Fourth Birthday

My Dearest Lucy Jean,

I can't tell you how crazy it is to think about how you are FOUR YEARS OLD! How did that fly by so quickly? When I look at your little NICU picture, I can't help but be amazed at the miracle of you.

You are such a joyful little girl. You pop out of bed every morning (and I do mean EVERY MORNING) with a smile on your face and ready for the day. You want to dance, or play, or read books, or come snuggle with your dad and me, which invariably leads to your dad tackling you because, even though you promised to be quiet, somehow you just couldn't swing it. This year you learned to POTTY IN THE POTTY, which I thought might never happen. I bribed you with every means I could think of (including taking you to get your nails done), and yet somehow you just learned it in your own way and in your own time. I think that's going to be the way you roll, my dear: you aren't going to let anyone rush you or slow you down - you are just going to be YOU. And although that can be frustrating in small ways, it is best for sure in the big ways. You have developed a love for girly things - you love nail polish, pink, scarves, purses, clothes, boots, and shopping. This year you have loved Star Wars and Shopkins. You also love to read books and, at bedtime especially, you love to listen to stories about Juicy Lean. Juicy Lean is a lot like Lucy Jean, except that she often makes bad decisions and needs Lucy Jean's help to make them right. And sometimes her brother Barley is in the stories, too. You also love the game where you list three things and I have to weave them into a story. You are pretty good at that too when it's Mommy's turn!

This year has been challenging for your Mommy and Daddy. We have affectionately (or in frustration) dubbed you a "threenager" - you definitely know your own mind and are fiercely committed to fulfilling whatever it is that's in there. Another trait that will serve you very well in the future.

My dear, God has used you to teach me so many lessons about Him this year. Parenting puts the Gospel in perspective like few other human experiences. But the biggest one is and will continue to be that as much as I love you, God loves you more. He loved you enough to give up His own Son. We talk about this often, and though you don't quite understand just yet, I pray that God continues to draw you close, and when the time comes, you will lean in and begin to fulfill all He has planned for you.

Because girl, it is BEAUTIFUL.

Love,

Mommy