Dear Birthday Girl...

Dear Buggy, So you want to be some big four-year-old, huh? While this milestone means that you're growing and my baby girl is less a baby, I'm ready for it. Your third year started out very sassy and hard-headed. Patience was a forced-learned lesson on my end. My love for you grew as you taught me so much and tested all my limits. Then a couple months ago, we turned a corner as you turned into the sweetest little (still sassy) helper. Your little mind started understanding the needs of those around you and your ability to step up and help out has become one of your best qualities.

You've always been a feeler, and while channeling those feelings can be difficult, it's one of my favorite things about you. Every emotion comes to the surface and as you're growing you are learning how to share those heart-felt feelings. This quality makes you so compassionate and loving. It also makes your sassiness come out frequently and that's okay. I love your firey side because I know it will drive you to be a leader and always stand up for what is right. As I always say, every woman should possess a little sass. You possess it beautifully.

You are a born leader. This can be tricky for a four year old. Your teacher in preschool tells me about your episodes at school where you stand up on the chair and direct the class over her directions. She said to me "once Scarlett figures out who's in charge, it will be good!" and I said back to her "well once you figure out how to show her who's in charge, please give me some pointers!" Your sweet teacher loves you.

You make everyone around you laugh with your quick wit (already!) and jokes. You say things that are well beyond your years and throw people off guard. Like a few weeks ago when you told the babysitter that you were in charge and that she needed to stay in the basement.

Seeing you with your brother brings frequent tears to my eyes. You love him so unconditionally. I know that your relationship is special, rare and unbreakable. I also know that you will always love and protect him. This makes me so proud. I already hear you stick up for him when other kids take his toys and I sometimes fear for the future kids that may mess with him!

There are not enough words to describe your beautiful little personality, but boy am I thankful for everything you are. I will hold you to the promise you made the other day to always be my best friend and never grow out of our snuggles. You are beyond loved, Buggy!