A Birthday Letter for My Not-So-Little Dragon

My Dearest Audrey Girl,

You've looked at me like this since birth

You are four.  Four!  I don't think you particularly care, but your Mama and Papa are feeling the weight of this year.  This is the first time in your life you've celebrated without the rest of your family.  It's just us--the four of us--and we want desperately to show you how much you are loved.  Not just through material gifts, but through the near-palpable affection we have for you.

Queen Audrey in her native environment

So, we took you to the mountains and to the lake.  We took you on trains, buses, and trams up to soaring heights.  We showered you with little gifts, with kisses and cake.  We let you call the shots all day--something you love, but rarely get to do.  Your Papa has already asked you so many times, you automatically tell him you'll still love him when you grow up.  We are naturally fearful for you and I guess someday we'll apologize, but for now you are our first born--we walk together daily on paths that are foreign to us, wading through the uncertainty in trial and error, hoping, above all, that you'll come out knowing how much you are loved. 

On your first trip to the ocean

Do you have any idea how precious you are to us, sweet girl?  We have been through so much together in your short four years.  We have watched your intelligent eyes take in the world and have urged you on as you face obstacles, cheering with you as you overcome each one with proud joy.  We are so proud of you--so ridiculously over the moon.  I cannot describe the undisputed joy I feel at seeing you every morning when you brush those messy curls out of your scrowling face, when you turn the corner to visit me in the kitchen, when you look up and see me coming to pick you up at preschool.  Those moments--your sweet, slow smile--they keep my heart whole.  You are my treasure.  And I love you beyond words.

Happy Birthday, my little lady.

Mama GiGi