She's 4!

Miss Rio Elisabeth is 4 today! I can't believe how quickly the time has passed. I remember early on one of Jordan's coworkers had said to me that once you have kids you start judging how quickly time passes as they grow, and suddenly you'll wake up and 20 years will have passed. That is all too true because I really can't figure out where the past 4 years have gone.

Four years ago today was one of the most amazing days of my life. I had been blessed with a 6 hour, uncomplicated labour, but the final 2.5 hours of that were pushing so I was totally exhausted. As Jordan handed me this little bundle I was in complete awe...and shocked that the he I was so sure I was carrying was actually a she! She owned my heart the second I laid my eyes on her. I loved her so fiercely and unquestionably from the very second, and holding her in my arms I knew this was where my life was meant to be. Names were discussed all day and finally we decided she was not the "Mazie" we had always envisioned she'd be. So there she was - a perfect little Rio.

Within a few days of having her home I remarked to Jordan that we had wasted the past 7 years together without having kids because she was soooo wonderful. Little did I know that those years we spent together without kids probably gave us the foundation to grow as a couple and be the parents that we now are. Then, the first few months of her life admittedly got hard. Our little angel turned into a devil due to a horrible tummy. Soon we were all miserable 24/7. After several rough, tearful weeks, we figured out what would fix her (thank-you Lactaid!) and we again had a happy, sunny baby on our hands and never looked back.

As every day with Rio passed I was sure she couldn't get any cuter, yet somehow each day managed to outdo the previous. She got brighter, funnier, and more beautiful and every day I wondered both how I was so lucky, and how I could possibly love her even more. Some days she does things that are so remarkable to me I think my heart is going to burst right out of my chest.

We think we have the smartest and most beautiful daughter around (like all parents think of their own), but I do truly think Rio is unmatched in her sensitivity and empathy. This child is an old soul who is so in tune with what we are feeling. She has had such patience and understanding in her short life, particularly when we were going through our loss, and dealing with the boys in the hospital. She seems to "get" things more than most kids, and while a lot of the time I think this is a blessing, I often wonder if it is a curse that she understands so much more than she really needs to.

For the past few months Rio has regularly said "Let's be best friends forever" to me. Every time she says it I try to store up the happiness that gives me for 10 years from now when she likely doesn't want to talk to me much less be my best friend. The other night she started to cry when she was telling Jordan she didn't want to grow up and move out because she wants to live with us forever. Oh Rio, if only you knew!

So on this May 18th 2010 I am wishing our beautiful, brilliant, lovely Rio a happy 4th birthday. As she has heard me say a million times, and has repeated back to me a million more - what would I do without you? Because Rio I really don't know what I would do without you. You are my strength, you are my personal comedian and entertainer, and above all, 4 years ago today you changed my heart. xoxox

May 18, 2006

May 18, 2007

May 18, 2008

May 18, 2009

May 18, 2010