To Evelyn, Who is Four

My little girl.

I could stop there and that would be enough, really.

But I can't believe that you are four already. When you were 2 I thought that when you turned 4 I would be really sad that your baby-hood would be coming to a close. But I'm not sad. I'm so happy for you that you are growing into that marvelous person that you will be. Fun and giggly, quick-witted, and perceptive.

You weren't part of the original plan. We were only going to have 2 kids. That both were boys mattered not- pregnant with Alex, I had declared that he would be the last. But somehow, as soon as that labor's-the-kind-of-pain-you-forget kicked in, I felt that pull for another. But even then, I expected a boy. I wanted a boy. Girl things, pink toys, frilly clothes were not what my heart desired.

And then, you. A girl. Oh! A girl.

It was the best present that I'd never hoped for. And the rest is history. You have been dazzling us with your girliness ever since, and we eat it up. I love that you are four. Each year with you is more and more fun, unfolding more and more of that which makes you you. We are so proud and happy to have you, my heart aches about it. You are my favorite third-born kid of all time.

Happy Birthday Missy.