Yesterday someone in our house turned four. It was a very big deal. I'm not sure I've seen her so tickled with life as she was yesterday. Did the smile ever leave her face? I don't think so.

I always get all weak in the knees on these birthdays. I want to stop time, forbid getting any older. And yet, I love seeing how they've changed and grown in just one more year's passing. I'm proud, sentimental, sad, full of joy and full of satisfaction.

So you're four miss mary and what can I say about you?

*you love cows. even though I know that you secretly love horses. but since your sister loves horses, you decided to start loving cows. Just to be different.

*every odd sound and gesture that Elizabeth makes--I owe all to you. And you're the reason that Elizabeth knows how to snap her fingers. Because every morning when the first coos come over the monitor, you race into her room, climb into her crib and entertain her for another fifteen minutes before I come in. She lights up for you.

*you are a snuggler. big time. i love that.

*two nights ago, when I put you to bed and told you I'd love you forever...you told me you wanted to die at the same time. so we could be in heaven together.

*you're tender. you still tell me that you have a broken heart over "spring", your kitten that was lost almost two years ago.

*you tell me that you love me at random moments in the day. I hope you never stop.

Happy birthday sweet little mary.