Hey Luce...

Just in case I don't say it enough....I am so proud of you for the following things:

1. Getting out of bed at 7 a.m. and efficiently eating breakfast, getting dressed, getting teeth and hair brushed and walking in the Michigan cold at 8:05 a.m. with nary a complaint and usually, a smile.

2. Carpooling and play dating with moms you don't know all that well and places you aren't "used to," yet rolling with it just fine. (Incidentally, when I tell her I am proud of her for going somewhere new, she'll ask, "why?" - as if September 2009 is not even in her repertoire of memory, yet stuck in my head for life).

3. Being wonderful in restaurants and stores. I take that for granted now. The other day, Dad and I remembered how we barely entered a restaurant during your age of 18 months through 3 years old. Now I can take you anywhere, even if there's a wait.

4. Eating your vegetables. Trying new things. Being our "good eater," as opposed to a certain small male in our house who eats salami, cheese and popcicles. Nice.

5. Creating a fun art project for yourself almost every afternoon, all by yourself. Currently, you are making a bookmark in the family room.

6. Doing great at swimming class with kids much older than you, even past bedtime. It never gets old to see your little body backstroking across a pool!

7. Always saving an extra excited hug for me whenever we meet up again.

I love you and am so, so proud of you, my girl!

Love,
Mom