Happy Birthday Julia

Last week we celebrated Julia's Pre-School Graduation - though she has another year before she starts Kindergarten, I couldn't help but think that this is the beginning of many end of the year celebrations. Someone mentioned in passing that it won't be long before we are planning her high school graduation.  Ugh, wasn't she just wrapped snuggly in a blanket, never outside of earshot?  Each milestone is another step toward independence, which Julia embraces without a second thought.  I, on the other hand have an ongoing struggle with, "is she really ready for this?".   Thank goodness she's my first.  Charlie may have to thank her someday for paving the way through mom's hesitations.  

Today we celebrate four whole years of her life.  Another step, another year.  She never ceases to amaze me with her joy and her daily dose of perspective on life.  It is just so amazing to me that she is capable of learning to pump and swing on her own, deciding that she knows what love is, figuring out that she'd like to be a doctor and a mommy when she grows up, cultivating such a nurturing spirit, and becoming such a unique individual in such a short period of time.  Some days after I put her to bed I take a deep breath (after the challenging task of helping her unwind) and wonder how things could get much better.  We have so much in store and the one thing that comes to mind when imagining our life ahead is that life with Julia will be quite a story.  Sometimes a nail-biting thriller and at other times a poetic prose offering a gentle twist on life.  We will continue to enjoy every page turning moment!

Julia with her friend, Patrick.  This is her first real crush.
It is completely clear by their body language!

This artwork by Julia was so striking to me.  This is was their Eric Carle day and they read stories and decided on their own scene.  Our creative child who has endless ideas of fairy tale lands decided to depict a rug.  It's totally fitting for our current chaos of packing up for our move.  The rug seems very symbolic right now!

Two peas in a pod - totally different and yet the best fit.

Hopefully Charlie will get his fair share of cake for the festivities.