Currently in her 2nd year of preschool, she is blossoming into a beautifully confident young girl. Her teachers report she has taken on a bit of a leadership role, showing her younger peers how to do certain things like going down the slide. I too have noticed a significant difference, as she is less intimidated and shy. I’ve also seen this magnificent transformation stepping into her role as big sister to Rocco. She exclaims, “Oh! Isn’t he adorable! I want to hold him! He’s so cute.”

And, no surprise, she continues to absolutely adore her big brother Roman. She follows him around, tag-teaming to play pranks on me and my husband, while still bickering like any brother-sister combo does. She is becoming more of an independent thinker and doer, picking out her own clothes, doing her own hair, being clear on what she does and does not like. And I love all of it. Here’s to raising strong, confident women!

Age 4 is a remarkable milestone and turning point because a child is no longer a toddler but not yet grown enough to be fully independent. It’s truly a wonderful time that I am taking the time to soak up even though it feels like time is slipping away. You never get these toddler years back. I don’t want to say we baby Isabella but we kind of do. I feed into all her baby-like needs, coddling her and rocking her.

Now that she’s officially the only daughter in the family (no more kids for me!), I feel an extra kinship to her and go to extra lengths to make her feel special. I splurge on glittery shoes and dresses for her. She’s my only girl, so I want her to form that deep bond with her. I am so proud of who she is becoming!

I always get nostalgic on birthdays, realizing how much time has flown by.

Isabella was adamant about not wanting a drive-by birthday party but instead having her closest friends over to play in her room. And that’s exactly what we did. Covid friendly, of course.

Sweetest happy birthday to you, Isabella, my forever baby girl!