teeny tiniest

(samantha uphold photography)

i cannot believe you are 4 years old today. i always tell you that you are my teeny, tiniest baby.

you love hearing all about it; how we didn't know if you were a boy or girl, that mommy was at work and had to leave my patients to walk down a floor because you were on your way, how you came 3 weeks early, how you were a teeny tiny 5 lbs 13 oz, how i continuously (happily) repeated "it's a girl, it's a girl, i can't believe it's a girl!", how i was so thankful that you & chloe would always have a sister, how you loved to be wrapped tight in your blankie. you ask to hear it all over and over.

what a little firecracker you've grown into since that teeny tiny baby. your laugh is contagious. you love to tickle, trick, and surprise. you know how to make certain you are heard in this (sometimes) very loud house. you are pretty laid back, until you really want something....then, if you can't have your way, your hands immediately go to your hips while attempting to stomp off with your pouty face. sometimes, i'm fully aware that stomping to your room is the best thing for everyone. but, you're learning to take ownership of your emotions & use them the correct way. i can all but smile when you look at me so seriously and through gritted teeth tell me, "i am so angry, Mom, but i can do it."





you have taught me a great deal about child-like faith these past few months. one night, as you said your prayers, you requested that God send a "beautiful rainbow to our town" so you could see it. i can think of no particular reason why you had this request, but you have faithfully prayed for a rainbow every night for almost 3 months. what faith. keep praying, baby girl. although i would be overjoyed for you to see a rainbow tomorrow....i am thankful for your long, patient wait, too.

you are still quite enthralled with babies. pretend ones and real ones. you are so gentle, attentive and truly concerned with them. i love to see your gentleness. you have asked many times that your littlest baby sister, bianca, share your birthday today. and despite your usual bedtime of 6:30pm, i do believe you held your eyes open until almost 9:00 tonight just hoping that she'd change her mind and come today.



anika, i love watching you grow. as much as it is tempting to want to freeze time, i am ever aware that this is just the opposite of what i long for you. i long for you to continue to grow...as a little girl, sister, daughter, friend, cousin, grandchild, and princess of the King. we are so very thankful for you & wish you a beautiful 4th year!