Happy 4th Birthday Aria!

Dear Aria,

You turned four today! Happy Birthday!

Aria, 4 months

Aria, 4 years (or 48 months)

Despite the crumpled streamers that had been used at least two prior birthday's AND endured a move, you knew without a doubt today was your special day. Seeing your face as you walked through their celebratory veil into the kitchen this morning, struck with awe, was all that we could ever hope for. Sleepy but grinning, "Is this all for me?" And yes, scooped up in a body encompassing hug, yes a million times, yes - it is all for you. The frosted balloons drifting on your bedroom floor when you awoke - yes, for you. Simple gifts and special yogurt smoothies, yes - for you! We opened Grandma Joan's gifts and Gordon's card, as you excitedly anticipated your big day!

Later, as we set out 16 plates and scooped out 16 portions of our specially prepared lunch for your class, we heard one of our favorite sounds: being spotted through the glass by your peers from the playground. A toddler trumpet-call to every kid within earshot, "I SEE ARIA'S DAD!" "Aria, your DAD is here!" "And there's Aria's MOM!" and of course, "And there's the PIZZA!" It's too much fun, really it is - seeing you giddy and grinning, loving the attention, proudly showing off your parents. Thank you for that.

......

At four you are still fierce. Fiercely independent, confident, courageous. The adjectives you use to describe yourself are brave, healthy, strong and silly. You are so, so, so much like your Dad, from the foods you like, to your sense of humor. (Ketchup and ranch!) You genuinely believe there isn't anything you can't do, despite your hesitancy to try new foods. If Roland rock climbs, Aria rock climbs. If Roland plays guitar, Aria plays guitar. And when you aren't modeling after your brother you paving your own path singing songs, playing exaggeratedly with your dolls, and enjoying dramatic play. But your favorite activity right now would have to be dancing. Dancing in your car seat, dancing in your room, the kitchen, the living room, parking lots, restaurants, you name it. You WISH (and tell me so) that your dance class was more structured and taught you real ballerina moves. You hate for us to watch, but you secretly love it I am sure.

Roland just taught you to write your name, and you did such a good job. We love watching you learn and grow - like talking to Connor and Michelle on the phone for their annual birthday song session. Thank you for being so compassionate (mostly) and for most of all, loving so fiercely. Snuggling with you every morning, and each night are the highlights of our day. What will this next year hold? What great ways will you grow? I think great adventures await!

We love you!