To get myself inspired, I just went back and re-read last year’s post on Elsa’s birthday. It had some interesting foreshadowing. But one really nice thing is that the Elsa fundamentals haven’t changed:
Elsa still has a big BIG personality, with very strong opinions, and is intense about just about everything.
She can be a bull in a china shop, yet is a very sensitive little person.
She still sings in the morning.
She still cracks me up.
She is generous with other people. She is the ultimate extrovert.
But in the last year, she has gotten more complex as a person, which is so lovely to see.
She’s a big fan of superlatives, especially those she invents herself. Things are the mostest, the bester, the goodest, and if something is extra good, it’s a hundred million thousand good.
She spontaneously tells me she loves me. She loves school. She loves to draw. She kisses and hugs with great enthusiasm.
She is about as princess-y as humanly possible. She loves dress-ups, sparkles, fairies, unicorns, tiaras, Barbies, and all the associated detritus. But she’s also rough-and-tumble and will happily tackle anyone who wants to wrestle.
If there was such a thing a Toddler Princess Football team, she would totally sign up.
When asked her favorite color, she will reply “rainbow“. (Actually, until very recently, she said “rainboat“, but she’s now figured out the pronunciation. Which bums me out a little – I liked “rainboat” very much.) But I am struck more by the substance of her answer : why pick one color, when you can pick them all? That’s Elsa in a nutshell.
She is doing terrifically well on her medication. She is also loving OT and I can see that it’s going to be hugely helpful for her. There is a lot of work ahead of us, but I can tell she is going to soak up all this stuff like the smartie sponge that she is.
I’m so excited about her new school (starts Sept 6th!) and her wonderful new teachers, who are already engaged with the rest of her “team” to make sure that she has the best possible experience.
I think Elsa as a four-year-old is going to be truly something to behold.




15 comments
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24 August 2011 at 2:36 am
Liz
Happy birthday Elsa! Hope this year is the mostest bestest rainbowiest ever!
24 August 2011 at 5:54 am
kate
Elsa, we’re so glad you were born!
You know, I think three is the most difficult age. It’s soooo much worse than the “terrible” two’s. Two is exploring. Two is figuring out what happens when you say, “No!” Three is purposeful defiance. ;>
So, hooray FOUR!
One other thing I’m struck by in her favorite color answer, besides, why choose one, is that she knows that the person asking her expects her to choose one. So instead of listing all her favorite colors, she find the one word that sums it up. I think that’s a pretty clever little fish.
24 August 2011 at 5:56 am
Susie Mumford
Happy Birthday to the bestest rainbow loving and giving four year princess in the world today ! I love you both OVER the rainbows xoxoox susie
24 August 2011 at 9:15 am
http://www.designermama-manaallamano.blogspot.com/
Oh 4 is SO GREAT!!! This is my favorite age so far, my kiddo is 4.5 and right now is funny and easy, vs. the very, extremely trying 3 year old stages…when kids turns three parents should get weekly martini and massage breaks in order to survive.
24 August 2011 at 9:41 am
Scooping it up
Oh Elsa, between the rainbow sparkly princessiness of my daughter, of the sensory seeking tackle ball of craziness that is my little Habesha, you would fit right in. Wish we could play with you. Melkam lidet little one!
24 August 2011 at 10:44 am
Semi-Feral Mama
This post is a hundred million thousand good. Melkam Lidet.
24 August 2011 at 11:26 am
ckd1Christen
Happy Birthday, Sweet Elsa! I love “rainboat” too
It’s awesome when their language takes on a more “grown-upness” (apparently I STILL make up words) but the toddlerisms are priceless.
24 August 2011 at 5:24 pm
clare
I agree one million percent with suzie! xxx happy day elsa!
24 August 2011 at 6:21 pm
robyn
Love it! Happy Birthday Miss Elsa! You are one in a million
24 August 2011 at 8:52 pm
Kate Merriman
Rainboats are a million thousand fabulist. As is the Elsa mama.
25 August 2011 at 7:51 pm
hazel
Happy Bestest Birthday, Elsa! You are a terrific girl – keep doing what you’re doing and your future will require shades, as the song goes.
25 August 2011 at 9:10 pm
Gia
Amen! Happy birthday Elsa!
26 August 2011 at 6:02 am
maxandsofiamom
Elsa looks beautiful and older! Happy Birthday sunshine girl!
27 August 2011 at 6:08 pm
Katie
We’re a little late in joining the party (what’s new?!?). Happy Birthday Elsa-bet-bet!
I recently watched my video from my trip to Ethiopia, including the day we met Elsa to take some video for you. Isa and Elsa were sooooo tiny and now look how big they are! So glad that we have you both as friends.
31 August 2011 at 8:13 pm
monstertruckgal
Happy belated Elsa! What a great summary of your little girl Porter. I hope 4 is the bestest year for both of you. xox