Happy 4th Birthday Little Bean

Dear Little Bean,

Four years ago today, you entered mine and daddy's lives and changed them for the better in ways we could not imagine. It is sad how quickly these years have gone, and how quickly they will keep going, but I think God for every day you are in my life.

This past year you have experienced and seen more than most kids your age. You got to go to Cancun, Mexico and swim with dolphins, hang out in the pool, and experience a different culture while also practicing your Spanish.

You with Andromeda

A sombrero bigger than you

We went to grandma and grandpa's for the 4th of July and you went on your first hike in the Rocky Mountains. You loved it, and did amazingly well.

You with Uncle Bird at the zoo

You got to go to Disneyland for the first time and got to spend the entire vacation with mama's whole family (except grandpa, who sadly, had to say home), including your favorite cousin K.

And as if that weren't enough vacations for a 3-year-old in one year, you got to become an intercontinental traveler and spend Christmas and New Years in the UK!

You in Trafalgar Square

You loved chasing pigeons

You loved going to castles

In addition to all of your traveling, you grew and learned a lot. You are an intelligent girl, and there are many verbs that can be used to describe you, such as friendly, precocious, resilient, determined, loving, tender, and well-behaved. You love to share, and do so every chance you get. You are especially generous with your stickers.

The things you love the most besides mom and dad are the dogs, especially Sadie, whom you claim as your own; and your princess blankets because you like to "snuffle" the tags.

Today you are going to have a Rapunzel and Star Wars the Clone Wars birthday party. Over 25 kids were invited, both boys and girls, so we will see how many show up. No matter how many kids come, I know you will have an awesome time because you love the place we are having your party.

In a few months, you will become a big sister. People often ask me if you are excited about the baby, and you always tell me yes. You tell me about all of the things you will teach your little sister, and all of the things you will show her. You love to see her on sonograms, but you especially love to hear her heartbeat. I know without a doubt that you are going to be an awesome big sister, one who is enviable and a wonderful example. This is one thing I have always wanted for you, and I am so glad that this year you will know the joy only a sibling can bring.

This past year it has been wonderful and amazing to see how much you have grown mentally and emotionally. You are not so much a toddler anymore as you are a little girl. When I ask you why you have to get so big so fast, you always tell me it is so you can reach things that are high up. But if there is one thing I have taught you well, it is that no matter how big you get, you will always be my baby, and I love it when you tell me so.

I look forward to watching you continue to grow and experience and learn about the world around you this next year. I wish you the happiest of birthdays. Thank you for always being so strong, and being the one who made it. I love you munchkin.

Love,
Mom