Archive for the “Birthdays” Category
Miranda’s First Year
Happy First Birthday to our sweet little bug, Miranda Ruby.
Letter to a 4-year-old
Natalie is 4! December 7, 2010
Dear Natalie,
Today you are 4 years old! It seems impossible that 4 years have already passed since you were born, yet we can hardly remember life without you. This year has been full of some big changes for you—the birth of your little sister and moving from our house in New Jersey to an apartment in Brooklyn. Changes like these are enough to rattle most adults, so we are constantly impressed with how well you’ve handled becoming a big sister and moving to a big city. At the same time, we aren’t surprised. Even as a baby, you’ve always been extremely adaptable—as long as Mommy and Daddy were near, that is! The grace that you have displayed this year in the face of so many new challenges is remarkable.
You have big feelings and you show them boldly. The littlest thing can make you grin, giggle, or even dance—the joy you express is infectious and wonderful. This morning we made you a special birthday breakfast of waffles with pink whipped cream and sprinkles. The delight in your eyes over this simple pleasure is one of the reasons you add such light to our lives each day.
Whipped cream face
Mmmm, good!
People go out of their way to tell us how polite and sweet you are, and we couldn’t agree more. We hope that we’ve given you enough credit for this, even though we often remind you to use your “big girl voice.” You are a very loving big sister to Miranda, even when you get frustrated by her desire to play with whatever you’re playing with.
You love to sing, dance, and read. We just finished reading Charlotte’s Web—your first long chapter book. We weren’t sure that you were old enough for such a mature book, but you impressed us with your ability to pay attention even when there were no pictures and comprehend a sometimes very delicate plot. We realized that as a young vegetarian, you had no idea that people kill animals in order to eat them. At the end of the book, when Charlotte dies, you remarked that you wished that you had a friend like Charlotte to help you win an award so that you won’t ever have to die.
You have an amazing imagination and can entertain yourself for a very long time making up little stories with your dolls or stuffed animals. We love to watch you develop elaborate plots and act out the different parts. We can tell that you are eager to go to school next year, as many of your stories involve “friends” from your “pretend school.” You are getting ready for kindergarten next September by practicing reading and writing. You have sounded out lots of words and are beginning to recognize some simple words by sight. You can write most letters without assistance and enjoy learning how different words are spelled.
This year we got you a bike for your birthday. It was wonderful to watch you practice peddling and see the pride you felt when you got it. Although you’ve had a few falls, you’ve always gotten right back in the saddle. You’ve told us how much you’re looking forward to taking off your training wheels in the spring. It’s so much fun to walk next to you as you bike down the sidewalk in our new neighborhood, proudly ringing your bell!
4-year-old with birthday cake We are so proud of our funny, smart, sweet, perceptive, hard-working, beautiful girl!
Love,
Mommy & Daddy
Remember us?
We used to post here? I know it’s been a loooong time, but I plan on spending my maternity leave playing catch-up with the blog. There will a series of “better late than never” posts being published for the next week or so. Exciting, no? C’mon, admit it, you missed this blog!!
Here are pictures (and a video!!) of Natalie’s 3rd birthday, celebrating family-style!
