Ode to Brianna, My big 4 year old

Happy Birthday Brianna!! You are four years old! I can't believe how quickly time flies since I've become a mommy. It seems just yesterday I held you for the first time at the hospital. You don't remember that day, but Joseph, Grandma Johnson, Daddy, and I remember it well. When Dr. Ivie pulled you from my tummy she said, "Wow, she got her hair done, like mommy, with highlights and all!"

You weighed 8 lbs 4.5 oz., were 19" long, and redish-brown highlights in your lush dark brown hair. The hospital staff couldn't stop "ooooing" and "ahhhhing" about how pretty a baby you were. Some people say it was because you didn't get squished coming out since you were born by c-section.

I thought you were perfect, because God made YOU and blessed me with a girl.

Some things you've been doing lately, cute and not so cute, some down right frustrating. But, that is the job of your mom and Dad, help you grow, learn, and become a better person.

• You almost always wake up happy, your little cheerful "good morning, mom!" makes mornings better.
• You enjoy going to church, singing church songs, and love your primary teacher.
  
• You love, love, love your daddy. You have said you want to marry him.
  
• You have been such a good little mommy's helper with your little sisters.
• You love to carry Elizabeth, bathe her, feed her, and play with her. It is very sweet!
  
• You love to dance. You will often ask me to put some music on for you.
• If I'm not fast enough to put music on you'll find it yourself on my computer.
• You absolutely love and adore Joseph, who consoles you when you've been disciplined and who plays babies/dolls with you. You've said you want to marry him too.
  
• You've been sneaking things out of the fridge or freezer. I'm sure I feed you enough, but maybe not, you are always wanting more food!
  
• Hiding your contraband under your brother's bed. Hiding it is a sign you know it's wrong, and are disobeying the rules intentionally.
  
• When caught you'll always try to convince me it was someone else mostly Kaitlynn (what else are little sisters good for?).
• If something is put up high for a reason, you can still find a way to get into it. Nothing is safe from you if you want it.
  

We love you pretty little girl. You are learning and growing normal. You've been such a joy to have in our family! Our family wouldn't be complete without you!