Game On !!!

And...he's off!!  Ryland is officially a walker!

Sophia has been living for the day her brother would become a playmate.  Ever since the day he was born she has tried to play with him.  And it took some time for her to comprehend that he couldn't play with her the way all the kids at school can.  

So it was only fitting that on her birthday, Ryland went from standing on his own, to taking 4 steps before melting into the ground.  His legs would literally turn to jello an he'd slowly slide downwards :). 

That Friday I picked Ryland up from daycare and Ms. Diane says "We've been on the go a lot today!" And smiled.  When we got home we fully understood what she meant.  Ryland was walking!!  All by himself.   And it's the cutest thing.  Sometimes he heads straight for his intended goal.  Others, it's almost like he sees what he wants, his balance gets a little off-course, and he looks straight but heads left.  :). I love the early-walker stage!  

From the ways that Sophia now interacts with Ryland, it's obvious that his walking was the best present she could have received. 

4 years. Where Has the Time Gone?

Dear Sophia,

Today is your 4th birthday.  You chose a Tangled theme (Disney's Rapunzel).  Your dad and I have spent the last 3 days cleaning, preparing decorations, and planning for your family dinner party.  With every scrub of the counter or sweep of the broom, memories  are flooding back.  

How is it possible that 4 years have passed?  How is it possible that 4 years ago we were in the hospital awaiting your arrival?  Time flies.  And you've grown so much, Sweetie.  Your father and I are in amazement at the fun loving, beautiful, and sometimes challenging young lady you are turning into.  

You love to sing and dance.  And you are hilarious.  Even when you don't mean to be.  You make us smile in ways that we never knew.  You are kind and loving.   Watching you with your brother has been awesome.  You love that little guy as much as your father and I.  And that's a big love.  Something I never knew children were capable of.   And I can tell that you will always be there for your little brother. Forever.  

 

If anyone could have told us four years ago, just how much we would love you, they would have been wrong...no one could possibly know the depth of our love for you.  Our love for you is bigger than anything we can explain.  You are our sweet, amazing, silly Sophia.  And we wouldn't change a thing about you.  Not even your stubborn nature.  Which you get from your daddy, ok...maybe a little from me :).  You continue to amaze us and surprise us everyday.

Happy 4th Birthday, Princess.

Love Mommy & Daddy