Hi, Emily.
Today you are four and I knew that I needed to write you a letter so I looked at the letter I wrote you last year and now I’m all teary (nothing unusual, really) because you are so different from last year. And so much the same. You still say, “Sorry ’bout that!” and you still SQUEEZE my neck when you hug me and you still suck your thumb when you are tired and I still call you Missy Moo.
There have also been so many changes since last year, and I’m not just talking about the fact that you finally have hair.
I’m going to copy myself in what I did for Nathan and do four things I love about you. I’d feel bad about it but Nathan is the middle child and you are The Baby and one day (I hope) you will see how good you truly have it. And maybe pour a little extra love on Sir Nathan.
1. You started ballet last September and for someone who is such an “introverted extrovert” you were such a leader. You listened to your teacher and were so completely focused. She always put you at the front of the line and you made me smile from the inside out because (you looked adorable, and) you’ve always bobbed and moved and danced whenever you’ve heard music. Here you were doing something you could not help but do, and you were doing it well.
2. Your lisp. I know that some people get a little antsy if their kids have a lisp but your older brothers have taught me that it’s just a stage. Before I know it you will be speaking clearly and pronouncing things correctly; for now, I kind of love the lisp because it means you’re still a little bit of a baby and I haven’t lost you to adulthood quite yet. The way that “s” comes out as “Th” and how you roll your r’s and l’s makes me smile every single time.
3. Your curls. I didn’t have mine until I hit puberty (True story)(Possibly TMI) but I love, love, love curls on little girls. (I’m also a poet and didn’t know it.) I wasn’t sure if you would have curls (See: my history) but I love that you have them.
(This has nothing to do with your personality but your genes did me a solid, so I think they need to be acknowledged.)
4. Your fiery personality. I know it well, as you got it from me. My Mom always told me that I was so obedient and did not push boundaries but I’m pretty sure that she left out the feisty side of things. Yes, you are good at listening and yes, you will cry if you know that I’m disappointed in your behavior but you also know exactly what you want and you will make a stand when something is important to you. I hope you do that for the rest of your life.
I think you know how much I love you because I tell you so every day but let’s state it for the record, shall we?
I love you more that I ever thought possible. I love your brothers equally, but different. There’s something about the fact that you’re a girl which tugs at a different corner of my heart and I thank God for that daily. You are smart and funny and pretty and quirky and ridiculous and all of this awesome rolled into one little (tall for her age) body. You are my Best Girl.
Love, Mommy
*A birthday post would not be complete without including some of my favorite photos of you.
Aw, I loved this! Happy Birthday, Emily!!
.-= Amanda Brown´s last blog ..Our House =-.
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Wow, really? I can’t believe she’s four already! Happy birthday Emily!!
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Happy Birthday Emily!!
Wow, her eyes blow me away every time. They are incredible.
.-= Mrs. Wilson´s last blog ..Saturday morning sunrise =-.
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Happy Birthday, Miss Emily!
(that photo of her on Matthew’s lap is stunning!)
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She smiles like you.
Happy birthday little pretty. You’re a gem!
.-= Sizzle´s last blog ..Um- hi =-.
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Happy birthday, Miss Emily! You have the best mom ever – and when you are older and reading back on these messages to you, you will probably have tears of love and gratitude rolling down your face because having it written like this is a precious gift.
.-= Laura Radniecki´s last blog ..Ashlee Nick Ava Addie – Brainerd- MN Family Photography =-.
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Happy Birthday, Emily! You’ve gotten so big, I would advise you to slow down before you upset your mama by being 21.
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Happy Birthday Beautiful Girl!
So lucky to have a your wonderful little girl to finish the family, I love reading birthday posts, ’cause then I know I’m not the only one who gets all weepy when they pass another milestone. You’re doing great Mama, take care of that family of yours today.
Happy Thanksgiving too!
.-= monstergirlee´s last blog ..Rock and Roll Boy =-.
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Happy Happy Happy Happy Birthday Emily. You rock, just like your momma said.
.-= katie´s last blog ..Let Them Eat Cake or One- Two- Three- Four- Five Senses Working Overtime Part II =-.
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These pictures (and this post) are so lovely. Happy! Day of Cake to one of my favorite little girls on the planet.
(Iggy sends his love, too, of course.)
.-= Kerri Anne´s last blog ..Name Them One By One =-.
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Oh! And because I did this for Nathan’s birthday post (and for fun!), here are my personal favorite pictures of Emily:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kladish/4833401928/in/set-72157594435507486/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kladish/2883824191/in/set-72157612688234369/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kladish/4832792659/in/set-72157606813487619/
.-= Kerri Anne´s last blog ..Name Them One By One =-.
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Happy Birthday Emily. I have two boys and when I read your blog, makes me wonder if we should try for a girl…..
Great post Angella.
.-= Jenn´s last blog ..Turkey Soup =-.
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She’s so cute! Happy Birthday Emily!
.-= C @ Kid Things´s last blog ..Skater Boy =-.
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Happy Birthday, Miss Emily! You are a gorgeous little lady!
.-= Sharon´s last blog ..Day 30 – My favourite song =-.
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Happy Birthday Miss Emily and Happy Birth Day to you Angella!
i can’t believe she is already 4, where did the time go? It’s so neat to see these little ones grow up before my eyes via the computer screen.
So give her a squish from a virtually auntie in Ohio that she may not ever meet!
.-= Domestic Extraordinaire´s last blog ..I think my children are trying to kill me =-.
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I can’t believe I have been following for over 4 years already.
Happy Birthday Miss Emily! Love your fav pics of her, the one with Matthew makes me melt.
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Happy Birthday Miss Emily!!!!!!!
.-= Meg´s last blog ..30 Days – Days 27-28 =-.
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Happy Birthday, Miss Emily! It has been such a joy to watch her grow up on your blog. LOVE the letter and LOVE the photo montage!
.-= Hannah´s last blog ..STM photos =-.
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Happy Birthday, Miss Emily! The photo of you on the swing with your dad is my all time favorite so far!
.-= ChrisB´s last blog ..Belated September Numbers =-.
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Aw, pure sweetness! Lovely tribute to your girl! Happy birthday Emily!
Ps my curls never showed up till puberty either yet Kamden has them now.
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Happy Birthday, Emily! Because we get to know you in real life, we know just how awesome you are! We hope you are enjoying your special day. Angella and Matthew, congratulations on the anniversary of the day your family became complete. You have an amazing crew!
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Emily is the cutest little girl ever! Gah!
Happy Happy Happy Birthday!!
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..I’m Bringing Sexy Back =-.
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Happy Birthday to your little Missy Moo!!!!
I could stare into those big blue eyes for days!
.-= Colleen´s last blog ..iPhone photos =-.
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Oh wow, did this make me smile. Happy Birthday to Emily!
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Happy Birthday, Miss Emily!
(Since Wito is now missing BOTH front teeth, he has developed the sweetest lisp. And he still sucks his thumb. And he’s a leader. And he’s super fiery. Basically, they are soul sister and brother.)
.-= whoorl´s last blog ..Projects! =-.
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OH!! Your Emily has some of THE most beautiful eyes ever! Happy Birthday to her, I hope it was wonderful. xo
.-= Elaine´s last blog ..Falling For Fall =-.
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That photo of her with Matthew…priceless. I can practically hear his giggle. When I say giggle, I mean it in the manliest sense of the word. Maybe I should say chuckle, yes, chuckle is better.
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Happy Birthday Miss Emily! I hope you had a great day
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Ok, I just teared up a little after reading this. Happy belated birthday little Miss Emily. This was a really wonderful post to read. And you floor me with your photos.
.-= Roshan´s last blog ..A Wordle Of This Blog =-.
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This is so lovely — happy four! She is adorable, and your photos of her just the same.
.-= nicole´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday- October So Far =-.
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Happy birthday, Emily!
.-= hillary´s last blog ..When Im Really Getting Old At Twenty-Eight Or Nine =-.
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FOUR.
oh. my. god.
when did THAT happen?!?!?
ps. I ADORE that pic in the snowsuit. It’s awesome!
.-= alimartell´s last blog ..There’s Something About Fav-ruh =-.
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I love being able to scroll and watch them grow. She sure is beautiful, just like her Mommy. Happy Birthday Emily!
.-= Danica´s last blog ..Aching Urge =-.
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