Let me tell you a little bit about my baby sister.  When my mom learned she was pregnant, she and my dad took us five kids out for ice cream at Dana Park.  "We have a big surprise to tell you guys," they said, beaming.  "Can you take a guess?"
    "Are we getting a horse?!" I gasped.  I was nine at the time (Sophie's current age) and my mind was racing to think of the most exciting possibility.  "Are we taking a trip to Hawaii?!"
    They let us guess for a little, and then they revealed the truth.  Our little bodies could hardly contain the excitement.
    Since she was born, Sophia Rose has been a gem.  Although rather *difficult* sometimes {yes I too always had a wild, monkey side, but I think mine was at least quiet and contained.  Hers was not.} she has provided our family with a spring of love and liveliness that is utterly irreplaceable.  She was never brilliant in the way that Adam skipped a grade or Olivia is #1 in her class, but she is brilliant in the curious and creative way that she chooses to lead her life.  At such a young age she always asked so many questions about the planet and the universe and offered so many facts about animals.  Never have I seen a child so intuitive in translating the kaleidoscope ideas of her mind to artwork.
    While we were out taking photos, I could hardly get her to sit still.  Out here in the "wilderness" behind Walgreens, it was like she had been thrust into AdventureLand and was tugging me through all sorts of coves and bushes.  She could've climbed every tree and boy was she thrilled when she found an "arrowhead."  She is so hilarious and thoughtful and it makes me so sad to think how much of her growing-up years I shall miss.