Happy Fourth Birthday Brinnly!

We don't play favorites in our family (who does?) but if we were to poll the girls on who their favorite sister is, both Amalia and Carrigan would say "BRINNLY"!    She's feisty enough to challenge her older sister but sweet and kind in a way all her own to the current youngest.  I can only imagine what she'll be like with Baby "D".

As is true for typical middle children, life can be tough at times for our Brinn.  But this past year she has really matured and learned to handle transitions very well.  Sometimes she can even wake up from a nap without tears!  I never would have imagined that a year ago.

Her current loves are her baby dolls (accurately named "New Baby", "Baby Heart", and "Sweetie Baby"), Junie B. Jones books, Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, dancing, tutus, and bike riding.  Although she's rarely without tights and dress shoes, she's also quick to run, swing, and climb.  She still talks a mile a minute and her good friends Hata and Hoshish are still occasionally around.

She's now in preschool two mornings a week and is excited to break in a brand new teacher.  We can occasionally get her to eat a few blueberries or half a banana but fruit will always be an arch-enemy of hers. She would much rather have a cookie.  Or ice cream. Or doughnuts.  Or at least some sugary cereal.

Brinnly Ruth Ward, we love you so much.  We're suckers for those eyelashes as much as the many strangers that comment on them.  Thanks for being the creme in the Ward sister oreo cookie.  And for cuddling all of us in your special way.