J is 4!

Sweet little J. We cannot believe that you’re 4! It’s been a blink since we rushed from Home Depot and you sped into this world and yet, it’s impossible to remember life before you either.

This last year you’ve grown into a girl. It’s hard to imagine how much personality your little frame contains! These are just a few things that bubble to the top of the mind when we think of you...

Your hugs are seriously the best ever. And you already instinctively know when someone needs one. It’s an empathy that’s powerful and beautiful.

You’re a dog person to your core. Seeing you with Bailey is heart melting. And how you can almost feed him all by yourself is so cool. And how he’s the only surefire bet to calm you down if you’re upset.

Your silliness and sweetness is infectious. “Lean closer,” you say. “Let me tell you a secret.” And when we do, you give a big puff right in the canal. “Blew your mind!” You giggle as you say, “Lean closer again...” and we’re suckers because we’re powerless to that grin.

You’re already such a little planner. It’s cute to see the project management skills budding in your head — assessing the order of operations, gathering input of stakeholders, and the utter frustration when reality interferes with your plans.

You’ve got some decision making skills and endurance. You’re never going to be described as wishy-washy. For example, two years ago you decided that you don’t like raw fruit and from that point on you’ve stuck to your conviction and diligence of never letting a molecule of the stuff touch your lips.

You’re relationship with E is amazing and beyond the tiny squabbles, your being best friends is the best thing ever for us to watch. You play hockey and cars with him, he does Barbie camping and helps take care of your dollies.

You’re a smart cookie and a hard worker. The fact that we have to copy E’s weekly homework for you to complete boggles the mind. Almost as much as the fact that one of your favorite pastimes is cleaning the bathrooms or doing the laundry.

You’re fearless: Zip lines. Thunder Mountain Railroad. Shots at the doctor’s office. We’ve yet to find something that phases you and you fit right in.  Well, something other than fruit.

So little J, we cannot wait to see what being four has in store...but it's bound to be sweet, sassy, and bursting into our lives. We love you SOOOO much! Happy Birthday!