10.01.12

Dearëst Zoë,

Yesterday was the big day.  You're no longer a little girl of 3.  You're now a big girl of 4.  My heart is ripe with pride, love, and just a touch of regret as I watch you stride on without hesitation from one year to the next.  I love you, my baby.

You woke up yesterday with the question "today is presents?"  We sang you Happy Birthday and Daddy gave you the gift he bought for you, a little stuffed version of Sparky from Frankenweenie.  After getting up, you insisted on watching the short Frankenweenie and then the whole Nightmare Before Christmas movie.

After that, it was time to jump in the car with mama and go and pick up your balloons.  You were thrilled to see two tall columns of entirely purple balloons all for you and insisted on "helping" me get them out to the car. 

When we got to the park, you were very happy to see that Granny was there with your birthday cake and presents.  You played at the playground while your guests arrived and then we all went to the nature center for the animal presentation.  You got to pet a stuffed otter, owl, and fox.  The ranger brought out a live cane toad, snake and owl.  You got to pet the snake which you did fearlessly.  Your mama wasn't so brave. 

We then trooped back to the shelter for cake and presents.  You received some very nice things from people, including a guitar from your Poppy and Granny and a Tinkerbell doll baby with a stroller and bed from your Grandma and Grandpa.  Ever since you unwrapped that doll, you've been carrying her around and pushing her in the stroller.  You take the time to buckle her in safely every time.  I'm so proud of your nurturing instincts. You're such a caring little one.

When your party was through, we had friends over and you changed into some of your new outfits to show off your fashion skills. 

In the evening, we headed over to your great-grandma's place for a family birthday party and dinner.  We celebrated great-grandma's, grandma's, cousin Denise and your birthdays all at the same time.  You got lots of clothes which was not to your liking apparently.  You did really enjoy the puzzles that Aunty Laura got you and you were so quick to put them together. 

When we got home, we snuggled up on the couch and fell asleep watching The Avengers.  It was a good, long day full of friend, cake, and fun.  Happy Birthday, angel.

All my love,

Mama