SHE'S FOUR!!!

Our baby girl is growing up...

Happy 4th Birthday Cora!

It is hard for us to imagine this little spitfire of energy has blossomed into an amazing, sweet, and gentle protective older sister. Trying so hard to choose the right, and be obedient to her parents.

This year has been such an amazing year of growth for Cora and her parents too. This was our first year as parents to experience age 3. WOW! No one told us that 3 means independence and unleashed emotion. So for all you parents out there... That is what 3 means, at least for girls. I will tell you in a year what 3 year old boys are like :) .

This little girl ushered into her 3's with a wildfire and sometimes out of control spirit and has come into her 4's as a tender spirited lamb trying hard to be aware of other and their feelings. She wants so much to please Mom and Dad... and worries about Elijah when he cries, running to his aid saying, "Poor little fella, what is wrong? I will hold you." She also finds joy each morning after she comes into greet mom and dad, she retreats to the boys room and climbs into Elijah's crib to give him a hug and a kiss and says, "Good morning you silly boy." She then coaxes Isaiah to join them. Soon we hear laughing and sweet giggles, followed by six little feet all jumping on the bed (crib).

Cora makes a wonderful sister and friend. At least once a day we hear Isaiah and Cora lying on their backs with their heads side-by-side saying to each other, "You’re my best friend". So for all the competition, cries, and screams... There is even more sharing, laughing, and squeals of joy.

A fun story that quickly prepared us for the rush into the 3's was when I woke up to a strange smell. Worried that it was a toxic smell I arose with lightning speed to search out the culprit of the stench. When I opened the bedroom door I saw a naked hot pink and brown child sitting up on the counter... Our Cora had put in a DVD, grabbed some snacks, climbed up on the counter, put down some paper towel to sit on so her bottom would not get cold - then proceeded to open some nail polish she had confiscated earlier. She painted her hair, her face, her lips and teeth, her tummy, her legs and arms, the sink, and the counter, and cabinets - but remarkably never painted her nails. She was in heaven spending her night at her own makeshift Spa! When approached by mommy, she said, "Hi Mommy, I took my clothes off so they wouldn't get dirty... aren't you happy!" She was sooooo proud.

There has been so much joy this year. Watching our little girl growing up. She is such a different child then the one we first adopted. She has really blossomed into a beautiful child. It is amazing what love does for us in this world. She has been a blessing beyond words. I cannot imagine life without her. What a joy comes from these little spirits we are allowed to raise by the grace of God. To protect, love, and teach. We must never take our eyes off these little ones – they are precious beyond our understanding.

Cora, you are a gift from God and WE LOVE YOU!!! Happy Birthday.

1. The day our family was sealed. She looked so beautiful and innocent... an angel.
2. Happy at sea...
3. Creative Play of sandy castles and kingdoms
4. Stinky! Our little skunk - wished Halloween was every day!
5. Palo Duro Canyon - Standing at the top.