FOUR

Darling Georgia -

Does it seem like time passes so quickly to you, too? You are now the age that Ellen was when we brought you home from the hospital, which just seems impossible. Your baby days do actually seem like they were a long time ago - I remember it all pretty vaguely - but it's more that I can't believe Ellen is four whole years older, too. Funny how time does that.

You continue to be a delightful, spirited child. Also, quite beautiful, as all parents think of their children, but people stop and tell us that about you all the time. In fact, I want to say to them, "Yes! Of course she is pretty. But she's clever! And you should hear her laugh when she's tickled! And her favorite food is cheese!" There are so many more interesting things about you than how you look and I hope you always believe that.

You are very much a momma's girl. In fact, not long ago, we were walking somewhere hand in hand (always, with you) and you just kind of whispered, "you're my favorite". I told you that wasn't very nice and I knew that you loved Ellen and Dad, too, and you corrected yourself and said, "oh, of course I do!". :) Your preference for all things MOM does occasionally drive the rest of us crazy, but I know this time will pass. We do get each other, you and me. Cut from the same cloth.

Your interests these days are very similar to Ellen's at your age and, well, Ellen's now. You love her so much and follow her around and would do most everything with her (if she lets you). You are the best of friends and can, just as fast, push each others buttons and both end up crying. In fact, Ellen is always wanting to give you a hug and a kiss goodnight and you often refuse her - asserting control in your world, a one that is a little less effusive than your sister's. I think you two are at the sweet spot of sisterly friendship where you still have similar interests. I know this will wax and wane over the years, but I will do my very best to keep your tether to each other strong.

You could spend all day coloring and cutting paper into tiny pieces and hoarding small objects into some type of small container. SO SO many treasures, it's hard for me to keep track. You are just starting to enjoy being read to, something I love to see as I was pretty sure we had ruined your interest in reading as a 2nd child whose parents were too tired to read to her as much as the 1st.

My favorite things about you these days are your attempts to order the world (counting / days of the week / how many people at each place). We often use a hand to count down to some anticipated event - "Mom! My birthday will be on the pinkie!". We've been telling make believe stories at bedtime and I like to make funny faces - surprised, sad, angry - and I love to watch your face mimic mine unintentionally. You love to snuggle, but there are fewer requests for "uppy" these days - much happier to do it yourself, as long as we're holding hands, of course. You are sensitive, oh so sensitive, and cry with the least insult (maddening), but also cry when others are hurt or sad, so all is forgiven.

I can't wait to see what the next year holds for you. Just this week, as we were all standing at the bus stop in the morning, I almost just pushed you right into the group of kids boarding the bus. You seem to be a part of the crowd and like you're almost ready to be there. In fact, it's quite a long time until you start kindergarten, but I know it's really off to the races after that. I'll cherish this time of you figuring out you. Thanks for letting us be a part of it.

Love you to pieces, my Sweet Georgie.
Mom