I forgot....
She had her yearly check up today and is 41 inches (75th %) and 37 lbs (66%).  Growing quite nicely- and no shots this visit! 
The pediatrician and I also talked about some of our issues with her dramatics and moodiness and he assures me that this is something normal, we are dealing with it in an appropriate way, and she will grow out of it.... eventually... he is pretty sure it will happen by her 20s.

Scenes from a Birthday

This is Mariel before heading to Shining Rivers for her birthday.  She was quite excited about her outfit for her birthday: Striped dress (white and hot pink), polka dot tights (purples), puzzle rain boots (every color imaginable), and her pink windbreaker. 

She then insisted on taking MY picture, because I have taken her "Shining Rivers picture" many times while she stands in front of the door.  So, this is what I looked like on her birthday for our trip to school.  Unlike her, I am the same height on the first day we went to Shining Rivers over a year and half ago as I am today.

Birthdays are a BIG DEAL at Shining Rivers.  The teachers set up a circle, do a special song and story, and there are candles lit and a (parent written) tale for every year of the childs life.  It is a very sweet, touching celebration.  The rainbow chair just to the right has been Mariel's this year, so it was set in the place of honor.  Her teacher, Michiyo, made her a special play crown as a gift and I made some oatmeal cookies to bring in for a treat. 

It was a beautiful day and the class got to spend some time outside- this is them contemplating a robin that flew down and was hanging out in the "meadow."  After that I took Mariel to her new preschool and she got a second celebration (with store bought cookies this time).  Of course, I forgot my camera!

While she was at school I worked on the garden (it was 70 degrees out!) and put together celebration number 3 for the day.  She had lots of presents - she loved ALL of them!- and a new set of fairy princess sheets for her bed.  We had macaroni and cheese and sausage for dinner, and then chocolate cupcakes with pink frosting.  She was a pretty happy girl!

The Super Fancy Ballerina Princess Dress Up Fourth Birthday Party

Mariel had a fabulous birthday party.  She invited two friends (plus a quick visit from our 17 year old neighbor, her hero), so we actually met the ideal of having the number of children present equal the age of the child.  It was definately an easy party- minimal chaos, even with three almost 4 year olds (and Noella) getting into dress up clothes, accessories, sugared up treats, and so on.

 Everyone got little bags of "accessories" including sunglasses, wands, chapstick, neclaces, and gloves- very elegant!  Noella just got a neclace, but she was still pretty happy to play with her new bag.

There were some snacks, then dress up play time, more snacks, and cake. 

Barbie needed a little bubble bath after her time in the cake.  She had a painted on leotard and tights... I didn't want to ruin Barbie's clothes but was not quite ready to have a naked lady sticking out of the cake at my four year old's party (I'll save that for Patrick's Barbie cake another year), so I was glad to find "ballerina" style Barbies at the store.

Noella had a great time, too.  She loves getting spoiled by our friends and is obviously pretty good at taking in all of the attention that she can get!

This is the quilt that I made for Mariel- the Ballerina Princess quilt.  Its a toddler sized quilt, so more for playing with than anything else, but I hope she likes it.  She helped me pick out the assortment of fabrics (many of which are glittery, of course), buttons, and shiny thread.  As you can see, very PINK and PURPLE. 

A great party!  And the celebrations are just beginning.  We get to spend Wednesday morning (her real birthday) at Shining Rivers to visit her friends, then Wednesday afternoon celebrating with her new preschool, and then next Saturday Disney on Ice (thanks to Babci and Grampy)- it will be a week of 4 year old heaven.