20 Questions

I found a great idea on Pinterest that I recreated and tried out the other day. The original idea is from this website. The basic idea is that you ask your child the same 20 questions on his or her birthday each year. Then you can put the answers in a scrapbook to look back on and compare how your child has changed from year to year.

I put together questions to ask Ashley, and also created a page to trace her hand, have her write her name, and draw a picture. Here are her answers:

Questions 1

and picture (only thing I drew was the cat):

Questions 2

I had so much fun asking Ashley the questions. I told her it was an interview and she really got into it. She was very thoughtful with her answers and it was one of those priceless moments that I hope to keep in my memory forever. I completely teared up when she answered that she wants to be "a mommy" when she grows up.

I am looking forward to doing this every year with both of my children each birthday, and putting the answers into an album with pictures. I highly suggest trying this idea if you have children.

You can download my original document here, and make it your own.

Dear Ashley

Dear Ashley,

Happy 4th birthday sweet girl!! 4 years old, how did that happen?! I still remember the day you were born like it was yesterday. It was the most amazing day of my life, a day that changed everything. You made me a mother, and you were perfect. The past 4 years have been unbelievable. You have taught me so much about life, and it is amazing watching you grow up.

You are an incredible little girl. You have an amazing memory. You pick up EVERYTHING! I can say something once, and you are repeating it weeks later. You come home from school and tell me all kinds of information that you learned at school. It is so cool!

I am proud of you for so many things! You are doing so well your first year of preschool. You are a wonderful listener (for your teachers at least). You may be shy, but still go right into your classroom and head over to the other kids. You can write your name, know letter sounds, count, and even know Spanish! Keep the love of school and learning that you have now, always.

You started gymnastics a year ago and have progressed so well, moving up to a class with 4 and 5 year olds while you were still 3. You have no fear of that high beam or high bars! I hope you continue to be brave and try new things! You also started dance class and you love to twirl and hear the sound of your tap shoes. You listen to your teacher carefully and I can see your intense concentration as you try to follow along with what she does and says. I hope you never give up on yourself or what you love!

Best of all, you are so fun, playful, and loving. You love to tell jokes, laugh, and make others laugh. I love all the silly things you do. You have a wonderful imagination, make up great stories, and love playing with all of your toys. You know the perfect time to give hugs and kisses because someone is feeling bad, and even though you may fight (often) with your brother, you also give him kisses and try to help teach him new things.

I'm so proud to be your mommy! You are my sunshine, my heart, and always my "baby" girl. I love you to the moon and back!

xoxo,

Mommy