Today, this most beautiful and amazing of all children I have known turned 4-years old. What a day!
Hannalyn has so much attitude. Not the kind of attitude that makes you think of snotty and stuck up girls. No. The best kind of fun-loving, sassy, laugh out loud kind of attitude that is endearing and wonderful to be around. She is so accepting and loving. Hannalyn follows her friends around and is a (mostly) willing participant in (most of) the games they play. She can be wild and crazy - running and yelling like the craziest of the children, but then she is also sweet and mild-tempered - sitting and reading a book for up to 30 minutes without moving. I mean... it's wonderful and crazy altogether.
Hannalyn loves dolls, books, riding her tricycle, playing the piano, coloring, sitting on top of the couch, looking out the window, singing, watching Disney princess movies or Daniel Tiger, looking at pictures of family and being with people. She naps every day - and usually goes down willingly. At least mostly. She loves going to bed at night, too, and sometimes goes herself if Daniel & I aren't going quickly enough. If I let her dress herself every day, she'd be in a dress wearing her "ballet shoes" which are really just her church shoes with criss-cross elastic.
I get great reports from Hannalyn's Sunbeam teachers (her class at church) that she is friendly and interacts with the other kids really well. Sometimes she is too friendly - giving hugs or playing with their hair, but hey. I'll take friendly. ;)
Our little girl is a dancer. She loves to move and show off how she can point her toe, twirl, and lift her leg up high. But that's about the only thing she'll show off. Ask her to do anything else that is "performing" and she adamantly refuses. She is so strong-willed and definitely knows what she wants. She is also dramatic when she doesn't get her way. Hmmm. Surprise, surprise. Ha.
Hannalyn is a great helper and very obedient . . . usually. I mean, let's be real, she is 4-years old with all of the spunk and temperament that comes with that territory. However I can usually count on her to follow instructions, even if it is preceded by the stomping of feet and whining. But we're working on it. Hannalyn loves to sleep in and is very particular about putting away her own books and toy kitchen accessories. She's also recently re-discovered shoes and has three pairs she loves to set out. Her matching skills are awesome whether she's looking for colors, shapes or animals. She can identify all the "common" animals by name or sound they make and match up similar pictures (i.e. puppy & dog).
When all is said and done, though, Hannalyn is the most incredible example of a miracle that I've ever seen. My life is better every minute of every day because I get to share it with her. She brings a brightness and hope and love into my life that I never knew was missing and that only gets greater and bigger and more the longer I'm with her. Hannalyn makes everyone smile. Her spirit is the sweetest and most genuine I've known in a 4-year old and it amazes me the wisdom she seems to has. I am taught every day by her example of loving, creating and just being.
The last four years have in no way been perfect, but I would not be honest if I didn't say that each day of those years has been filled with miracles. More specifically, the miracle of Hannalyn. I thank Heavenly Father for her every day and I cherish the opportunities I get to be just us. We do a lot together and I miss her so much when we are apart.
4 years. 4 incredible, laughter-filled years. I can't wait for more. <3
Happy birthday, Lynners. I love you more than words can say.
xoxoxo.
