You grow each day and fill me with so much joy. Right now at age 4 this is one of your favorite bedtime stories. I want to write it for you so you will always have it.
I remember the first moment I caught a glimpse of you. Your bright eyes looking around and taking in your surroundings as blood dripped from the gloved hands that lifted you high above a blue drape in front of me. I wept-- tears of happiness trickled from my eyes as they whisked you away. It was different than I imagined the moment of your birth to be, but as I looked into your Daddy's face and saw those same sweet tears in his eyes we both whispered our gratitude for you and acknowledged there is nothing like the first moment you meet your child. I wanted to know everything about you right then-- to bask in your presence; I asked Daddy (because he had a better view of you than I did) if I really had seen hair on your head-- "LOTS" was his quick reply. He kissed my cheek, gave my hand a squeeze and rushed away to be with you. I longed to be up and about with him in that moment. I could hear your loud wailing not far away, but I could see nothing-- still strapped to the table but with all my focus on those cries. They were beautiful sounds to my ears. They assured me that you were a healthy strong baby, almost like you knew I needed to hear you every moment I couldn't see you. Not long later Daddy brought you clean and swaddled to nuzzle my cheek and I felt your calm spirit invite me to be still. I remember trying to lift my arms to touch you-- but I was still strapped down and out of touch with my body--so touching your face to mine was enough in that moment. I slept after that. Most of the day. I was so groggy I don't remember the first time I got you into my arms, so I count those moments that I nuzzled your cheek as the first time I held you. What I do remember is how calm I felt with you in my arms. You were straight from heaven and filled with gentle hope, love, and undeniable peace. I continue to feel this peace about you in quiet moments when we are together. It is a gift you carry with you-- to bring peace. In random order here are a few pictures from the last year and some things that are important to you right now:
You were a beautiful fairy princess for Halloween! You love to dress up like a princess!
You are THE happiest traveler in our family!
You LOVE your brother!
You have a contagious laugh and smile!
I promise you were having fun!! @ Chucky Cheese
One of the sweetest things you often do-- we find you fast asleep with all of your favorite dollies and stuffed toys tucked in next to you.
You are always anxious to help do even mundane tasks (except clean your room-- you don't like to help with that at all!)
A friend caught this moment on camera at the end of Sacrament meeting a few months ago. Yes you were alone. Daddy had to run Preston to the bathroom and Mom was already gone to set up in the Primary room. From my friend who sent this to me:
"Last Sunday during the closing song Heather and I looked over to your pew and saw Rebecca holding her hymnal looking at the chorister. It was so darling. Then we peeked at her during the prayer and this is what we saw. During the prayer I told Heather we needed to capture the moment. So Heather did. The thought that came to mind is how you are doing everything right. How in your home the teachings of the Savior are being taught. Her behavior was so natural."
I think you just came to earth knowing what is right. You keep us on track reminding us to have prayers and scripture study. We are so blessed to have your sweet spirit in our home.
You love to play "Fancy Nancy" and wear costumes and accessories every chance you get!
Now for the Big Celebration of 4:
Four fingers means four years--so you told me. You wore this crown for our morning shopping trip! Everywhere you went you told everyone who would listen that it was your birthday! You got a lot of (favorable) attention.
The "Skype Party" we had with Grandma and Grandpa Hill. They sent you the most beautiful book. You LOVE it (see below) and it is so sweet to hear Grandma read you a story about all the things you would do together IF you were together (it still makes Mom cry every time you play it) In less than a week you have worn out the batteries (I need to swap them out) and memorized it completely. Thanks again Grandma and Grandpa, we wish you were here too!
We did a bit of shopping together on the morning of your birthday. You chose some new clothes, a jewelry box, and a diary!
Beautiful day for a picnic and the park!
You might have been getting tired by dinner! You felt so special to use our red plate and eat your favorite dinner. (Spaghetti which you pronounce "Buh-Sgehtti")
After Dinner we went to the swimming pool! You LOVE to swim!
Then home for Cake and Ice Cream with fun friends!
A few presents:
Trying our your new sleeping bag and mat, holding the Beanie Baby Preston got for you!
Dressing up with two of your favorite friends: Preston and Joshua! You were Spider Man here :)
Then the party was over and we all snuggled into bed after a fun-filled, exciting day. As I lay by you that night I reflected again on what a blessing you are to us. You are a precious treasure. I love you more each day and feel so thankful to be your Mother. I pray each day to live up to this beautiful challenge. That I will be the Mother you need. That I will be the Mother you want. That I will only teach you good things. That I will learn from your example to love everyone. That I will find the way to forgive as quickly as you do. I love you with all of my heart.
Love,
Mom
