Frank is 4!

Oh boy, I cannot believe that my first baby is four years old!  Frankie is such an interesting kid.  He is smart, articulate, and strong-willed.  He is constantly negotiating.  He does not take "no" for an answer, especially when it is Mommy or Daddy saying it.  He frequently goes to bed without eating dinner, and he gives me absolute hell when I am home alone at night and have to put him to bed by myself.  But he is also so loving and thoughtful.  He adores his little sister, and he wants to be just like Mommy and Daddy.  He likes to play pretend, and he frequently dresses up in our clothes, including my sparkly high heels and purses.  He likes to shower with Daddy, "shave," style his hair, and use makeup.

We started his birthday celebration on Sunday after church.  We went to Mellow Mushroom for lunch and Frankie got a huge chocolate chip cookie sundae.  On Monday, he continued his birthday celebration at school where he had pumpkin bars with his class.  Monday night we were so excited to give him his presents--a big boy bike and a play dough set.  We gave him the bike first and his reaction was so bizarre.  Frank had the bike in the back of his tahoe, and we all went outside for him to do the big reveal.  Frankie looked at the bike, frowned, and ran inside the house without saying a word.  I ran after him and asked what was wrong.  He said, "I don't want a bike, I wanted play dough or something."  This is exactly why four year olds should never open presents at birthday parties in front of their guests.  We gave him his other gift, which was--ta da!--play dough, and he was then very happy and grateful for both the play dough and the bike.  I swear it is a waste of money to buy this kid expensive/big gifts though.  He is happiest "playing" with a tape measure, a mop, and a bucket!

At four, here are some of Frankie's favorites:

(1) Friends:  Bennett and Harper.  Harper is a little girl in his class at school, and Frank thinks she is a princess.
(2) TV shows:  Scooby Doo
(3) Food:  cheese pizza, english muffins, sandwiches, pumpkin bars, and candy
(4) Toys:  play doh, play kitchen, and loves to clean and use tools
(5) place to eat out:  chic fil a
(6) things to do:  clean, play outside, art

Frankie is still wearing pull ups at night, and he is really nowhere near being nighttime potty trained.  He hates going to bed.  He has really big feet, and he is still tall and skinny.  Most people say that he looks like me.  He is pretty shy and very well behaved in public or around other people, but when he is at home, he is headstrong, defiant, and full of energy.  My mom has been telling me for two years that kids start behaving better when they turn four, and I really hope she is right!  We have his big birthday party this weekend.  I originally planned a very low-key outdoor event, but the weather has its own ideas, so we are now moving the party inside.