it feels like yesterday and it feels like a million years ago all at the same time.  here she is….all brand new….

6 months old….

one year….

two….

three….

and today, at four….

Taryn, you came into this world in your own way.  You waited, and waited, and then when you were ready, there you were, screaming your bald little head off.  You are still slow to warm, yet confident, independant, shy, silly, loud.  You bring your dad and I so much joy.  So much laughter.  There are days you are fearful of the little things in life, and there are days I think you could conquer the world if given the chance.  I love the way your little hand fits into mine still today.  I love the way your hair feels when I brush it out of your eyes.  I love the way you snuggle with me throughout the day.  I love that you sleep in the weirdest of places.  I love the way you cackle when you laugh.  The little sparkle in your eye that makes me smile and afraid at the same time.  You give your dad and I a run for our money, you keep us on our toes, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.  You are bright and smart and you love animals more than anything else in this world.  I think you’d bring home one of everything if we let you.  You are my worrier.  You are curious and ask questions all day long.  You are sneaky.  You are still afraid of the vacuum cleaner.  And the happy birthday song.  Your favorite color is pink, but you are not a frilly girl.  Your favorite shoes in the world are your pink chucks and your favorite book is the belly button book.  And of course, Fancy Nancy.  You love Lily and talk about her every single day.  You are on the verge of giving up naps, even though you still need them.  You love school and your teacher and your friends so much, even though you cover your eyes in panic every morning walking through the classroom door.  You love the slide the most and were so proud to show me last week how you could climb the rock wall all by yourself.  You are the most sensitive of my children, your feelings hurt easily.  And you are the first one to notice if someone elses feelings are hurt, and offer some love.  You are kind, and thoughful and filled with life.  There are nights after the house is quiet with sleeping children that your daddy and I sit and smile with one another.  We marvel over our days with you.  You are that wonderful.  You are that loved.

Happy Birthday sweet girl.  We love you.