Happy Birthday, Ironflower

(This should have been posted yesterday. I suck.)

My big girl, I can't believe you are four today. I can't remember life without you - and yet it seems like just yesterday we were waiting anxiously for your first cry (Ironflower got a dose of meds during the c-section because it took SO long for them to get her out, thus her first cry was delayed long enough to terrify us). You are such an amazing kid. It seems as though you've been making up for that delayed first cry ever since, with your precocious talking abilities.

I love that you can talk to anyone about anything. . .without stopping. I am so proud of how hard you are trying in dance class, even though it hasn't come easily for you. And you are such an amazing big sister, often willing to share and always willing to hug. Your memory always astounds me, as does your imagination.

Right now you love princesses so much that I've even purchased Barbie products for you, something I never thought I'd do. Though I confess that it's probably my fault you also love make-up these days. What makes you especially cool though is that you also love dinosaurs and your knowledge of them is already encyclopedic. And your favorite TV show is 64 Zoo Lane, about a little girl and her animal friends. You recently saw Into the Woods - and impressed all those seated around you with your ability to pay attention - and I think as of right now that is your favorite musical.

You have handled the arrival of a new baby brother with total aplomb. You love to sing him lullabies and nursery rhymes and you imitate the way I talk to him perfectly.

We love you so much, honey. And we are so proud to be your parents.