She’s the last of the four. The one who hasn’t made the hallway picture gallery. The one who sleeps like a nomad because she just wants to sleep next to her best friends, wherever they are. Her best friends are all the big kids’ best friends. She’s absolutely hilarious and she knows it. She’s really never in a bad mood. Her best friends are the big kids and Mom and Dad too.
I’ve had four kids now for four years. What a journey we’ve been on together. Learning about everything that really matters in life together. I was very scared to have this one join our already tight knit group because four is more. But so much more that I’d ever dream of.
I feel life is pretty stripped down to the basics when you get to kid four. No baby book. Less pictures. (Although in Abby’s case, more because I’m biased and she’s might just be the cutest kid I know.) No super huge big parties. Nothing really over the top. I love a good Pinterest party, but I just can’t seem to get it together to throw one for my kid. Why? Because I’ve finally realized- it doesn’t matter.
What does matter?!
That all her friends sand happy birthday to her at her gymnastics class and cupcakes were had by all.
That she woke up the way every kid in this house wakes up, one time a year to table of balloons and a few presents from Mom, Dad and their siblings.
That we ALL went to the Aquarium today. Her choice.
The we made her a special dinner and she got to pick the movie.
That she got to choose the music we danced to because it’s HER birthday.
That we sang,”Happy Birthday” and she got to blow out her candles on the box-mix cupcakes that we baked together.
That we got to play XBox Bowling, together as a family. And she ever got a strike.
And that is what she calls the “best birthday ever.”
I’ve learned a lot in the four years I’ve had kids and wrote about the single most important thing no book or class will ever teach you about parenting. Abby has helped put so much into perspective for us. And I’m a better person because of her.
Happy 4th Birthday Sweet Abby!
Four might just be a fabulous as you.