Happy, happy birthday!

This week my "middle" munchkin turns 4.  How can this be?  I remember a friend from church telling me that when you are measuring time spent when your children are young, the days are often long but the years are short.  This is starting to make sense to me more these days.

Four short years ago this week we were preparing for a scheduled induction.  Plans were made to stash big sister with her auntie and my bags were packed.  Transition to "big girl' room had taken place and the nursery was ready.  Our little family of 3 was going to become a family of 4!

That spring we were also dealing with my dad's cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy.  So this baby was such a "happy" blessing in a difficult time.  She was something to look forward to and to take our minds off of the stressful and difficult things.  Fast-forward four years and we have a healthy 4 year old girl and a healthy Grandpa.  We are blessed!

My little Sydney is growing up.  She is beautiful, smart, compassionate and has a great sense of humour.  Sometimes you might think she is older than her 4 years.  She tries so hard to "run with the big kids".  This fall, she will go to school.  My feelings about that are bittersweet as on the one hand I can't wait for her to attend kindergarten and start a life all of her own.  On the other, I want to hold on to my "baby girl" and keep her home with me to snuggle with on the couch reading books, to watch cooking shows, to wait by the window for Ava's big yellow school bus.  I hope we will find a balance between the two worlds!

So, happy 4th birthday to my sweet Sydney!  Watching you grow is both a pleasure and privilege.  Enjoy your special day!!!