It’s entirely possible that you turned four years old, three days ago, and It’s also entirely possible that I’m just now getting to your birthday letter. Hey, get off my back, I’ve been busy! And it’s not like I forgot to throw you a party or TWO. That’s what I thought, now where was I?

What’s new with you right now, is well, us. We’ve spent some considerable quality time together lately, what with your brother starting kindergarten and all. I’ve never actually had to opportunity to spend time with you, just you, before, with you and Jack being only 15 months apart and you being the younger one. So Jack went and started kindergarten three weeks before pre-school started and there you were, still there every morning after Jack left for school. And there I was, and so the quality time commenced.

It’s been truly amazing. I feel like I’m just now getting to know you. Have I ever told you that you have a lot of personality? Well you do! You are a totally different child when you are alone. In fact sometimes I forget that you are a child, but the Barbies and dolls everywhere help remind me. Thanks.

When we are all together, you are very clingy, always climbing on me and rubbing and squeezing and stroking and well you get the picture. Evidently, these behaviors are just nervous ticks that you developed to help you deal with the stress of not being born the only child that you were supposed to have been. Sorry about, take it up with you father.

Our days alone are very different. You often will just sit and talk to me, or watch decorating shows with me. You also request to go shopping. A lot. Not sure where that one is coming from. But the Purple Cow, a local thrift store, has become an integral part of our lives. You will browse there like an 80 year old grandmother who just received her social security check. I often have to drag you out.

You continue to grow into the beautiful woman you will be some day. I see it happening right before my eyes. I have always said that is so unfair for someone so young to have such beautiful hair. I don’t feel that way anymore, you are totally growing into you mane. It never ceases to amaze me how many people stop and tell me how beautiful you are when we are out.

You are not just a beauty though. You are amazingly smart. You already know your ABC’s and how to spell a hand full of words and how to count and basic addition and subtraction. Some of that is because your brother always turns around and teaches you everything he learns, but you are smart enough to grasp it. That’s really impressive. Really everything about you is, even your colossal temper tantrums.

Emie, thanks for letting me be your mom. It’s been pleasure watching you grow into the little person you are becoming and I can’t wait to see what your future holds. I love you.

mom