Top 10 Things I Love About Erica

1. She likes chocolate for breakfast. Specifically, crushed Oreo cookies on top of yogurt. It's crazy to think that we didn't let Alex have chocolate until he was two, and now we're letting the baby have it for breakfast. We've certainly eased up on our parenting standards over the years.

2. She is a snuggler. Nothing beats those little hands curling around your neck and her head nestled into your shoulder. Although, she does have a knack for wanting snuggle time during the busiest parts of the day. I guess you have to take it when you can get it.

3. Her eyes sparkle when she smiles. My dad always said that I 'talked' with my eyes. She does the exact same thing.

4. She loves her big sister. She's always ready to give Julia a big kiss, she squeals with delight when Julia gets home from school and she's a little helper, covering Julia with a blanket, bringing her toys and 'assisting' with giving Julia her meds.

5. She is very easy going. Maybe it's because she's the fourth child, but she is usually pretty willing to go with the flow.

6. She is so happy. She wakes up with a huge smile every day, and she keeps on smilin'.

7. Easy going and happy - yes. Pushover - no. She can go toe to toe with her brothers, she knows how to throw a good tantrum when she 'needs' to (complete with foot stomping and occasional lamp tipping) and she can be really loud when she wants to make a point. Way to stand up for yourself, little lady.

8. She is a daredevil. She loves to rough house with Daddy. With some coaching from big brother Alex, she started climbing up the slide and sliding back down by herself when she was about 15 months old. She enjoyed bumpy thrill ride on a trailer pulled by a tractor just after her first birthday -she hung over the front of the trailer giggling away while Luke cowered in his seat. We had a blast going sledding, even with snow flying in her face. She definitely likes to live on the wild side.

9. She's got a little bit of girly girl in her. Wearing a dress, fancy shoes, tights - yep, she loves it. But, she's got a good streak of tomboy in her. Pushing tractors, getting dirty, hanging out with the boys - it's all good. Just the perfect mix of sugar and spice. (And, I've gotta say it - I LOVE how your little ears stick out - too cute!)

10. She has an early love for two things I am passionate about - books and photos. Her first favorite book is 'My Car,' and she has nearly worn out the pages on the few family scrapbooks I've actually completed. Finally - someone to appreciate the 30,000+ photos I've taken.

I love you small fry, sweet potato! -Mom