Happy Birthday, Beautiful Girl

"I gotta get the mail!" you told me excitedly as you hopped out of the van. You ran towards the curb, your curls bouncing against your shoulders. I followed you down the driveway, ready to bark a mom-warning if you got too close to the street. You cannot reach the mailbox, but you are obsessed with grabbing the mail each day.

I lifted you up so that you could open the white mailbox. You pulled out several envelopes, mostly junk mail. You frowned, irritated to find there was nothing for you. I took the mail and handed you a postcard offering a fantastic deal on carpet cleaning. "I think this one's for you," I said, closing the hatch.

You grabbed the neon green card in your hand and started to run back up the driveway. "I'm gonna win!" you called over your shoulder. Everything is a competition lately. I walked slowly into the garage, intending to let you get to the door first. You stopped mid-stride and spun around, your new spring dress fluttering around your legs. You put your marker-streaked hand in mine and grabbed my fingers, pulling me into a run. We reached the door at the same time. "Mama, we both winned!" you yelled. We laughed: me, because I have a better understanding of how races (and verb tenses) are supposed to work, and you, because you were genuinely thrilled about our mutual victory.

"We sure did," I responded, and unlocked the door.




Comments

Susie said…
Happy Birthday A! You're such a blessing to your mom and dad--I agree, you both won . . . Enjoy your special day, pretty girl!
May 3, 2009 at 6:45 AM
Unknown said…
Beautiful. Happy Birthday A!!!
May 3, 2009 at 8:45 AM
Anonymous said…
a day late but happy birthday! I can't believe you are 4 allready!!!!
May 3, 2009 at 9:15 AM
Anonymous said…
Precious. You do such a good job of capturing those moments. Good for you. A is one lucky girl. -Sharon
May 3, 2009 at 9:37 AM
Mary said…
Oh Claudia that is soooo beautiful! Sniff, sniff. The video is so awesome, that kid has the best parents a kid could have and I truly mean that. The love shows through and through.. Is that the right spelling for that??;) Bur really how heartwarming, such cute and adorable pics too!! She is so pretty and I think she owns more sunglasses by age 4 than anyone!!;) Thanks for sharing your doll girl!!
May 3, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Steph K said…
So sweet and well written. It made me tear up.
May 3, 2009 at 12:48 PM
Sam said…
You definitely both winned.

Happy Birthday!!
May 3, 2009 at 1:03 PM
InWeighOverMyHead said…
Happy Birthday sweet little one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 3, 2009 at 6:26 PM
Audreee said…
Happy Birthday to my sweet little niece!
May 4, 2009 at 7:44 AM
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