Our FOUR Year Old

On Monday Will had his 4 year checkup, complete with vision and hearing screening and yes, shots. He measured at 41 1/4 inches (74th percentile) and 39.4 pounds (75th percentile). This is right about where he fell on the charts last year, so he is growing at a good rate according to our pediatrician. I was so proud (and a little surprised) at how Will stood there and not only let Dr. Moore check him out completely, but he wasn't the least bit timid and answered all of Dr. Moore's questions. When asked what he wanted to be when he grows up, he answered, "A daddy!" At the end of the appointment came the flu mist for all four of us and three shots for Will. Apparently there's a shortage of DTaP, so he'll get that one next month when we go in for Cate's 2 1/2 year appointment.

Four may be my favorite age so far. His curiosity and ability to understand are like that of a big kid but with that same sweet innocence and excitement for the tiniest things in life of a younger child. Will's imagination is wild, and he is really into pretend play, especially with toy animals and dinosaurs. He still loves puzzles and is getting into board games. Pretty sure I'm playing Candy Land and Who Shook Hook in my sleep. He's also into racing (and winning) but it has not translated to the soccer field yet. On the soccer field he's pretty sure everyone should be sharing and taking turns. Will adores Cate and is such a sweet big brother (most of the time). He is really starting to understand the world around him, and I love being able to explain things to him that pique his interest. He also repeats and remembers EVERYTHING--certainly no more promising to do something later as a diversionary tactic...

A sample of Will's coloring at age 4 (though not complete you can see how he presses down really hard and tries so hard to stay in the lines). I have no clue where in the world the kid gets his perfectionist personality... ;-) [He does write his own name, but he didn't do so there--he always does a lowercase "i".]

Picture day for soccer (this picture does not at all portray the level of chaos)

Found a few pumpkins today at NorthPark Mall

Pictures of Will's birthday party and his new pet to come soon...