Happy Birthday Abby!

Abby,

I won't go into all the stuff about how I can't believe you are four, and time has gone by so fast, and so on.  (OMG, WHERE DID THE TIME GO?!?)  So, I will just say, Happy 4th Birthday!

You have had quite the year.  When you turned three, you were a brand new big sister and had just started school.  This year, you are a pro at the whole sister thing, and have blossomed at school.  Last year, you were the quiet girl who preferred to sit back at watch what occurred in class.  This year?  Your teacher frequently comments on how much of a leader you are, and how much they love to listen to your stories and opinions.  (I also get comments on your volume and how you are sometimes a little too eager to share, but you are really starting to get the hang of things.)  I love all the stories you come home with, and love that you seem to love learning.

Through school, you've also developed a whole new group of girlfriends.  (And a boyfriend, but that's a whole other story.)  It has been so much fun to see you at the playground get-togethers and after school when you all play "chase."  Not only has it been nice to see your circle expanded, but you've really come out of your shell.  You have opinions, and  play suggestions, and are a leader.  At the same time, you're also a great friend, and flexible when others want to do something different.  Often times you can be a little too sensitive, and get your feelings hurt easily, but I think that's just a sign of just how caring and sweet you are.  You wouldn't purposely say mean things to your friends, so you have a hard time understanding when others say something to you.

It's also been wonderful to have these new friends and routines, since we can no longer just open our front door and go outside to play with friends.  When we moved in July, we've still seen your old neighbors and friends, but it hasn't been the same.  Still, the trade-off has been for a lot more space and a house of our own.  You have loved every bit of this house.  You got to pick your room color (pink, of course) and have a whole new bedroom set with plenty of room for all your stuffed friends and dolls.  The extra space has also been nice, because you are able to get away from your brother and I when you need too.

This year, we've really started to see your personality.  You are opinionated, very girly, independent, sensitive, and passionate.  You have a wonderful sense of humor.  I love to see the world through your eyes.(even if I have no idea what you are talking about or where you are coming from.  You have your dad's sense of random thinking.)  I am constantly amazed at your ability to comprehend the world around you and interpret what you see into your own words and thoughts.    

Unfortunately, your year has not been without some sadness.  Shortly after we moved, we unexpectedly lost our dog, Dexter.  You were deeply saddened, but were able to understand what occurred more than I thought you would.  In the way that only you can, you've made sure he's lived on in your thoughts and dreams.  I never know when you will bring him up, or if it will be a happy or sad moment, but you have dealt with it with a maturity that is beyond your four years of age.  I am so very proud of you.

Overall, this year has been a wonderful one.  My little baby girl is pretty much gone, but she has been replaced by an amazing little girl.  You bring a smile to my face every day.  (And often times some frustration or anger, but that's to be expected from a 4 year old.)  Four years ago, you totally changed my life and who I was as a person.  But the change was all for the better.  I have loved every minute of it!

Love you, Ladybug!
Mom

* For some reason, I couldn't figure out how to move the picture to the beginning or end of the post.  When I asked Dan for help, he said to leave it.  Abby loves to be smack dab in the middle of things.  She would appreciate the placement.  So, there the picture will stay.