Happy Birthday Buzz!!

My precious daughter,

My goodness how you have grown and blossomed in four years. The little girl you have grown into inspires and humbles me. Your eagerness to learn, your sympathy towards others, your hilarious sense of humor, your gentleness to the weak, your strength in leadership with your little sister, your amazing sense of responsibility and your patience with me.

I love to watch you dress up in all of your "party dresses" complete with at least 16 necklaces, 20 bracelets, rings for every finger and bows in your hair. I love to watch you grit your teeth and try to climb that tree you keep falling out of. I was amazed watching you with your baby ducks and your dog; the gentleness you showed and the maturity of your care for the helpless. You bring me to tears when you worry about your little sister and the littlest sister still in my belly. You patch up boo-boos, offer hugs and hover until you are sure that everything is "all better"

Still being a late talker, we have struggled with communication with each other. Sure there have been many times of angry tears from both of us at not being able to get the other to understand, but you have showed an amazing patience in doing whatever you can to help me understand what you are trying to tell me. Despite not being able to verbalize what you want, you have managed to show us an amazing imagination, humor and perception towards life.

Sometimes I may seem frustrated at the many nights you crawl into bed with me, but those times when you cuddle to me and I feel your soft sighs on my skin...I would not trade that for anything in the world. From the time you were born, I slept with your fingers tangled in my hair more often than not. As you continue to gain independence and I struggle to push you towards that independence, I hope you know how much I treasure those quiet moments together and I how much I am saddened by knowing one day they will end as you become a young woman.

I love you, my precious daughter. My greatest blessing in this world is you calling me "Mom"