19.10.12

Marley, age four


We had a little party at our neighborhood playground.

A few friends...



The family, of course...


Birthday cake...


And presents.  Equals four-year-old bliss.  She tells me that she feels older, and that there are lots of things she can do now that she's four years old- and she believes it too.  I love that.  Even though the one thing involving not wearing a pull-up to bed anymore didn't turn out so well.


That girl.  She drives me completely crazy with her insistence that she be seen and heard every moment of every day.  But when I stop to think about it...that is such an important thing for a woman in this world:  

To be seen.  And heard.


One day when she's older, I hope I can talk with her about her gift for being seen and heard and help her understand how she can use it for good.  I know that she is who she is for a reason.  And I'm pretty sure the reason is not to drive me insane.  Even though it seems like it sometimes.  

Happy birthday to my bella girl.  I never knew it was possible to be frustrated, exhausted and profoundly happy and grateful all at the same time until you came into my life.  I hope you keep me crying and laughing for a very long time.

4 comments:

E B said...

Daughters. They are a special challenge.

Cindy said...

Wait--I see grass! And happy birthday to Marley--has it really been 4 years??

Tracy said...

I miss her!! Wish we could have been there to help celebrate.

Linda said...

Happy Birthday to Marley! We need to keep our little birthday twins apart, I think. They sound WAY too much alike!