Happy 4th Birthday my little Lana! I can’t believe you are already FOUR! You are so big and at the same time still so little. You are the sweetest big sister to Kara and the coolest little sister to Grayson. You play soccer and dance and love going to Grayson’s baseball games. As soon as we get to his games, your shoes come off and in the dirt you go. You are the girliest girl – you love jewelry and painted nails and pretty dresses but you also love getting dirty and running wild. This year you started sleeping in Grayson’s bed at night and you could not be happier. You are very into Frozen this year and we celebrated BIG on your birthday with Elsa. Watching you singing songs with her was nothing short of magic. You are my tough one, my middle baby with wild curls and a wild heart. You are truly my dreams come true and I can’t wait to watch you take over the world. Happy Birthday Lana Elle, I love you so so so big.

You are always the cutest, most beautiful girl in the room.  You can be strong willed, but you’ll need that in the future so I’m proud of your ways.  This year you and Kara became more than sisters.  She’s your friend, and you’re both excited to see one another after your school day.  Grayson will always be there for you and you for him that’s for certain.

You continued to dance and even started soccer this year.  No one really knows what the future has planned, but it’s clear to us that you enjoy being in the presence of others and thrive when surrounded by a crowd.

You don’t lack in happiness or silliness.  Stickers, crayons, and markers are everywhere these days.  Creativity is limitless.  Rule following is not acceptable!

You keep us on our toes and we love you for being the perfect balance to Grayson and Kara.  Be strong and independent, listen but don’t follow, be Lana.

Love,

Dad

Dear Lana,

My sweet and sassy peanut, you are THREE!! And you also happen to be the cutest, sweetest,  spiciest and tiniest three year old to ever grace our world. You are still a tiny little thing (10th% for height and weight) but what you lack in size you definitely make up for in personality! Your dad and I often find ourselves saying “Lana gonna do what Lana wanna do” because hell hath no fury like you not getting your way. It’s challenging now but I know that personality (and drive) will serve you well in the future.

You have grown up so much this year and I just love watching it. The biggest change of course, was that you became a BIG sister! You take your role very seriously and love on our Kara with all that you’ve got. Watching you, Grayson and Kara interact and play is by far the best part of my every day. I hope you always love and protect each other like you do right now.

This summer you also learned how to swim and became a pro real quick, proving once again that if you put your mind to something, you are going to do it well. You also moved on over to your big girl bed this summer. And while you look quite adorable in such a big bed, it’s been a challenge to get you to stay in it. I beg, plead, and ultimately threaten you daily to stay in your room, but my threats don’t seem to phase you – you just hop out and tiptoe to the living room with those little bouncy curls of yours with a smile. Lana – you are special, teaching me patience like no one else can.

You are starting your second year of school and you are so darn independent. Every child in your classroom cries when they get dropped off, but I get a smile, a wave, and a “goodbye” mom.  Which actually doesn’t surprise me at all – you may be tiny but boy oh boy are you mighty!

We celebrated your 3rd birthday with all of your cousins and friends at our house and you were surrounded by so much love. I hope you always know how very very special you are sweet Lana.

Love always,

MOM

Dear Lana,

Your known as “peanut” these days.  Something I think your mom started and caught on at least within in our home.  You might be tiny in comparison to your sister, but you’re ferocious and you don’t let your brother or anyone stand in your way.  He’s your #1 fan, but like any siblings he’s also around to pester you.  Like a said, you always stand your ground.  Please remember to always support him, and I’m teaching him to always support you.  Here’s a picture of you together with Grayson:

You started school this year at KLA.  Not one tear was shed when you walked into your class on Day 1.  Rather, in a Lana-esque manner you said, “bye bye” to mom and dad, and started playing in you classroom.  With your Wonder Woman lunch box you were on your way, tough as nails, but small like a peanut.  Here’s a picture of you and mom inside your classroom.

We haven’t started you in any activities yet, but we will soon.  It’s important to me that you be strong yet lady-like.  That you embrace your own personal style, and combine that we skills that will serve you well in the future in a world that slowly works toward equality but not be was equal as a father would hope for his daughter.  I’ll do my best to prepare you, but I have no doubt someday you’ll to take the skills you’ll learn in the arts and sports into the world and raise the ceiling higher than before.

Right now, you’re our baby girl.  You love Cookie Monster and you love your brother.  Here’s a picture and video of both:

I love you with all my heart,

Dad

One year has come and gone, and what a wonderful year it has been with you baby girl.  We moved into our new home in June and had a party for your birthday.  Here’s a pic.  

Your mom and aunt worked hard on that wall decoration.  Our new neighbors attended, and so did the Falcon boys.  Grayson is standing by your side, something we’ll make sure happens your entire life.

You are strong and stubborn.  At this young age you know what you want.  A trait that should serve you well in the future.

We had a small scare with you this year.  We noticed you favored a side; you leaned in one direction from the neck and on two or three occasions had what appears to be a frozen moment.  You would get stuck leaning toward your favored side.  We met with your doctor and specialist, and though you had torticollis.  In the end, a neurologist diagnosed you with acid reflux causing you to lean in one direction to sooth your discomfort.  It was a major relief to hear that you were health and that reflux would pass in time.  By your first birthday all the health concerns disappeared.

My baby girl.  Your mom and I have been waiting for your arrival, and we could not be happier on this day.  Even though we’ve been parents for two years, every day waiting for you felt new all over again.  I wish for you to be strong in a world that offers you so much, but also continues to place barriers in path of success for women.  I promise to treat you equal to your bother, to offer you everything we offer him, and to form a special relationship between father and daughter that only you and I could.  We are a family of four now.  Exactly like I was growing up and your mother.

Here’s a video of the day we learned you would be “Lana”.

And here’s a picture of your first day.

We love you Lana Elle,

Dad

Dear Lana,

I’m writing this letter to you as you are sound asleep on my chest. I know all too well that before I know it you will have too much energy to lay on your mama and I’m savoring each cuddle and opportunity to kiss your tiny head and soft cheeks.

It’s only been one month since you came into our lives yet I already can’t remember or imagine our family without you in it. It’s as though I needed you without even knowing it – our family feels complete.

When we first found out we were expecting again, I think both your dad and I were a tad nervous about having two kids! But mostly we were excited to experience double the love.

And when you arrived early in the morning on September 21, 2015, just like we expected our hearts grew double in size.  Right when you came out you let out the loudest cry and didn’t stop – I knew just then that you were going to be a feisty little one with a strong personality. So far you have proven me right. If you aren’t happy, you make it known! Dad and I call you our little bird because we hear your chirping all day long.

Even with your big personality, you are the sweetest little girl. You already take so much more than Grayson did at this young age – that boy loves you to pieces but also likes to “help” by throwing blankets and toys right on your face.  And you just take it in stride, part of you must know that it comes from a place of love. It warms my heart to think about the special relationship the two of you will share.

It also warms my heart to think about the relationship we will share. My mom (your Omi) has always been my best friend and biggest fan and I hope you know that I will always be your best friend, confidant and biggest fan too. I hope I can instill confidence in you to be everything you want to be and to go for everything you want out of life.

But don’t grow up too quickly sweet baby girl, I’m enjoying these precious snuggles far too much.

Love you always and forever,

MOM