To My Dearest Darling Madeline,
Today you are four years old and I can’t believe how fast the last four years have gone by. Some moments you are four going on sixteen and others you are four wishing you were still one. During all those moments, you light up my heart. I love to watch your spirit as you go about things independently with such determination and flare. I also love the moments when only mommy will do and you cuddle up on my lap like you did when you were just a baby. I could spend hours snuggling you, breathing you in as I did when you were an infant. But then again, watching you act as if you are sixteen is quite entertaining at times. The drama, the hands on the hips, the eye rolls, the desire for make-up and shoes, it is all coming way too soon and you are way too good.
You have learned so much this year. You began preschool in the fall and have slowly come out of your shell, making friends and sharing your spirit with those around you. You have learned to write your name and are very proud when you do something well. You still have a love for books and I sometimes quietly listen to you “read” a story as you look at the pictures. You use great voice inflection as you read, as if you were a teacher reading to her class. You are also a great negotiator with both your sister and me. You have a natural ability to convince others of your ideas getting them to go along with you. I can see your little mind at work when you encounter something you want, or have a great idea or plan. You also like order, you take that extra second to put something back where it belongs or to organize and sort things. You are great at organizing the art cabinet, putting everything in its place.
As you grow and experience new things, I can see your confidence growing. It didn’t take you long to get going with swimming lessons, although you have always loved the water, so that wasn’t a huge surprise. Daddy says you are doing great in soccer and I know it is because you can be so confident and willing when I am not around to coddle you. You are more willing to try new things and are often so happy that you did. I can’t wait to see this part of you continue to grow in the years to come.
Even though you are four today, I am still able to look in your big beautiful blue eyes and see my tiny little baby. You will always be my little baby.
I love you so very much,
Mommy
To My Dearest Darling Emma,
Four years ago today the happiest baby in the world was born, and that was you. From the beginning we have called you our little happy jack and to this day it still fits. You continue to bounce around the house, down the street and where ever we go with a skip in your step and a smile on your face. You spread joy where ever you go and I find it impossible to be upset when my little happy jack is around. You are genuinely a happy kid and spreading joy just comes so naturally for you. You give the most wonderful, spontaneous hugs, kisses and I love you’s. I never get tired of being on the receiving end of them. Sometimes it is a random kiss on the hand as we walk down the street, or the spontaneous “Mama, mama, I love you” as we are sitting around the house or driving in the car. The absolute best is watching you with your daddy though. I still have yet to see a little girl love her daddy the way you do. No one compares to your dad, not even me. The level of excitement you show when he walks in the door is unmatched. I wish I could bottle it up and release it whenever I feel sad.
You have grown and learned so much this year. Once you figured out how to write your name you wrote it everywhere, connecting the m,m,a as if it were a grownup signature. You also learned to stand up for yourself and that you didn’t always have to say yes to your sister. Although it has caused some unhappy moments for all, I am very proud of you. You are very compassionate and caring and don’t like to see others upset or hurt, so you are often willing to comply or work something out. You get along with everyone and don’t mind playing by yourself too. You love to sit quietly and draw or write in a notebook. The other day at Auntie Katie’s you drew a map and used it to get everyone to the frozen yogurt shop. You continue to surprise me with the things you have picked up along your little journey.
Although you have your shy moments, you are often comfortable and confident in trying new things and jumping into new activities. You are very good at showing your sister what fun can be had, and that it’s okay. Although, showing her how to jump off the top of the slide in the backyard was a little alarming. I still am waiting for the day we rush off to the ER with a broken bone. I know it is coming as you get stronger and more daring.
I am so thankful and grateful that I get to be your mom and get to spend my days with you. Watching you grow, learn, and bounce around this world brings me so joy.
I love you with all my heart,
Mommy
