four

It's truly hard to believe we have a four year old in our house.
It's so cliche, but it really does go so fast.
We can barely remember our life before this strong, confident little girl came into it.
Time could stand to slow down a little bit...
because right now she still wants to hold my hand, gives me kisses, lets me lay with her at bedtime,
and thinks her parents are the best.
Her words, not mine.
But I'm not naive enough to know that will last forever...
and neither will the rest of these wonderful characteristics of our Lauren at four.

She is brave.
She is bold.
She is confident.
She is not afraid to share her opinion.
She loves all things dress up - just not the itchy dresses.
She really likes the shoes.
She is a picky eater.
She has a voice immodulation disorder. This is not a real disorder, but a something that many of my family members suffer from where we can not speak at a low or soft tone.
She is silly.
She is smart.
She is a great big sister.
She is a leader.
She takes a moment to warm up to people.
She has a great vocabulary, my favorite is when she has a 'diagnosis' or something is 'amazing' or 'dangerous'
She loves all things Frozen, Disney Princess, and Doc McStuffins.
She loves books.
She can write her name.
She loves wearing dresses and fancy shoes and having her hair down with a bow.
She is a negotiator and loves to make a plan.
She likes things done her way and she is not afraid to correct you.
She has a big giggle.
She is a dancer.
She is lovely, and beautiful, and kind, and makes us smile each and everyday.
She no longer calls herself Laurno.
She is 4.

41 weeks & 3 years

This picture doesn't do much to describe our 41 week old girl.
But every other picture I snapped was blurry, because she can't sit still.
She tries standing,
she tries jumping off face first,
she plays blocks,
and shows off that top front tooth she just sprouted.

In the middle of Caroline's little shoot, I realized I never took a 3 year picture of Lauren.



I seized the moment,
one where she was willing and cooperative,
and snapped a picture.

I love it.
It captures my little Laurno at this very moment.
Her red runny nose, while she works on building up her immune system now that she's a big school girl.
Her shoes on the wrong feet as her independent streak leaves her doing more and more by herself.
Her unkept hair from a day full of play, movement, and an afternoon nap that we all took together today.

And if  you look closely, you'll see the hand of a 41 week little sister who can't get enough of this three year old.

I have a feeling this simple little photo will be a favorite of mine.
Not due to it's composition or beauty,
but its simple little reminders of a three year old girl.