Marleigh is 4!

Yet again, I am late, but at least I am consistent!

Marleigh Anne-

Sometimes it seems just like yesterday that you were born, but I also can not remember life without you in it. It is crazy to think that you blessed us for four whole years!

Every day you seem to do or say something that completely blows us away.  You are very much a thinker, and analyze things.  A few days ago, while eating with Gigi and Daddy, you were told you needed to eat 5 bites.  After the second one, you took a tiny bite, so Daddy said, "Marleigh, that was only half a bite, so that's two and a half."  Then you took another bite and Gigi said, "that makes three."  You were quick to correct her and say, "No, Gigi, that makes three and a half."

I cherish your compassionate heart.  You have such a genuine concern for others.  A few weeks ago, I wasn't feeling well.  You and Daddy went to the grocery store.  You told Daddy you had to buy some flowers for me, just to make me feel better.  Back before Christmas, Gigi took you shopping to pick out something for Daddy and I.  But you didn't stop there.  You insisted on buying for your little brother, your babysitter, and all 3 of her kids.  You knew what they individually liked and picked out the perfect present for each of them.  We took Kade to get his shots last week.  You got very upset when the nurse came in to give Kade his shots.  You ended up crying more than he did.  God has given you such a sweet soul, and I am so very thankful.

You love to sing and dance.  You ask Daddy to put music on, and dance up a storm.  Sometimes it is a slow, graceful ballet dance, other times it is a booty-shaking dance, and every once in a while, you throw in an "Aunt Michaela"  dance.  ;)  We love to watch you dance, and clap when your performance is over.

You are very tolerant of your little brother.  Kade is a bit on the ornery side, and does many things just to try to get under your skin.  I am truly amazed at how understanding you are of him.  Just the other night, we were building towers with blocks.  Kade ran and destroyed your tower.  I scolded Kade and then told you I was sorry that Kade wrecked your tower.  You were incredibly grown up and told me, "It's okay, Mommy.  I can always build it again.  Plus, Kade really likes to knock things down."

Marleigh, you are such a big helper around the house.  You help me gather up laundry and start the washing machine for me.  You really enjoy helping us cook.  Lately, you have even started making your own bed on occasion.  But, your favorite by far, is to help your Daddy outside.  You helped him put up our Christmas lights back in December.  And over the weekend, you helped him work on the lawn mover, and clean out the shed.

You have mastered spelling your name and simple addition and subtraction.  For some reason, though, you are not very interested in writing.  If we make you, you will write your name, but you would much rather be coloring than practice writing.  We may have to make some special time just to work on it.

Your imagination has really blossomed in the last few months.  You are always playing different make believe games. Here recently, you love to make up stories of funny things that Mickey has done through out the day. We love hearing about what you and Mickey have been up to that day as we are eating dinner.

Marleigh, I love hearing you pray, or talking about God, or biblical characters.  Most of the time, you say our prayers before meals, and make sure that all four of us are holding hands.  It is something that is so special and I will always remember.

Little girl, you are such an awesome blessing!  We love you so much!

Love-
Mommy