4th Birthday

one week old

2 months

four months

seven months

one year old

two years old

Today is an exciting day in our house! This may be the most interested she has been in having a birthday. The other day she told me that she wished her birthday was a surprise instead of me telling her the week before and each day in between that we were getting closer. Oops.
I was under the impression that she would be happy with any present we gave her, but thankfully Daddy was listening when she went on and on about a Barbie Mermaid! Whew- good job, Daddy! Today we went and had 4 year old pics ( and her brother's 2 month pics). Then we enjoyed the $1 cones at Coldstone. She picked pizza for dinner tonight and then she picked the movie Alvin and the Chipmunks for us to watch together as a family. Tomorrow Daddy leaves for a week for the Youth Group's Kentucky Mission Trip. Tomorrow I and the kiddos leave for MN and IA. A. gets to spend the week with my parents and her two cousins while D. and I drive around and visit some college friends. Poor kids are going to book a lot of miles in the car this summer.

Life has definitely changed the past 365 days- her vocabulary and ability to articulate is consistently increasing. She is becoming more and more independent. She was an excited big sister throughout the whole pregnancy, and after a few weeks of rough transition, she is a HUGE helper to me and obviously loves her brother. She is always saying to me, "What's he saying?" and I have to "talk" for him. She attended Sunday School for the first time this year and astounded us with the knowledge she came home with. She is looking forward to her second year of Vacation Bible School in a few weeks. She is beginning to play with our neighbor girl more often and for longer periods of time without drama and crying from either girl. I enjoy seeing the personality really begin to shine through. We are SO blessed to have her in our lives.

A-
Another year has gone by. More days of playing together, hearing you play by yourself, and watching you with your friends. Someday you will no longer be begging me to play with you, and instead I will be wondering if you ever want to play with me again. I look forward to you as a four year old- and am excited you have a brother to share your experiences with. It is my hope that you and D. become best friends- enjoy playing together- and take care of each other. Mommy and Daddy love you so much- we are so proud of the big girl you have grown to become. May you listen for God's plan for you and follow His will- trusting Him through whatever path he has chosen for you. Continue to learn your letters, numbers, the Whys?, and the Bible- it will take you far. Always ask questions to discover the things you do not yet know. We hope you enjoy learning new things each day. Continue to see the needs of others and find ways to help them.

Love,
Mom