Happy Birthday, Chloe Girl!

Dear Chloe,

Today you turned 4. You've been waiting for this day for a very, very long time. You constantly see things you want and ask if you can have them for your birthday. You have told my so many times that you don't want to be 3 anymore, because you've been 3 for too long and you're ready to be 4. 

Well, today is the day.

You, my dear, are 4. 

Having you in our family for the last 4 years has been an amazing, beautiful blessing. 

You are so full of energy and life. You light up the room with your laughter and your sweet, sweet smile. I am amazed at all the things you're learning and the things you know. You are so smart and so inquisitive. 

You are so kind. You are my "little helper girl" and are always helping me, Preslie, Axel and Daddy. Anytime you say you don't want to help, I know I must be asking you to help too much because you are always so quick to serve others and put others first. You always let Preslie go first, no matter what it is. If you are dying of thirst, begging for a drink, and Preslie comes and says she wants a drink first, you will say, "Preslie first." Preslie always gets everything first, even when I try telling you it's ok to be first sometimes! You are so thoughtful and caring. 

You are such a beautiful little girl. You love your "yong hair" and being a princess. You think princess don't wear pants and if you have to wear your pants under your princess dress it will probably end the whole world. You love putting on makeup, except mascara and love curling your hair. I love doing all those things with you because you love it so much! You also think you are a mommy if you put your on your tiara, high heels, earrings and a necklace. If you have lost any of those things, you're "not a mommy," even if I tell you that I'm still a mommy and I'm not wearing heels and a crown!

You absolutely love your daddy. When he comes home from being gone for a long time, your whole countenance shines and you can tell you are so thrilled that he is back. You want to be by him, hold his hand, sit by him and never leave his side. But you're also a lot like me when I was little - not wanting to hurt any feelings. Anytime you and Preslie are fighting over who gets to be with their Daddy, you are quick to remember your mom and come be by me so I don't feel sad. (Don't worry, Chloe, I'm not sad. I like seeing you and Preslie both want to be with Daddy!)

You also love Preslie. She is your absolute best friend. If we try to go anywhere just the two of us, you are so concerned that she's not there and that she might not be happy. You always want to share with her, want to make sure she has what you have, and be sure that she is ok. One day when I took you to the doctor without Preslie, and she was sad, you kept comforting her by telling her all the fun things she'd get to do at home. "You can play a game with Daddy! You could watch any show you want!" You're so sweet.

You are a little photographer and absolutely love taking pictures. You always want to take more, more, more pictures. You're actually quite good, too! 

You are quiet and shy. Definitely not at home, but in public, you are quiet and shy. You are starting to say "Hi" to people...when they aren't looking at or paying attention to you. You have your part for the Primary Program almost memorized, and we'll see if you say it this Sunday. You keep saying, "I'll try!" anytime I ask. I know you will try and I hope you don't let your fear get in the way. You worry a lot that people will laugh at you. You even said that's what you're scared about in the program. I hope you learn to laugh at yourself sometimes and not be embarrassed when you make mistakes. 

There are so many times I look at you and wonder what I did to deserve such a wonderful, beautiful daughter. Your spirit is so big and so full of love, kindness and service. You teach me so much every day about the person I want to be. 

I love you so, so much, Chloe Girl. 

Happy Birthday.

Love, 

Mommy