I love this pic we took a few weeks ago and can’t wait to share more from this shoot. How you are four is beyond me. It seems as the years go by, it becomes harder for me to look back at older pics, the many months, and the years that have flown by. My heart is only softening. It’s only growing. If only I understood the speed of time years ago. I would have soaked it all in a little more. Cuddled you more times. Smelled your precious baby scent more often. But every day I understand this reality a little more, and hold you a little tighter. Some how I feel like you turned four and you grew up! You had an extra pep in your step the morning of your birthday, and ever since you feel like a big kid. I’m eyeing those dimples on your elbows and knees, for I know it won’t be long before they disappear. I’m even pausing in your meltdowns for I know while life will only get more complicated in different ways, these toddler tantrums won’t last forever. Please won’t you stay my babies? Don’t answer that.
All mama emotions aside, we had such a great weekend celebrating YOU! We went on a donut drive of course and then hit up the Safari Park! The cheetah was your favorite, the two brother cats came out just for you! I think we also loved the lion. He came right up to the glass and nuzzled up as close as he possibly could get to you! We celebrated with takeout from our favorite restaurant and wished you a happy birthday over two separate cakes – chocolate for Slater and vanilla confetti for Zoe!
We woke up the next day to visit The Lodge at Torrey Pines for our first ever family of 5 mini vacation. It was so special to embrace this time with you two, let you run the show, the pool, the croquet, even the golf course right before the U.S. Open ;) This escape was so special for your mama as it really brought us closer as a unit of 5. And it was so fun to watch the two of you in all of your glory like you owned the place! I loved our magic hour on the course with you, and our early morning hike, those were my two favorites. You said you liked the pool!
As you enter this next year, here are fourThings I wish four You:
1. Adventure
whether it be on the beach, a trip or just our backyard, let your imagination take you as far away as possible.
2. Connection
I hope you meet new friends and hang with old! you have so much to offer and so do they!
3. Expansion
I can’t wait to see you learn and grow in so many ways!
4. Love
I hope you show love and feel it too. Follow your heart and let it be light!
Funny how I gave you life, but you truthfully gave me mine. Your spirits lift me up on the daily. And you are my greatest joy! I could celebrate all these things you have given me every single day. I love you!
