The First Four Years
The first four years have flown by...
Dear Annie--You are a firecracker. A very, very stubborn firecracker. I know that being four and being so headstrong is probably difficult for you. You want more freedom than your parents are willing to give you. You want to be able to opt out of brushing your teeth every once and awhile without a lecture about getting cavities. You want to move at your own speed, thank you very much, and you would like for me to stop calling you "Heinz 57"! I learned during the final weeks of my pregnancy with you that you would move at your own speed...snail-like with sudden flurries of activity that catch your parents off guard.
There are so many qualities about you that I admire: your unfailing friendliness with any and all children we meet, be they big or small. You are extremely open and outgoing and will start up a conversation with any girl, be they 3 or 13. I think you may have inherited this from your Grandma D. and I'm thankful for that, because it is one of her many qualities that I admire!
I admire that you are smart and opinionated and know what you do and do not like. The DO list includes: Hello Kitty, chicken tenders, McDonald's Happy Meals, WordWorld, playing on the computer, Schleich animals, ketchup on anything and everything and tormenting your brothers. The DON'T list includes: getting dressed, brushing your teeth, combing your hair, water in your eyes, walking quickly and listening to your parents.
Oh, you have a personality little girl, and it can change from sunshine to rain in 2.7 seconds. I'm pretty sure that you have broken speed records in mood changes. When you are sunshine, you are sweet, happy, content, helpful, kind, considerate and tender. When you are rain, it's best for everyone to take cover and head for the basement, because the tornado is coming!
I'm really hoping that this year sees more sunshine and less rain. I just dropped you off for your first day of school. I think that having this activity that is just for you every single day is going to have a great effect on so many aspects of our lives. I'm so sorry that things didn't work out and we didn't get you into school earlier, but now you're on track and I hope that it's as great as you've been telling me you think it will be.
I know that life is tough in the middle, with a brother on either side, but I want you to know, Annabel, that Daddy and I love you very, very much and you are that much more special because you are our one and only princess.
See you after school!
Comments
When I look at Annika, I see the sunshine. I love the excitement in her voice when we talk on the phone. I love how her eyes flash when she talks. I'm so happy she is starting school today.
Wish we were neighbors.
Much more than that, you are an AMAZING mom!!! Since I've invaded your life and apartment over the past month, I've been so blessed to be a part of your family and I cannot tell you enough what a wonderful mom you are. No one's perfect and you may feel like you should be doing more, but you are absolutely amazing. You run that household so efficiently, keeping everything clean and orderly - more than any mother of 3 ever should be able to do. Even more, you love your kids and you train them so well. You encourage them and teach them, but still have good boundaries. You don't coddle them, but instead let them be their own people, make their mistakes so that they can learn and grow. That's so important - they'll be very equipped in their lives.
Truly, truly, I cannot say how much I admire you as a person and as a mom. Those kids (and Hans) are absolutely lucky and blessed to have you as a mom.
Happy Birthday, Annika!