Here I am as a four-and-a-half year old – handsome little devil, aren’t I?  I’m doing very well at school, although rest time remains a challenge (I haven’t napped since I was two, and staying completely quiet while the other kids at school sleep is very difficult!).  When I’m successful, school has been rewarding me by letting me visit some of my friends in the pre-school room who are half a year younger than I am.  My ability to keep pace academically isn’t in question, so my teachers are more than happy to let me socialize with the younger kids, and I ask to see them regularly.  To be honest, Mommy and Daddy don’t mind me hanging out with that crowd at all, since they’re all great influences in terms of behavior.

I remain bright and perceptive beyond my years, sensitive in the extreme when I think adults are commenting on me in a critical way or “making fun of me.”  I’m still reticent about trying new things, although I’m more likely to do them if I see my sister go first.  My relationship with Lena continues to evolve, and I’ve found that I quite like her – can even find her delightful – but usually only when we’re misbehaving.  Outside of her status as a co-conspirator I still have little use for her, since she follows me around the house and repeats most of what I say.

I’ve also noticed that Lena has been especially rough on Daddy recently.  She only wants Mommy most of the time, which I’ve taken as an opportunity to do some first-rate sucking up.  Whenever I believe that Daddy’s feelings may have been hurt by Lena or she’s spurned him for a hug, I make sure to run over to him and let him know I still love him.

Current likes: Doing things in my own time, and at my own speed

Current dislikes: Being compelled to do otherwise