i've been...

...in awe at how quickly jess seems to be growing up. i catch myself staring at pictures of what seems like just yesterday. she's one, swinging back and forth with happiness spread across her captured glowing face. she's two, with bright eyes of wonder staring at the camera with treasured rock in precious little hand. she's three, delight lighting the room with squeals of excitement over opened gift - like it can be easily heard through the piece of 4x6 lustre paper. she's four, a small sense of lady-like independence now graces her warm smile. "i'm getting big!", she says with confidence. "yes, you are. but will you always stay my baby girl?", i ask in hopes of a sweet answer. i receive one in a simple nod.

her self-taught twirling ballet moves. her hair-flipping styling tricks as she stands proudly in the mirror. her caring mommy mannerisms towards baby sister. her near obsessive need to clean and be orderly. her precise attention to detail. her love of the water. her love of puzzles. her knowledge of her abc's and each sound they make. her continued adoration of everything sparkly, lovely and princessy. her ability to make everyone smile by being completely and randomly silly. her sweet voice she shares as she sings to the radio, a cd or makes up her own creative tune. her passion for books since she was eensy weensy. her love of Jesus. her love of others. just a few of the beautiful things that make her beautiful.