Lauren's Update

 My little Lauren is SO big now.  She is a bit over 40 lbs and still very tall. She is almost finished with the 3's class at her preschool.  I can't believe that!!
1. Lauren is a little mom.  She loves to take care of people and is very nurturing.  She has had a lot of practice with her little brother!  Often times when she is playing with friends, she takes on the "mommy" role.  It is so cute.
2.  She is the best big sister to Charlie.  When Charlie sees her, he waves his arms around and is truly excited for his sister to interact with him.  She plays with him and loves to follow him around the house.  Her and Jack have a very special relationship.  They are SO close.  When Jack is working on his legos, she will just sit and watch him.  You should hear their conversations.  Lauren tells Jack what they are learning at school and he tells her about life at his school.  He can't wait for her to be at the same school and REALLY hopes she gets his kindergarten teacher.   I think they will always have a close relationship! 
3.  Lauren is extremely sensitive and cries easily.  She always wants to know where Mommy is.  Even if I leave the room, she panics and yells for me.  If she can't see me at soccer, she gets really nervous and cries.  The same thing happens at the gym and school.  Hoping this phase will end soon, but as her teacher told me, one day she won't want me around... so I am trying to be patient.
4. Lauren loves her dance class.  She can't wait for her recital and looks forward to dance each week.  She is one of the only girls in her class who knows her entire dance routine.  She is also in soccer class.  She says she likes it, but I can tell it isn't her favorite.  I really wish she would like it more and be active in sports, but it looks like right now she prefers dance.  Oh what a girly-girl she is!! 
5.Lauren also loves to help me in the kitchen.  If I am making dinner, she will get her "ladder" (aka-step stool) and watch me and ask what I am doing.  We still do a baking "project" each week.  Whether it is cookies, banana bread or birthday cake, she loves each moment.  You should see her smile when we eat what she baked.  She is so proud of herself.
6.  Lauren and I have such a close relationship.  We simply hang out all day--talking and laughing.  I am really going to miss her next school year when she goes to school five days a week!  Lauren is silly and loves to make people laugh.  She likes to tease and joke around a lot.  She is such a joy to be around.  We love her so much!!

 *I asked Lauren what sport she wanted to play, and she said tennis like her mama.

 *Lauren is Jack's #1 fan. She keeps him company when it is his turn to sit out an inning in baseball.

 *Proof that she is my silly girl.  She came to the dinner table the other night shirtless with glasses on.  Anything to make people laugh!

 *I am not sure if this video will work or not, but Lauren loves to "read".  She sounds each word out and is excited to finish as many books as she can.  She told me the other day one of her favorite things to do is read!  That's my girl!!