Happy 4th Birthday Isla!

Dear Isla,

Today you turned 4 years old! I know I will probably say this every year but how it is even possible that 4 years have already passed is beyond me. You have changed our lives for the better and I can't imagine a day without you!

It rained today on your birthday (totally not fair especially when you are born in August!) but you were unfazed. You embrace each moment of every day to the fullest. You love life and you remind me to find joy even in the little things.

You cracked me up this morning when you woke up and told me with a great degree of disappointment "I still feel 3." I couldn't help but giggle a little because I can totally relate. The last 4 years have whizzed by and I don't feel my age either.

You are incredibly sweet and caring and I especially love the way you say your goodbyes. You have become a hugger and today in particular it filled my heart to near bursting to watch you embrace your friend Scout and exclaim "It was good to see you!" as we headed out for your birthday picnic. You are extremely thoughtful and are growing into little Miss Hostess. I love how you like to send our guests off with a beverage and a snack (usually a zip lock of chocolate chips) when they leave our home. Sometimes your hostessing puts me to shame.

You are full of energy and only on the rare occasion do you slow down. You try new things with a confidence I envy. You are a strong girl and I am so proud of you. This month you learned to ride your bike WITHOUT training wheels. People often stop me on the trail, totally amazed.

If I had to guess, I'd peg you as an extrovert as you really enjoy being around and talking to others. You love spending time with me and shadowing whatever I do. The other day you were so excited to wake up and find me sewing a diaper bag for our baby. All you wanted to do was sit right next to me and watch and at the end of the day you reported that as the very best part of your day.

You are ever so curious and even after asking me a million questions, you still have an endless stockpile awaiting answers. I love this about you and I hope no one ever squelches your thirst for knowledge.

You are our little artist and our walls are constantly covered with a never-ending display of your skills. Lately you are also really into writing your ABCs (which you seem to have picked up overnight) and you enjoy writing and then mailing letters to various friends and family. You are always asking how to spell different words and I'm always impressed when I later find the words written out in some form or other.

You adore your little sister Emma and have been doing a great job of engaging her in play. You are very helpful in making sure she has a toy to play with and you do a good job of teaching her how to do things.

Other hobbies of yours include dancing, going to coffee shops, taking care of your babies, playing pretend, running around the room towing your sister on the end of a string and reading books.

You have a heart for others and I love the way you absorb the Bible stories and memory verses you learn in Sunday School. My prayer for you is that that big heart of yours would remain open and vulnerable to God's nudging and that you would follow Him always. I've said it time and time again but you are going to go places, this much is true!! I pray that you will always know how very much God loves you. That you would know and truly believe that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are beautiful both inside and out and your Daddy and I love you to pieces!

Happy 4th Birthday Isla Girl!

Love,
Mom