To Hadley on Her Fourth Birthday

Dear Hadley,

Yesterday morning my alarm clock was you leaping into my bed and prying my eyes open while singing, “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” about an inch and a half away from my face.  Ten minutes later I heard exaggerated sighing coming from the dining room and peeked in to see you resting your cheek on your hands, staring wistfully into space while twirling your fork around your eggs.  This was because your skirt wasn’t pinkish enough.

This is pretty much how it’s gone since you’ve turned three; your Dad and I are sort of hoping things start to level out, you know, emotionally, now that you’re four.

From the moment you were born you loved to be held, and not a day goes by that we haven’t spent a fair amount of time just silently gliding in the rocking chair.  It used to stress me out because I had two other little kids to take care of and a million things to do, but now I may crave it more than you do.  You have slowed me down and taught me the importance of breathing someone in.  I never hesitate to drop whatever it is I’m doing and rock you when I feel your little head rest on the back of my leg.

This year has been interesting because Ellie is in first grade and Lila is in five-day pre-school so for two whole days it’s just you and me.  I wasn’t sure if you would relish being showered with 100% of my attention or be lost without your sisters.  You may have noticed from your birthday video, but you’re not ever by yourself.  All day long it’s big pitter patter, then medium pitter patter, then a few seconds it’s little pitter patter yelling, “Guuuuuys waaaaaait!”

Interestingly enough, it’s been a combination of the two.  You love the power of getting to choose what we do, but have trouble making that decision all by yourself.  Usually we end up, “Going to the grocery store with the pizza and the taffy then take it to the birthday park and eat it and then ride bikes”.  This request is usually made as you put one hand on each of my cheeks and speak about an inch away from my face to make sure I’m paying attention.  This is valid, because our house is usually crazy and as the littlest, you are one who’s easiest to overlook.

You love Ariel because she has red hair like you.  You are left handed.  Anything less than twenty two layers of clothing is unacceptable.  You are vivacious, magnetic, animated, observant, fiery, articulate and cuddly.  You crumble when you can’t keep up with the bigger kids.

You were the biggest surprise of our lives.  A precious surprise that has made life so much more beautiful, and I can’t imagine how I ever spent a day without your sweet little self.

Love,

Mom