As I near the end of my blog series on a Mom's Bucket List that highlights the milestones that we moms experience on our parenting journey, I can't help but think that with every passing birthday I waver between being so excited at my child’s new-found independence and wishing she would just “slow down” as I wonder if this is the year when she won’t want to hold my hand anymore.

To those mommies who have made it thus far or who are about to enter their child's fourth year, here is my bucket list for moms with kids who are 4-5 years old:

1.       Watch his board his bike for the first time after taking off his training wheels.  Beam with pride as he slowly masters the two-wheeler!

2.       Begin helping her write letters and spell words.  Laugh at misspelled words.  (Yes, in the photo above, that present really does say “Happy Farters Day.”)

3.       Watch him eyes light up as he discovers something hilarious or amazing like petting a new animal, bowling for the first time or doing a somersault.

4.       Lament the beginning of eye-rolls as you realize that, in her eyes, your IQ is rapidly diminishing.

5.       Watch her grin with pride as she brushes her own teeth, combs her hair, or dresses herself without your help.   Then savor those extra few minutes you’ve just gained for yourself each morning!

6.       Revel in how she still thinks literally instead of logically.  For example:

Me:  Do you want any of these raspberries?

Elle: No.

Me: Why not?  You used to eat a whole basket!

Elle (laughing): That’s silly!  You can’t eat “baskets”!

7.       Prepare her for the start of Kindergarten.   Prepare yourself for the start of Kindergarten.

8.       Try to overlook his fascination with “bad words,” or “the bad guys.”

9.       Bid farewell to pull-up training pants, night-time diapers and small plastic potties in the corner of your bathroom.  Say hello to underpants and toilet-training mastery … though realize you’ll still be reminding him to flush for at least another 3 years.

10.   Find yourself having irrational arguments with the pint-sized negotiator.  Example:  No, you can’t wear goggles to bed.  No, we don't wear the same pair of socks for 4 days in a row.   No, you can't paint your brother’s face with the glue stick.

No one said it would be easy, but we wouldn’t trade it for the world! 

What were your favorite 4-year-old milestones?