Charlie at 4

Our Charlie boy is 4 years old. Here is a look at our 4 year old Charlie!

Charlie has a tender heart.  Each morning he likes to surprise me at the top of the stairs give me a "good morning hug."  He often asks us, "how is your day about?" or "how are you doing?" when there is a moment of quiet.

He loves preschool and is doing very well.  It's fun to see him learn new things and see get excited about it.  After school he likes to open his bag and show me what he did.  He is only talkative for a small window of time so it's important to give him your attention as soon as you pick him up.

It is fun seeing him be excited about having another brother.  I can't tell if he fully understands, but I think he does more than I realize.  (Oh that's one of his new phrases, "I didn't realize..." I love hearing him say new phrases)  He likes to talk to my stomach and try to feel the baby kick.  I can feel it, but it's still too early for Charlie to notice.  It will be very exciting once he can feel kicking!

Charlie's absolute favorite thing to have for lunch is a "meat & cheese with mayo sandwich."  He likes to help put slices of turkey and cheddar cheese on his bread.
He loves apple slices with peanut butter, fruit snacks, granola bars and german pancakes for breakfast.
I would say his favorite restaurant is Zupas.  He likes to order the "cheese soup" (Wisconsin Cauliflower soup) and dip his bread into it.  He also loves the chocolate dipped strawberries.
He likes to mix two different cereals together for breakfast.
He loves to help me make banana bread & cookies.
He likes to eat green beans, but only if you tell him, "don't you dare eat that" and he rushes to eat it as fast as he can.

Charlie is social and likes to play with friends.  He is very aware of things other kids say and do.  He often tells me funny little tidbits about each of his friends.

Charlie is a wonderful friend to Joey.  Joey often hurts Charlie's feelings because he screams or talks really loud.  Charlie is sensitive to anyone yelling or not speaking kindly.  We just moved Joey into Charlie's "big boy room" and the transition has gone perfectly.  Charlie has the natural ability to tell Joey what needs to be done in a kind, but directive way.  He is a great example and I'm so happy he is the oldest child in our family.

chatting under the dishwasher

Charlie & Joey like to chase each other around the kitchen & have movie parties.  Right now Charlie's very favorite show is Curious George and we watch it every day after lunch.

Charlie got to bring Brownie home from preschool. 

 He stayed with us for the weekend and it was a very big deal.

We love our Charlie!