Happy 4th!

Dear Ella,
I told you yesterday that you would wake up today and be four and you let out an enthusiastic howl. You told me you wanted to read this year and I don't doubt it. You've already started pointing out some words which makes me straight up giddy with pride. You love to pretend you are a cat and will often greet me after a long day with a "meow". I'm told that this is also how you communicate to your teachers at times. The kids in class will pet you. You also told me that you like the company of a little boy named Jackson because he has "bright eyes". Your mom thinks that's a pretty good reason to like someone kid. You are tough, yet sensitive. And despite the fact that you will say you want a new sister on occasion, you love her deeply. She is so lucky to have you. You wake up in the mornings and it's as if a thousand light bulbs go off. You will bound into our bed wanting to know what adventures the day will hold. You say "oh boy" when things are going to get really great. To you, most things are really great. You are deeply moved by music, particularly "slow music" (aka classical). Your eyes close and with great solemness you transform yourself into a falling leaf or snowflake. You bow deeply to punctuate your performances. We decided to capture some of what it means to be four at Picture People this weekend. You were given complete reign over your wardrobe choice. You also brought along all of your "friends". So here you are kid. Happy Birthday in all of your purple princess glory. I love you.
p.s. I've discovered that if you put a birthday hat on or tie a bunch of balloons on your wrist you get kiddo VIP treatment. I was gunning for some free baked goods at our favorite bakery, Red Hen.