To my sweet Four year old! Happy Birthday

Dearest Kaelyn,

(two days old)

  It is so hard for me to believe that four short years ago you arrived in our lives on April 26, 2006 at 6 lbs 10ozs, a small bundle of dark hair and deep blue eyes, that would forever change our lives. Even before your arrival, you taught me so much about the world around us. From the moment that I knew I carried another life, I knew that I would do whatever it took to take care of you...but I never realized how much you would teach me. I learned that the image of God portrayed by churches isn't always accurate, to trust that God would not leave me.  God blessed me with you from the very beginning, that you were always a blessing and have always been a blessing. You are my hug from God, a sweet reminder of his Pure, Joyful (Kaelyn) Grace (your middle name) that I am so undeserving of.
  In the past four years I have learned so much about you, how your heart is full of compassion for others, how you have a strong desire to avoid conflict, and how you want to please those around you. You have taken to saying that your "job is to make sure others are happy" and that you really had to look out for Anna.

 You my dear, are an old soul...much like your mother, with a bit of wit and charm from your father, eyes of your Great Grandfathers, and a heart all your own. I am so honored to have gotten to spend the last four years watching you blossom into the young girl that you are, and I can't wait to continue watching you grow and shape yourself into this beautiful being.
                     All my love and Birthday Wishes,
                             Mom (it still feels weird to sign my name like this)

(At 2...you still hate Santa)

Things you love at four
-Dance
-Your friends Rory, Catherine, Makenzie, Kiyre (your BFF from Oklahoma), and Anna (you also mention new baby)
-Princess anything!
-Pink!
-Tea Parties
-Stories during nap while Anna is sleeping
-Movies
-Popcorn with M&Ms, Pickles, salad, soy beans, rice, soup and Pepperoni!
-your pink blanket
-To have your legs/arms tickled while you fall asleep
-Welcoming Dad home at the end of the day
-Sports *soccer* and riding your bike!!
-Blowing Daddy a kiss in the morning, one for his pocket just in case his day is bad and the other for his butt because you think that's funny.
-Being Sneaky

Things you can do
Count 1-100 using a chart and being prompted on the tens change (only 30,60,70,80, and sometimes 90)
Count 1-26 occassionally skipping 14/15
Adding simple sums (using manipulatives)
Writing your name and all your letters!
Sounding out words when asked to
Sing rhymes, retell stories and nursery songs
Hop on one foot, stand on one foot in a dance pose, run, jump, leap and skip
Teach Anna how to say new words
Days of the week, tell the hour on a clock

Last year at age 3!