O-joys

We formed a musical parade and performed an enthusiastic, dance-tastic, cacophonous rendition of "I'm a Little Teapot."

We laughed and hooted and hollered and, in general, made a wild rumpus.

We gathered together, quieted down just a bit, and then sang a heartfelt "Happy Birthday to You." (Chinese chicken.)

We cheered when you blew out the four crazy candles on your cupcakes. Then we dug into cupcakes, too.

We ooh-ed and aah-ed as you opened presents, and swelled a bit at the sight of your beaming, megawatt smile when each gift was revealed.

We murmured and marveled to each other at how big you'd gotten, how beautiful, how smart, how absolutely marvelous.

We said good-bye to your friends, then went back to your house to ride scooters, swing in your backyard, play with your new toys and snarf pepperoni rolls.

Just for good measure, we sang "Happy Birthday to You" once again, this time over Grandmommy's famous pound cake. (Chinese chicken.)

We smothered you with unsolicited kisses and hugs and told you how much we love you before we piled into the minivan and drove off into the Texas night.

We laughed and waved and yelled good-bye as you raced down the sidewalk alongside us until you couldn't keep up any more.

And then, in the quiet, sleepy ride home, we remembered another drive through the Texas night four years ago, racing down a lone highway (until your uncle got a speeding ticket) in eager anticipation of your arrival.

We remembered bursting through the hospital doors and being sent to the waiting room, where we paced with nervous excitement. We remembered your cousin Carter dressed in pumpkin pajamas and walking, still a bit unsteadily, between us.

We remembered visiting your mommy for just a moment, and how brave she was. We remembered, not long afterward, being told, "She's here!" and how we squealed and cried and hugged each other.

We remembered seeing your face for the very first time, welcoming you to the world, thanking the heavens for you and wishing you every happiness.

We remembered watching you being introduced to your big sister, and trying so hard not to weep at how proud and happy she was to welcome you to the family.

We blink back tears now, astonished at how quickly four years have flown by.

We wish you a happy fourth birthday, dear Olivia. Happy birthday to you. (Chinese chicken.)