To my beautiful Alice,

Today you turn four. I know everyone says it but I really can’t believe how fast time has gone. How has my baby girl turned in to a vivacious four year old?

It seems only yesterday that I was sat in hospital waiting for you to arrive. We were in the midst of a heatwave and being induced in those temperatures was not fun. But then you were here, all cute and very very loud. God you could scream. It should have warned me what was to come! My second little girl and my sweet baby. You will always be the little one no matter how big you get.

You remind me so much of myself at this age. Not just with your looks but with your personality too and I always wonder at the marvel of genetics and how two people can be so alike.

Over the last year you have changed in so many ways. Obviously you have grown, shooting up and becoming tall like your big sister. You’ve also lost so much of that ‘baby’ face and are a proper little girl now. What I have loved watching most is how your personality has developed. How you have further developed your mannerisms and those personality traits have become firmly embedded. You are the sweetest and kindest little girl. There is nothing you won’t do to help and you are always there with a smile to brighten my day. You are full of a compassion that I didn’t know was possible for someone so young. You instantly pick up when people are feeling ill or down and your cuddles are infectious. If only there were more people like you in the world. You just seem to know what to say or do to brighten people’s day.

That’s not to say you are an angel. Gosh no. You have had many a moment but luckily we got past the terrible two’s and now just have a fair amount of whinging. I guess I should have expected that as I was a world renowned whinger. Like mother like daughter.

When your big sister Molly first arrived at the hospital all those years back to meet you I had my reservations over how you two would get on but as time has passed you have become firm friends (most of the time) and it is the loveliest thing to see. I guess being close in age has it’s benefits for you two even if it was a bit tricky for me at times! Watching you play together and share little conversations fills my heart with so much love. I adore how you are always thinking about Molly and waiting for her to come home from school.

I sometimes worry that I don’t give you enough attention as you are so happy bumbling along and amusing yourself. You’ve always been ridiculously easy to have around and that means that sometimes I just let you get on with it. Maybe that’s what comes with being the second child and never having me all to yourself. I do love our mummy and Alice day’s though and am determined to make the most of these last few months before you start school. I mean, how did that even happen. Both my girls at school. I don’t feel old enough to have two school age children and although you will be one of the youngest in your year I know you will ace it. Your confidence and kindness shines through and you are going to flourish.

Most of all I worry about what the future holds and what this world will be like for you growing up but for now I am living in the present. Enjoying every day and trying to give you and Molly the best childhood I can. I want you to remember the fun times, the happiness and laughter. Most of all remember the cuddles, everyone loves an Alice cuddle.

So all that is left to say is Happy Birthday my gorgeous girl.

Lots of love and hugs

Mummy
x

Image by We Are // The Clarkes