Four Years Old

I have been busy over the last couple of weeks, prepping for the butterfly birthday party for my sweet girl. I've cut paper. I've punched paper. I've hung butterflies on strings.

I've rolled, cut, baked, and frosted a ton of butterfly cookies for DQ's two schools.

I've ordered wings, bubbles, and toy favors. I've searched for and carefully purchased purple and pink butterfly decorations, balloons, gummy candy, M&Ms, and table settings.

I've been making lists of food to make later today: butterfly pasta (bow tie), spaghetti sauce, Italian sausage (turkey of course), salad, some sort of punch.

I've been very busy trying to make the best butterfly birthday party ever for my sweet girl. I called Icing Smiles and requested a special cake. I've invited friends and family. I've planned butterfly games. 

What I haven't let myself do, until today, was think about what an amazing event it is for the Dancing Queen to turn four. 

She is going to be four tomorrow. My sweet girl has made it to four years old. I am so incredibly happy, lucky, excited. I am beyond grateful to have had so much wonderful time with her (even when she screamed and grumped at me this morning because I told her she wasn't allowed to turn 5 tomorrow, only 4).

In December 2009, we were told she would have two years with us at most. We were told not to expect her to make it to her 4th birthday. 

That was so wrong. And I am so grateful. I've had time with my daughter; time that I don't ever want to take for granted; time that many others do not get with their children.

My daughter is turning four tomorrow. She goes to two schools. She plays. She has fun. She loves life. She dances and sings, showing her joy to the world. She lights up the room where ever she may be. She has shown me the wonder that is life and how to truly enjoy it.

Happy Birthday, sweet girl! May all your dreams come true.