Zo*e's Birthday

A crazy thing happened in April - my first born child turned 4 (on April 4 - too young to care about a "golden" birthday so we didn't do much with that part). Now, I am old and there are a lot of things I have done or been involved in for longer than 4 years, so in the grand scheme of my 30-something years, 4 years isn't that long (actual age hint: if I got pregnant right now, I'd have that kid in my 40s). But that last 4 years have been a total identity shift. I know, motherhood, blah blah blah - heard it before. But I think its a bit different when you don't start motherhood until your 35, or maybe when you spend your career working with pregnant women most of who didn't plan to be pregnant, or maybe when you just think too much, I don't know. Anyway, for me, it was quite a mind shift. And I have been thinking about it a lot lately (I like to think a lot first about the deep things and then write; hence, the month delay).

My pediatrician who has never been one to mince words, told me at Z's 3-year check up that I should enjoy the next year because it would be the last I really saw my baby. I was a bit shocked - she likes to do that to me, that wise woman, but of course she was right. Here is 3...

And here is 4...

So much has happened in Z this last year and I really think that is what the wise doctor means much more than the loss of her baby face. Z has started talking with her hands - No idea where she gets that :-). She tries to negotiate everything. She wants to do everything by herself and while she needs some help with things, she surprises us and herself by what she can do. She writes her name (granted its short), sings and makes up songs, mothers all of her babies, L*ily, and sometimes even me. She "reads" which involves knowing the story by heart or just making it up, tells jokes and thinks everything is funny. She is a great big sister and loves this role. She plays board games and does crafts, crafts, and more crafts. I could go on but you get the point. Full blown preschooler.

Point: Its crazy to watch your child turn into a person who has a mind of her own (but with your bad habits) and a personality that resembles you or their other parent, and yet not. Its true that parenthood teaches you a lot about yourself and brings out the best and worst in you. But its so much more. These last 4 years have given me the privilege to nurture and teach this amazing little girl who is growing into herself. I can't wait to see her continue to change and yet am trying to soak up the moments now.

Z*oe, we love you so much and celebrate how you have changed our lives already (and the lives of so many) and how you will continue to do so in the future.

Happy birthday, beautiful girl!