A letter to Ruby on her 4th birthday

FOUR and I can say with certainty that this will be my favorite year with you so far. Your personality is bigger than your body. You wake up each day with spunk and ready to take on the day. You’re observant, noticing when things are different than you left them or not how you would prefer. We aren’t sure if that’s the little girl in you or a bossy lady in the making. Maybe a little of both. You’re very opinionated and not shy about voicing your way of seeing things. When the sweet ladies at church try to love on you, you’re either all about it or will straight up tell them no. Even though it embarrasses me, they laugh and have always told me that it’s best that you stick up for yourself, no sense in being shy about it.

You have been working on your letters with Ms. Kim and it’s rather impressive to see how well you trace your name. You’re very meticulous with a pen or crayon, but only if it’s your idea and you’re up for putting in the effort. If you’re over it, you’re quick to scribble and move on, not caring about the end result. The pride on your face when you show off your hard work is always rewarding. It will be interesting to see how you continue to learn, what gets you excited and what you feel like can be moved on from.

You’re also a natural athlete in the making. Daddy and Henry always marvel at your ability to tackle, catch a football and throw a baseball. You have laser focus, even if super brief, but you’re always up for a competitive game with the boys. You’re a lefty so watching you play is entertaining, too.

You’re independent, wanting very little help with all kinds of tasks from getting dressed and undressed to getting things ready to leave the house. You’re very responsible with helping clean up, never complaining about having to pick up your toys, you take great pride in being “a good helper.” Hearing words of affirmation is a BIG thing for you and thankfully it’s something easy for Mama and Daddy to say to encourage you.

Another thing I pray never changes, you have a love for babies and little kids. You are a little mommy to “Baby John,” the doll that Lolli gave you for Christmas. You take great care of him and carry him everywhere. You accidentally left him at Ms. Kim’s earlier this week and you began sobbing when you realized he hadn’t made it home. I hugged you in an attempt to comfort you that we could get him tomorrow and that Ms. Kim would keep him safe, but you insisted that he was going to be hungry since you couldn’t feed him. Made me chuckle, which just further pissed you off, but it was so sweet to see your concern for him.

You are also the poster child for the phrase “curiosity killed the cat.” Girlfriend, you cannot and will not just leave stuff alone. You’re willing to risk hell and high water to test the boundaries, consequences or whatever is standing in your way. When asked why you colored on your door, “because I did!” Wrong answer, we tried redirecting that decision, not a good choice but you’re still proud of your artwork. When anyone is eating anything that you don’t have, you’re quick to bat your baby blues and say “I wanna try that!” You’re precocious and never shy about making your requests and desires known. The world is your oyster. And this is your world, we’re just living in it. You exhaust me but you’ve taught me so much. Daddy might even have learned to think a couple more steps ahead of you as to not be defeated. Ha ha!

You love dressing up for church, having your hair curled and you’re recently really digging makeup. You especially love lip gloss and if you’re with me while I’m getting ready, sometimes I’ll add just a bit of blush to your cheeks. You always grin from ear to ear when you sport “make up.” Painting fingernails and your toes is one of the only ways I can get you to sit still for more than 2 minutes at a time. You love your hair bows and when Ms. Kim braids your hair. You have a full head of gorgeous hair that is really fun to curl and style.

Funny things you say -

Keek-a-boo instead of peak-a-boo

You call foods with lots of flavor “spicy,” even if it’s sour, bitter or tangy.

You're obsessed with being "older" and "bigger." If you are met with a "no" when asking to do something, you will quickly ask "Can I when I'm five?" "When I'm bigger?"  We always say yes just to redirect, but I really hope you aren't keeping track of all these things. 

Your first day as a 4 year old was full of blessings and awesomeness, just like you. We love you to Heaven and back!