Happy 4th Birthday Brynne!

At 7:20 a.m., exactly 4 years ago today, Brynne Nicole Taulman entered our lives at a whopping 6 lbs. 13 ozs. (about as small as this photo .. I can't get it to post bigger .. urghhh!) It only took a few hours to realize that there was a lot of punch packed into that little package! She was bright-eyed and strong-willed right from the start, and hasn't slowed down a bit!

I also remember telling Rick that she was going to be a baby that liked to be held. She didn't sleep 10 minutes total in her little bassinet in the hospital. She wanted to be snuggled in the crook of my arm in my bed. So, that's where she and I spent the next 4 days.

Brynne wasn't much of a napper, only taking about 4, 30-minute naps a day. But, she was sleeping through the night by about 7 weeks. One night when it was storming and raining she slept straight through. So, I ran out and bought one of those noise machines that had a rainstorm setting and kept it under her bed. She slept all night from that point on.

She chubbed up in a hurry and was a somber little thing for the longest time, right until about the time she hit 9 months. Once she figured out how to travel, she was much happier! She has NEVER been one to just be still! She crawled for about a month and then started walking. She had older brothers and a sister to keep up with, so crawling just wasn't doing it!

She's always done everything early, because she is just filled with determination and drive. This year she will start Pre-K, even though she is just now turning 4. In a society where most kids are held back a year, we have been blessed with a young smarty who is just ready for school! She may be the youngest in her class, but that won't stop her from leading it! She also wants to play soccer this year, so we'll be starting that soon.

Brynne is a delight to every person who knows her. She's a scream. I call her my "treasure". I honestly don't know what life would be like without her! She loves to sing, loves to dance, loves to ride her scooter and loves to be dirty. She wears such cute little dresses and her hair is always so pretty, but she's got bruises on her legs at all times like she's been in a kicking match! Her love of music has her singing in her room listening to her cd's all the time. She really wants an ipod or mp3 player to listen to "Kyndal's music." You would think that her favorite music would be Disney singers, and she does love her Miley Cyrus, but really she'd rather listen to The Black Eyed Peas. She certainly has my personality, but Rick's sense of humor! I can't wait to see what she ends up doing in her life. We are certain she will be a ruler of something! It may just be her home, but there's a good chance it will be a small country. I think she'll be starting with her Pre-K class. I'm not sure if I'm happy for her teacher, or if I pity her.

Brynne is not sure what Eli did without her before she was born. She's always been right by his side taking care of him. He'd kind of like for her to just go away, but she can't do that for fear he wouldn't be able to survive without her. Dawson and her are two peas in a pod! You will always find them together, either playing outside or upstairs in the playroom. She has inherited his extreme bodily function noises, to both of their delight! Honestly, I don't think Kyndal would be able to make it through her day without her best friend Brynne. I've posted about their relationship on many occasions. I don't know which one cherishes the other more! Brynne says Kyndal is her best friend!

So, Miss Brynne, Happy Birthday!!!!

We love you and cherish you and think you are awesome!!

Love, Mom