched her every move.  

As the other girls changed their pom pom position, Jersey #4 changed hers too....then she called to her sister to let her know that she was out of line.  She wanted her sister to change her pom pom position immediately.

 

Jersey #2 was not phased by her bossy little sister, and kept the beat instead.  I am so thankful for that level of maturity in her, because it would have been totally embarrassing if my girls had ended up in an argument in the middle of the half time show.

We attempted to explain the routine to Jersey #4 a couple more times that evening.  She refuses to believe that Jersey #2 was correct in her delay of changing position.  

Date with Mom

Jersey #4 and I finally made it out for our "Mommy Date."

I have been wanting to start a tradition of doing something fun with the kids one-on-one, the month of their birthday. I like the way that The Referee takes each kid out to lunch for their birthday. It is such a sweet tradition. I had to hurry up and figure out something for Jersey #4 and I to do together, because her birthday was in March, and Jersey #3's birthday is fast approaching.

Jersey #4 had received some money for her birthday, so I decided to take her out shopping, just the two of us. We had a blast.

Jersey #4 talked my ear off the entire time we were out. I did not realize that she narrates her entire day. As we walked from the van to the store, she took my hand and chatted about the things that she saw. She pointed out birds, cars, signs on store windows....everything was fascinating to her.

At the store, I explained how much money she had to spend. I was impressed by the way she spotted things that she knew her siblings would like. She knows them all so well. She took her time looking at every aisle in the toy section, and finally settled on a mermaid style doll that could go in the bathtub.

We stopped at the snack shop on our way out the door, and I opened her doll while we ate a pretzel with cheese. Jersey #4 loves dolls. She "swam" that mermaid all over the snack shop, and all the way to the van.

She thanked me at least 10 times for letting her buy a new doll. She is such a grateful child. She enjoyed having Mommy all to herself for a few hours. I enjoyed getting to know her even more.

Lunch Date With Daddy

Jersey #4 got to enjoy lunch out with Daddy today. She had a blast.

This is a birthday tradition that The Referee started many years ago, when Jersey #1 was a preschooler. He takes each child out to lunch for their birthday. Just the 1 child and Daddy. It is such a sweet tradition. I just love it. I know the kids love it too. They take great care to pick the restaurant they want to go to.

The Referee takes great care to fit the birthday lunches into his busy work schedule. He makes a point to let the kids know that they are special to him. So special, that he makes time for them.

It is also nice to be an "only" child once in a while, and get all of Daddy's attention. That is a rare treat for a child in a large family. It is entertaining to see the kids react. Jersey #4 smiled so big as she got to go off with Daddy on her own. The Referee reported that she looked a bit surprised when she got to go get her food immediately after finding a table. (She didn't have to wait for any siblings to get settled first.)

I like this Daddy-date concept so much, that I am seeking a Mommy-date version to implement now too. I don't want to detract from the special tradition that The Referee has established. I just want a piece of that sweetness too. I've thought about a movie night, or an activity with Mommy. I'm still brainstorming. With Jersey #1, I took her shopping at the mall for an afternoon. I have not yet decided what to do for some special time with Jersey #4. I hope to figure that out soon.

Number 4 Turns 4

We enjoyed a VERY full weekend of birthday celebration. Jersey #4 is FOUR!

It just doesn't seem possible that she could be 4 already, but I know it is true. As I reflect back on her birth, and raising her to this point, I realize that I am more surprised that I made it through these past 4 years of being her Mom.

She is a handful......all by herself. When God takes that much beauty and that much brains, and wraps it into one package, adding in a level of determination that is undefined...the result is one frazzled, worn-out, humble mommy who is constantly entertained by the depth of my experience raising this child.

I have never met another child like her.

There are parts of her that resemble others in our family, so we are pretty certain she is ours. She looks like a duplicate copy of Jersey #1. She has a strong will, like Jersey #2. She also pays attention to detail, knows what she wants, and knows how to behave.

As soon as we think we have a grasp on her, she throws us for a loop. As an infant and toddler, she did not like anyone. She was not friendly or social in any way. At 4 years old, she loves being the center of attention. It was not a gradual process--it was as quick as the flip of a light switch. That is how she operates. She goes in one direction right until we think we have her figured out, then "flip" she switches course. I is always an adventure with her.

Jersey #4 led us on an adventure with her birth. Starting in the womb, she was in a footling breech position. She was standing on one foot like a flamingo, refusing to be born head-first like majority of the other babies of the world. We used modern medicine to our advantage, and she was born feet-first, via c-section. She made sure to disrupt the c-section plans, by starting labor 2 days earlier than scheduled.

From the moment she was born, Jersey #4 has been in charge. It took mere minutes for the doctors and nurses to give in to her wails, regardless of hospital protocols. It took her less than 24 hours home to have every member of our family running the moment she cried. She demanded her attention and care, on her terms, in her time. I have never seen anything like it, and I was suppose to be a "seasoned" parent by then.

Each year, the adventure continues. She caught the flu for her 1st birthday, forcing us to cancel her party.

Going against the norm, once again, age 2 with Jersey #4 was probably the easiest age so far...

By age 3, she was certain that the birth order of our family was incorrect, and she should be the firstborn instead.

She loves to try to do everything her older siblings can do. When she masters a development younger than they do, it causes quite a stir. That fuels her to try even harder....to upset them even more. The way she can dribble a basketball already, makes me wonder what she will be like when she is old enough to play sports.

Her early interest in "schoolwork" makes me wonder where she will go academically.

I can't even begin to predict where this precious child will take us. I do know one thing for certain--buckle up, we are bound for adventure!

No one said parenting is easy. Jersey #4 reminds us of this truth on a daily basis.

Let the adventure continue...

Go Red For Women

Jersey #2 participated in a fund-raising event for the American Heart Association this month. She does some publicity work for them on occasion. We say that she is the cutest face of heart disease.

This time, she took us to the Go Red For Women luncheon. Go Red For Women is a national campaign to raise awareness about heart disease in women, the warning signs, and how to seek prevention and treatment. The girls of our family were invited to attend the fund-raising luncheon for this event. (The boys decided that it would be more fun if they stayed home in their PJs and played video games instead).

We dressed up in fancy red dresses. I was proud of myself for buying dresses at Christmas time, when red was rampant in the stores. I bought the dresses on sale too! We felt like princesses.

Part of the luncheon presentation was a "Survivor's Fashion Show." Each heart disease survivor walked the runway, modeling red outfits from a local department store, while the MC read a short speech about their heart condition and experience. Each survivor was escorted by a loved one. We chose Jersey #1 to accompany Jersey #2, thinking that the girls would love to be runway models for this event.

Jersey #4 and I sat in the audience, enjoying the fancy luncheon.

The event was spectacular. It was fun. There was a huge turn-out. It was the largest crowd yet. 550 people attended.

And, we learned that Jersey #1 does not enjoy being in front of the crowd. She would rather that Jersey #2 keep the spotlight. She liked the outfit. She liked the food. She did not like being on stage in front of all those people. She developed a stomach ache and stressed about it for hours. She did a great job holding herself together for the fashion show. But, she is certain that next time she would rather be in the audience.

Jersey #4, on the other hand, decided that she liked the spotlight. One of the survivors motioned her on stage at the end, and she did an encore lap up the runway, with Jersey #2. They were adorable.

They actually ended up walking that runway ramp over a dozen times after the event ended, because they enjoyed it so much. I finally had to coax the older girls into changing their clothes and returning the fashion show outfits.

Then, we took a sassy model pose on the catwalk before returning home

Lil' Puppy Brother

Jersey #4 and Jersey #5 are often found together. I am tempted to suggest that they are friends. The reality is that Jersey #4 likes to boss Jersey #5 around and treat him like her puppy.

After helping me bake cookies, they started playing with the kitchen stool and climbing on the washing machine. I was casually listening to their conversation while I cleaned up.

Jersey #4: "Climb up here, stupid."

Me: "Don't call people 'stupid' Jersey #4. That is not nice."

Jersey #4: I didn't say STUPID. I said SCOOBY!!!!"

Jersey #5: "I a dog, Mommy." (sticks out tongue and imitates panting).

"See" (pant)(pant)(pant).

"I STOOBY DOO!"

Duh!

We have had some pretty complicated conversations with Jersey #4 lately...


As we are walking across a store parking lot, holding hands...

Me: "I noticed you have been really quiet today, Jersey #4. Why is that?"



Jersey #4: "Because I don't have anything to say."


Well, that was a short conversation. We sure have that Mommy-daughter bonding thing down.


Jersey #4 walks through the living room stark naked, carrying her clothes toward the hamper in the kitchen. She was suppose to be getting dressed in her PJs for bedtime.

The Referee: "Jersey #4, why are you naked?"



Jersey #4: "Because I took my clothes off."

Well, Duh!

Reading in bed

We encourage the kids to read books in bed, especially when they try to claim they are not tired at bedtime. I personally find it relaxing to read before falling asleep. Apparently, Jersey #1 feels the same way. I managed to get this picture of her the THIRD time in a week that we found her asleep in her bed, in the midst of reading.

The Referee likes to fall asleep to the television. That also works for Jersey #1. But, our night owl daughters (Jersey #2 and Jersey #4) find TV shows to be exciting enough to keep them up even later. So, I am trying to move everyone away from watching movies before bed, and reading instead.

I'm sure that there is some Mommy quote I should be saying here...something about television turning the brain to mush. I forget how that saying, from my childhood, goes.

I'll stick with reading is a great way to relax and wind down at the end of the day...not to mention all the learning that takes place when we delve into books. We will save "family movie night" as a once-a-week treat.

It was hard not to laugh at Jersey #4 when she came to me in tears the other night. From the story I gathered, Jersey #1 must have offered to read Jersey #4 a book about the character, Elmo. By the time Jersey #4 got her pajamas on and her teeth brushed, Jersey #1 was already asleep. This made Jersey #4 highly upset. She was certain she just needed to wake Jersey #1 up and make her read that story. (And I am sure she actually tried to wake her, before crying to me....but Jersey #1 can sleep through anything). To comfort her, I offered that she could ask Jersey #2 to read the story....or that I could read the story. Well, neither option was good enough. Jersey #4 decided she was just going to go and read the story herself! Considering how much she loves that story, I'm sure she has it memorized enough to imitate reading it to herself.

Dental Blessings

This is what Jersey #4 looks like following dental work. The left side of her mouth was quite numb.

(My sister jokes that Slurpees must have healing powers for our family....because that is what the kids are often pictured with after medical and dental procedures. It is funny that they all seem to ask for a Slurpee after a procedure where they have had to have empty stomachs. They drink them down quickly, rehydrating, and settling their tummies too.)

Taking Jersey #4 to the dentist this morning was a huge deal.

Huge.

I was very worried about her cooperation.....or, really, her lack of cooperation.

We have a fantastic pediatric dentist. This is a good thing too, because we also have terrible teeth genetics. So, we spend a lot more time with our pediatric dentist than most folks experience. Our pediatric dentist really wants the kids to learn healthy teeth care, in a positive environment. His office is kid-friendly in its design and decor. There are prizes, gifts, and goodies a plenty there. The hygienists are the most patient people I have ever met. They take great care to show the kids all the tools and instruments and sounds before they experience them in the big chair. The hygienists are also very organized. They have every single tool ready to go, so that the dentist can work as efficiently as possible. The level of teamwork among that staff is incredible.

When a very young child needs dental work, our dentist will do the work at a day surgery clinic, with the child under general anesthesia. This is what we have been through with both Jersey #2 and Jersey #3, for different reasons. The benefit is that the child does not remember the procedure, and does not develop a fear of the dentist. For older kids, who can be more cooperative, there are levels of conscious sedation medication to help them relax and be drowsy for procedures.

Jersey #4 was 3 years old when her dental needs were discovered. She had a fairly large cavity that needed attention, as well as a smaller cavity on a different tooth. The good news was that she only had the two problems to deal with, not a whole bunch like her siblings. The bad news was that she was still too nervous to sit in that big chair, even after visiting twice for cleanings.

The dentist recommended attempting to treat her in the office, instead of the surgical option. It is better to avoid general anesthesia if we can help it. Her age and ability to cooperate was there, but her willingness to cooperate was the concern. The dentist hoped that giving her sedation medication prior to the procedure might help with her cooperation. I agreed, because we want the least invasive methods possible.

The problem is what to do if she refuses to cooperate in the midst of the procedure. If the dentist was already started into the work on her teeth, she would need to be restrained so that he could complete the work. This was something I had to understand and agree to before choosing the in-office procedure.

Restrained. That is the big topic that comes up in any conversation about pediatric dentists. There are a few in town who are known for having parents authorize restraints, even for lack of cooperation for cleanings. The idea of restraining a child to a dentist chair brings up images of torture, as well as a lasting fear and hatred of going to the dentist. I have always advised my Mommy friends to avoid any dentist who does not let you go back with the child for cleanings and procedures. And to avoid any who require you sign a restraint agreement from the beginning of a routine cleaning visit. I have never thought restraining a child at the dentist was a good idea...

...Until I was put in this position of restraint versus general anesthesia, for minimal dental work. Wow. Just when I thought I knew it all, I am always thrown for a loop.

Ultimately, I agreed to attempt the in-office procedure. I agreed to the sedation medication in advance of the procedure. And I agreed to allow Jersey #4 to be restrained, if she refused to cooperate in the midst of the procedure.

I rationalized the decision with the fact that our family has been going to this same pediatric dentist for over 6 years. This is the first restraint recommendation he has ever mentioned to me. I know his goals of the least invasive, least traumatic procedures possible. Trust is already established there. I inquired about the method of restraint, and learned they would use a blanket to wrap Jersey #4 like a papoose, so that her arms could not flail. The hygienist was also quick to point out that they would work very hard to re-earn Jersey #4's trust, so that she did not despise going to the dentist. I was glad they had a plan to help her overcome the trauma of such an experience. Unfortunately for Jersey #4, this decision was being made a month prior to Jersey #2's open-heart surgery, so being swaddled like a papoose in a dentist chair, just did not have as much traumatic weight.

Knowing that Jersey #4 is not a very forgiving child, my biggest fear was that she would develop a hatred for going to the dentist. I did not want that for her. That was the most troubling side effect of the entire decision.

I tried to prepare Jersey #4 in advance. As I went over her teeth...brushing them myself, after she brushes them first....I talked to her about going to the dentist and sitting in the big chair. Three days before her appointment, I started explaining to her that the dentist needed to fix her tooth. I started to prep her for what to expect. I prayed for cooperation from her.

When I woke her up this morning, I told her it was time to get dressed and go to the dentist. I assured her she was a big girl and she was going to do great sitting in that big chair and opening her mouth. She replied, "No, not today."

We are doomed!

As we drove over there, I debated with myself as to how to approach this boundary with her. Do I go the positive, cheerleader, encouraging route? Or do I go the firm, this-is-the-limit-and-you-must-obey route? Jersey #4 is a VERY strong-willed child, so I had to pick my battle carefully and prepare for war. She would pounce on any wishy-washy response from me.

I chose the cheering path. I approached the entire experience from the perspective that I believed she was a big girl and she could handle this. It is the same approach I take with Jersey #2, for all of her medical experiences. It can be hard, because I am sensitive to their fears, and I want to cry for them. But, any catering to their fears gives them the false impression that they can get out of the procedure, so that makes the battle worse. So, I stood firm in my position that Jersey #4 could handle this. I praised her and encouraged her every step of the way.

I took a step back and let Jersey #4 interact with the hygienists first, so that I could gauge her level of cooperation. Much to my surprise, she was a trooper. She answered their questions, and followed their instructions during all the vital signs readings. I praised her for being such a big girl. She picked out a movie to watch, took her medicine (looking at me to make sure she really had to drink all of it), and settled right in. The medicine worked great on her, and she became quite loopy about 10 minutes before they called her back for her procedure.

With her new-found boldness at the dentist, I let her follow the hygienist down the hall, and I walked behind them. I did not direct Jersey #4 at all. She was listening to the hygienist and following all the instructions. She climbed up into that big chair, no problem. I praised her and covered her with her blanket, and handed her the stuffed animal we brought. I scooted my chair close by her side, and patted her leg and told her I would be right beside her the entire time. She relaxed and cooperated just fine.

The hygienist asked me if Jersey #4 was always so polite and cooperative. I nearly fell out of my chair laughing at that description. Um, no, quite the opposite. I shared that this was the first time Jersey #4 had ever even sat in the big chair, so I had been preparing for her to be restrained. The hygienist was as surprised by my answer as I was by her question. Are we even discussing the same child?

Jersey #4 was cooperative for the dentist too. He was very efficient in his work, so it did not take long. All of my worries about restraining her were unnecessary. She didn't even so much as cry or complain, so restraining her was not even considered. There was only one time when she did not respond to the dentist's request. He reached over and turned down her level of laughing gas. She was not responding to him, because she was falling asleep. When the procedure was over, they continued to give her pure oxygen to help wake her up. She took a nap in the chair instead. She even snored. She was quite relaxed. When she woke up more, she picked out a couple prizes. She was still fairly loopy as we were leaving, so I had to hold her hand as we walked out to the van. She has not taken many medications in her 3 years of life, since she is a pretty healthy kid, so those meds had a strong effect on her.

I praised her heavily for how good she did at the dentist. The dentist and all of the hygienists praised her too. She left with a big smile on her face. It was obvious she was mighty proud of herself. I am so proud of her too.

Jersey #4

Jersey #4 turned our life upside-down. She is determined to go against the plan. This trait of hers started in the womb, where she was upside-down. She was a footling breech baby. Instead of being in the head-down position ready for birth, she was standing on 1 foot like a flamingo. We scheduled a c-section delivery, and she insisted on arriving 2 days prior than her scheduled surgical date.

Jersey #4 was a beautiful, bald baby. She was born with blue eyes and no hair. She took a full year to grow a little bit of hair, which was hard to see because it was so blonde. She has the same coloring as most of her siblings...and looks a lot like Jersey #1....only with a dainty shape to her bone structure. Jersey #4 grew along the 50-60th percentile growth curve, but always looked so petite compared to chubby Jersey #3. She has been gaining in height quite a bit this year, so it looks like she may become a taller child afterall.

Jersey #4 believed she was born into royalty, and we were her servants. I wrongly expected a 4th child to be easy-going and just blend into the family. It took Jersey #4 just under 24 hours to have the entire family running to tend to her every wail. She was fiesty and strong-willed even in infancy. She is also introverted. She likes to play by herself most of the time. And she prefers to be home. In the early months, we left every playdate and activity with Jersey #4 screaming. When she was tired, she wanted to nap at home. She would maintain a constant scream until we arrived home and walked through the door of our house. Then, she was instantly content.

Thankfully, Jersey #4 slept. She was sleeping for 8 hours stretches at night at 5 months old. That was such a welcome relief after the level of sleep trauma we endured with Jersey #3. It was so nice to have a baby who slept again. Jersey #4 proved quite challenging all day long, then blessed us with her angelic sleep at night.

As long as Jersey #4 was getting everything her way, she was the happiest child. But, she was not friendly. She did not smile at strangers. She was not interested in making strangers into friends. Granny had to win over Jersey #4's acceptance by feeding her powdered sugar donuts. Jersey #4 would smile for Granny and let Granny hold her, as long as there were powdered sugar donuts available. Jersey #4 had 1 exception to her rule....there is a girl at church who is 9 months younger, and they have been instant friends. They broke all the rules of parallel play, by interacting with each other and making each other laugh at very young ages. All of Jersey #4's baby dolls are named after her friend.

Jersey #4 was so unfriendly to all of our friends and family, that most folks assumed she couldn't talk. As she grew into a young toddler who never said a word out in public, folks started to inquire about her verbal deficit. We were amused, because she was actually a chatterbox at home. She was a completely different child at home than she was in public.

We had to cancel Jersey #4's first birthday party. She was sick with the flu. That was a first for our family (not the flu, but having to cancel a birthday party). That is just how things go with Jersey #4.....not as planned.

I joke that I am raising Jersey #4 to take care of me in my old age. She pays such close attention to detail, that I am certain she will keep me from getting bed sores. She is our only child who can thoroughly clean up every toy in the room. She puts things where they belong. She likes routine and she likes clean. As a result, she was very easy to potty train. She preferred to be dry and clean versus soiled. She does not even require a reminder to wash her hands....with soap....she does that all on her own, as part of her routine.

Jersey #4 would prefer to be the eldest child in the family. She is pretty certain that she should be in charge, and that she should have authority over all of her siblings. She used to try to make her older siblings leave her path, but she eventually faced the fact that they were bigger and stronger. Now, she focuses her energy on mothering her little brother, Jersey #5. She bosses him around, and assists him when he needs help. She can be quite caring when she wants to.

Jersey #4 has been able to dribble a basketball since she was 2 years old. That is how she entertained herself during her older sisters' basketball practices. I look forward to seeing how she does when she is old enough to play sports. She seems fairly coordinated for a little kid. She has been quick to learn to pedal her tricycle and to pump her legs to go higher on the swing. She has not been quick to climb up into that big chair at the dentist though. She is quite resistant there.

Jersey #4 loves baby dolls and dogs. She is usually found with at least one in her arms at all times. She loves to play house...to be the Mom....and to take care of the baby, or the dog. She will dress up like a princess about as often as she will dress up as Bob or Larry from the Veggie Tales. Dress-up clothes are not near as exciting for her as her regular clothes. Jersey #4 loves clothes and shoes (which is very odd, considering she also loves to be naked). She comments about how pretty an outfit is in the store. She is very picky about what clothes she wears each day. She prefers to dress herself. She would rather fuss and whine in frustration than to have one of us help her put her shirt on. Dresses that twirl are her favorite, along with shiny shoes.

Jersey #4's social skills flipped like a light switch as she was approaching age 3. All of a sudden, she was very independent, compliant, and friendly toward others. She started speaking of other children as her friends. She started talking to the people we see regularly at the park, activities, and church. People who had been snubbed by Jersey #4 her whole life, were ready to faint when she suddenly started talking to them and smiling at them.

While Jersey #4 was participating in Awana this past year, we learned she really likes songs that have motions to accompany them. She enjoyed learning the lessons, but she most enjoyed the arts and crafts. She is also left-handed.

After Jersey #4 stayed with Granny & PawPaw so we could take Jersey #2 for surgery, they reported that she was the perfect child. I admit, my jaw dropped. I asked for clarification that they were speaking of MY Jersey #4? The child who tests limits with a vengence. The child who announces that she is 5 years old, even though she is only 3. The child who just wakes up one day and makes it her mission to challenge my every instruction.....just for fun.

Yes. Apparently, Granny & PawPaw saw a Jersey #4 who played nicely on her own. She did not wander off. She did not mess with things that were not hers. She followed the rules, and remembered to wash her hands. Plus, she still sleeps well.

Actually, she sleeps in late in the mornings. I am pretty convinced she is just recharging so that she can throw my best laid plans off course every chance she gets. But, she is so smart, and so beautiful. So caring and so clean. And, she is going to take care of me when I am old.