Birthday Girl

Hannah turned 4 today. Amazing! She is such a sweet girl. We had a great day. Pancakes for breakfast (a favorite), frozen yoghurt for an outing, and then Chuck E Cheese after early dinner for playtime. What more could a 4-year-old ask for!?

Over the years Hannah has been a wonder to watch grow up. She was early with everything - talked early, walked early - and it has fascinated us how smart she is and how eager and interested she is to learn about life around her. Now she is an excitable chatter-box (like her mom). Prone to tantrums as most 4-year-olds, but a sweet loveable girl. She is amazingly nurturing and even in a playpark she will often find a little baby and hover around protectively and encourage him or her to play little baby games. In daily life her imagination runs completely wild. She plays so well on her own and can keep herself amuzed for hours inventing stories with her stuffed animals or little people. She also loves playing wild games with Oliver or any friend. Running, jumping, shouting. Everything is done with abundant energy and enthusiasm. She chatters nonstop and tells long stories that keep her listener's complete attention. Often though we need to stifle a grin. She can be so hilarious (often unintentionally).

Looking back I have such strong wonderful memories. And even look back on the hard times with a kind of sentimental joy that she has gotten through those stages with such success to bring her to the loveable fun girl that she is today. And I know that watching her continue to learn and love and grow will be a precious gift.

I love you Hannah. My firtborn. My baby girl.