"For-e-e-e-ver Be You And Me..."

Pieces,
How is it that you have grown from my tiny 6 lb 4 oz baby into a little girl?! You are almost 4 and 1/2 now, and you have just as much spunk and attitude as the day you were born. Even the nurses commented on how long you stayed awake after delivery. The world was a bright, exciting place and you didn't want to miss out on anything! You stared at me for nearly 4 hours that day. I remember looking back at your perfect, tiny, beautiful face and thinking about the changes to come. No more full time school. No more full time work at the preschool. No more student teaching. We were moving across the country from Idaho to Wisconsin in 14 days, and the only person we would know there is Daddy. I would go from running from job to class to job to just being at home with you while Dad went to work. Just you and me.

Those days were precious. Some of those first few mornings in WI, it was -10 degrees outside and I would stay in bed until 11am if I wanted, with you in my arms watching The Price is Right. It was a hard transition for me, adjusting to staying home all day, operating on someone else's sleeping schedule. But I wouldn't trade in that time I had just the two of us for anything. You became my little side-kick. It's no wonder your personality is so similar to mine!

I feel bad that your sister and your brother don't have the opportunity for the same one on one time with Mom that you did. Then I think about MY childhood. I was the youngest of FIVE children, and was constantly surrounded by an older sibling who would hold me or spoil me. Attention was not something I ever lacked, and I know your little sister and soon to be baby brother are and will continue to be showered with your love and affection.

Reese, I think you might be just as excited about this little baby as I am. You are an excellent big sister and Quincy's very best friend. I love you and am thankful for all you do to help her and set a good example for her. You are becoming such a darling little kid.

Today you got to stay awake and have "quiet time" while Quincy took a nap. It was just you and me in a quiet house all over again. This time, we snuggled for a bit, then played, unloaded dishes together, colored, ate lunch, did your very first dot-to-dot picture, talked about what to name Baby Brother, changed the bedding on my bed (you stuffed the pillows into their shams like a champ) and washed the patio furniture. There was no The Price is Right this time, and mommy didn't stay in her pajamas until 11am this time, either. I've come a long way, and I'm glad you've been patient with me as I learn how to be your mother. I'm doing my very best and I love you so much.

You are a great little sidekick.
I loved our You and Me time today.
Love you to Pieces.