(Grace turned 4 last Thursday... and I failed to get this post published with all the celebrations the last week have entailed.  She's 4 with all the sass to boot!)

My sweet Grace Elaine,

As I write you this letter you are still 3.  But in so many way you have already transformed into a 4 year old and mommy could not be more proud of you and the little lady you are becoming.

This year brought many changes in your life and you handled them all just like you always have... easily.  Maybe a meltdown or two (or five hundred), but you made it to the the other side and always know when a hug or an "I love you" is extra needed.  We moved into our forever home this year, marking your 4th move since birth.  You tackled your fear of water head on this summer with swim lessons and many hours spent hanging out in the lake with family.  You developed a passion for gymnastics and love your coach Miss. Gina.  Plus you started preschool in September.  Something you literally jump out of bed for.  You've made new friends at preschool (Esmeara and Nora) and learned so much in just 5 short months.

Your speech has started developing a bit more, which we may be able to contribute to Ms. Lisa and your once a week speech meetings.  You are smart as a whip and love to help mommy and daddy with everything from decorating the Christmas tree to helping with Brooke or Diesel.  You potty trained this year, finally!  Waiting until the month of July with a September 1st preschool start date and deadline.  You are independent as can be but hold my hand when walking in the parking lot and still ask for help putting the toothpaste on the brush.

We call you our emotional one.  You feel everything so deeply.  Sometimes it can be exhausting when everything leads to tears or frustration but we wouldn't trade the compassion you have developed and how you care so deeply for everything and everyone you love.

It has been such an honor being your mom.  You have made things so very easy, probably too easy looking back.  Your beautiful big blue eyes just get me in every way.  You have us all wrapped around your finger even when your dramatics start to show.  It has been so fun watching you grow into your personality and really develop into your own little person.  I'm forever proud to be your mom.

I hope that your 4th year of life is even better than anything you could hope for.  When you hold your 4 little fingers up and exclaim that you are going to be 4 you remind mommy of just how fast this adventure has gone.  You made me a mom and everyday you teach me something about yourself.  I can't wait to see what the next year is like for you.

But for now I am going to snuggle your sweet sleeping 3 year old self (and Doggy, of course!) and try not to let my crazy pregnant emotions get the best of me.

Happy birthday baby girl!
Mommy loves you so very much.



always,
amanda