The best of Peanut

Today is Peanut's 4th birthday. There are so many things I could say about her - most of them probably cliche. You know they feeling when you realize your baby is no longer a baby, not even a toddler but a child. A honest-to-goodness child. So instead of writing a sapfest post, I'm going to let the pictures do it for me.

July 18, 2008, three days before original due date.

Moments after we brought her home and still my favorite picture of all time.

The most ridiculous outfit to put on a newborn. And she rocked it.

Hanging with dad, who is her favorite person in the whole world.

First pumpkin patch experience. We've put her (and then Gizmo) in a bin of pumpkins every year since. 

The one and only time she rocked a fauxhawk. Unlike her sister who had one for the first four months of her life.

First jean experience. She doesn't look so comfortable looking back.

HEEEEY!

First Halloween. Tinkerbell.

Food. Yum.

When showing her this picture, "Peanut said, I look so cute in that headband."

First birthday. And cake.

First birthday party with Momma.

And Daddy.

Do I have something on my face?

Even then she was pursuing The Boy hardcore. Even then he wasn't having it.

Go Bucks.

Rockin'. It.

This is reminds me of her sister, who we've started calling Madzilla.

Bumble bee.

Playing in the snow.

First time in pigtails. I die every time I see this picture. Die.

This one too. Die.

Manatees.

Gorillas.

COME HERE FISHY!

Feeding herself.

Second birthday.

Back at the pumpkins.

Peacock. She had to learn to add the pea to peacock.

The first time she saw her baby sister, who she immediately said was beautiful.

Snuggle time.

Crazy time.

Hide and seek in the backyard.

Turning into my big girl.

Sigh.

This right here? Captures her essence perfectly.

OK. Maybe this is my favorite picture of all time.

Pirate-themed third birthday.

Swimming in Gramma's pool.

And we're back to the pumpkins.

Making sure her Halloween Jessie boots fit.

First day of preschool (and realizing we really liked this outfit.)

Going to see the holiday parade.

Circus day at school

She got Daddy's eyes.

My little ballerina at her first dance recital.

Excited that we signed up for soccer.

Did the cuteness kill you?

Backyard fun.

Freckles.

Happy birthday, kid. You are everything I hoped for and everything I didn't know I wanted.