Random Musings on 2009 (Ryleigh)

*Note from Mommy: Ryleigh dictated most of this herself with a little bit of editing from me.*

In March, my best friend from Virginia came to visit for her birthday. Our mommies took me and Maddie to Sweet and Sassy where we got manicures and pedicures and fancy hairdo's. Plus we got glitter stars on our cheeks and lollipops! Mommy can only find this picture of my toes. Where are the ones of our fancy hair???

I celebrated my 4th birthday at the beach in August with my parents and sister, Grandma and Grandpa Bechtel, Uncle Ben, Jaime, and Aunt Sarah and Uncle Andrew. Daddy forgot the decorator for my cupcakes, so we fingerpainted with the icing on the cupcakes instead. I was glad he forgot Mommy's decorator! I was a little afraid of the waves at the beach, but not as afraid as Ashtyn.

I like to be at school and play with my friend Lauren. I'm in the Pre-K class at Bally Community Preschool now, three days a week. I like to play with the farm, puppies, and blocks. I also like when Poppa or Grandma or Daddy picks me up from school sometimes, because that usually mean something special, like a date with Daddy or lunch at the farm. I like to be the Helper of the Day at school, but I also get excited for my friends when it's their turn.

I have trouble sleeping sometimes; it comes and goes. Mommy and Daddy took me to a special doctor who talked to us for a long time. They gave me markers and coloring books and a regular book and stickers, and I got to keep them. I had to have a blood test, which was awful and I cried a lot, and now I have to take yucky iron drops twice a day. But I seem to be sleeping better. I also have to go back to the doctor and sleep over with Mommy or Daddy in a few months. They are going to stick these icky things all over my face and legs, put straps around my chest and tummy, and put tubes in my nose. Mommy says it's to see what happens in my body while I'm asleep, but I don't know how I'm supposed to sleep like that! I think I'll watch a movie.

I love to run and wrestle with Daddy and sing and dance. I also like to take the cushions off the couch and build forts or tents or sliding boards with them. Ashtyn tries to do everything I do. I love Tinkerbell and Princesses, and I love to do craft, especially when glue and/or glitter is involved. I love when Daddy makes up Jack stories for me before bed. I like to retell them and change them a little bit. Mommy and Daddy say I'm very creative. I think it's because my brain never stops!