Zoe's 4!

Hooray for our little Zoe on her fourth birthday!

She's a strong-willed but eager to help little girl whom we delight in. We continue to see her grow in both strength and gentleness. It is a joy to watch her find things that she enjoys and is good at (soccer, for example, and ballet starts next week--she can't wait). She's sharp and delights to be loved on by mom and dad still...which is selfishly gratifying, if nothing else.

And you have not experienced real life until you have received a famous Zoe hug. It is full of exuberance and reckless abandon and joy, the kind of enthusiasm that only a pre-school kid can supply. And it comes complete with a run-jump build up.

Few things could make a dad happier upon his arrival from a long day at work than to hear the happy squeals of a Zoe on her way to greet me at the door with a world-famous, run-jump Zoe hug.

We named her Zoe because it's Greek for life. In the New Testament, it's used to describe the kind of life that Jesus gives us. Our continued hope is that Zoe might know God's zoe in her by the power of the Holy Spirit.

And seriously by this point in January, we need an excuse to eat more junk food...Christmas was a good two weeks ago or so!

We've occasionally noticed some 'middle-child' type tendencies: to watch first, hang back...I think she can feel overlooked sometimes. Any middle children out there who have any good parenting advice to offer us, feel free to chime in!

Huzzah for our Zoe on her fourth! May she always know that she is a gift to our family and that her Good Father loves her...and may you know that as well today, Zoe's birthday gift to you on January 6th, 2010!