Today, I turned four and instead of playing with my tub of Barbies, I will be on a high school adventure. Instead of taking naps at twelve o’clock, I will be merely wishing that I was taking one.

I am a Leapling.

Anyone can be born in a Leap Year, but do you have what it takes to be born on a Leap Day? Contrary to some people’s beliefs, we grow and develop just like the rest of society. The only thing that distinguishes us from you- other than our super awesome birthdays-  is that we don’t have to worry about our age clocks ticking up, up and away… go ahead and go green (the Leaplings official color, think frogs) with envy.

I’ve now turned four and my biggest achievement has been getting into advanced classes. In contrast to my past four-year-old self, my modern four-year- old self no longer sits in front of the TV for hours watching Boohbahs or listening to my Backyardigan’s CD. My new self sits in classrooms for hours watching people learn and listens to her teachers teach. I suppose turning four hasn’t been all that bad. I’ve even been offered a free personal pan pizza for being a leapling (every four year old’s dream!)

I will no longer cry over spilled milk, having my favorite Barbie doll broken, or not being able to stay up late to watch

Dora the Explorer. Now I will cry over the stressful years to come and the homework I forgot to finish that is due first thing in the morning.

Today I feel as if I’ve been promoted in Girl Scouts. I’ve transformed from a four-year-old who loved Disney princesses to a four-year-old who still loves Disney princesses, but loves Starbucks more. On this day, February 29, I dedicate the song “Fruit Salad” by The Wiggles as an ode to my unending childhood.