Late Birthday Post

Oh ma’goodness. People…things be crazy up in here. The past week has included a 17 hour drive in one day, Lamps birthday, a new house, no hot water/cold showers, no internet (I’m at Panera) moving vans, feeling overwhelmed and incredibly lucky at the same time. I had planned to put this up on Tuesday, but I didn’t get to it. I can’t wait to talk about Utah, Alt, moving, Cincinnati, our new house, etc. So much going on! Anyway, here is my belated birthday post to my now 4 year old. I almost can’t believe it. Enjoy.

Dear Lamp,

Happy Birthday my big 4 year old! So I just think it’s important to note that as I’m writing this, we are driving in through a torrential rainstorm at 3:00 in the morning to our new home in Cincinnati. For some reason your father and I thought it would be a good idea to drive 17 hours in one day–which ends up being more like a 20 hour drive with gas stops and food breaks. You guys are asleep in the backseat while your father and I are doing our best to stay awake. The sillies hit us about 2 hours ago and luckily the rain is subsiding. I kinda like the idea that you’ll wake up in our new house and essentially a new city on your 4th birthday.

As I’m sitting here thinking about all the things I want to say about you, I have a big smile on my face. From your sweetness to your sass to your smarts, it all makes me smile. Since the day you were born you have been a joy in our lives.

You have many gifts, one of the more prominent ones being the gift of speech. You like to talk. And talk and talk and talk. People have always commented on how well you speak. And it’s true. While you frequently like to discuss things like the rules of being the Mermaid Queen and the names of all your pet pegasuses (pegasi?) you also astonish us with your deep and thoughtful questions. Questions like, “Can we still talk when we’re dead?” (Yes…I mean it’s not the same as how we talk now, we might not be able to hear each other…but sure, dead people talk…) and “What is the opposite of medium?” (Uhhhhh….. that’s a really good question… let me just call the folks over at MIT and get back to you on that one.) As you’ve never been one to shy away from making observations about other people’s appearances you’ve become quite good at checking with us before saying something out loud. “Mom, I’ve got a question. It’s private. (whispering) Is it OK to say she’s got a flat head? Is it OK to say he’s got big arm? Is it OK to say he’s got big teeth? You are inquisitive and thoughtful, with an understanding beyond your years. You have a surprisingly mature grasp on the world around you–nothing gets by you

You’re also a delight. Full of love and laughter. I often hear you calling me name from across the house, sometimes with a sense of urgency. I come running your way saying, What is it? What is it? only to be met with a very sincere, I love you mom. Sigh. What can I say, you love your mama. It’s not always convenient to come running across the house for these little declarations of love, but I suppose you won’t always do that so I better soak it in now.

Finally, lets not forget about your sass. Make no mistake, a bit of sass is a good thing. But like many of the best traits this is one of those powers that can be used for good or for evil, so you’ve got to learn to harness it properly. At the ripe ol’ age of 4, it’s still in its early development so I’m cutting you some slack. At least I’m trying to cut you some slack–you may not view it this way. Since you were such a sweet and docile baby your sassy side that came out around age three, took me by surprise. And while I’m not always thrilled with this particular trait in the day-to-day, I am grateful that you can speak your mind so freely. This will be a good and important tool for you in the years to come. In the meantime I’m trying to keep my sanity as you directly disobey me, then come to tell me that you disobeyed me and watch–with a twinkle in your eye I might add–my reaction, followed up with the critical question, Do you still love me? Mercy.

Baby girl we always love you. We are grateful beyond belief that you came to our family. Strange to think that it was only four short years ago when you became a part of our family since I am pretty sure you have always been ours and we have always been yours. I’m so glad I get to be your mommy because as I’ve told your dad more than once, I feel like I’m raising my best friends.

Happy Birthday.

Best Friends Forever,
Mom