My sweet little princess,

I really can’t believe my baby girl is already 3.

We had a hard road, the two of us, for the first couple of years.  I endured 820 interrupted nights and every other sleep battle imaginable during that time, dozens of hellish tantrums, and months of potty accidents everywhere.  But I can say wholeheartedly that we are now so peaceful and in sync with each other that life with you is nearly always only ever sunny, full, and joyful.

You are my best friend, side kick, and muse.  I’m so proud that there is so much of you that is like your daddy.  You help me fall in love with him in new ways all over again.

You constantly put others first and I love that your heart overflows with compassion and grace.  There have been times when I’m sad and you simply come over just to hold me.  I’ve cried on your shoulder.  How many moms can say that they’ve cried on the shoulder of their 2 year old like that? You forgive as quickly as your daddy and so completely.  Also like you’re daddy, you sing everything you’re doing.  You have the sweetest voice.

All you want to do all day every day is do anything and everything with your people.  In the mornings while I’m getting ready for the day this often looks like you following me around asking me endless streams of questions and asking me to play with you.  The rest of the day you intermittently request I play with you but for the most part are completely content occupying yourself so long as you’re in the same space I am.

My very favorite time of day with you is bedtime when we snuggle up, read two books, then lay down and pray together.  I’m so honored that you still request that it’s Mommy who does the bulk of the bedtime things with you.  It’s getting rarer the older you get but I still so long for and thoroughly cherish the times you are tired enough to stop talking and to snuggle in forehead to forehead with arms wrapped around each other.  You are such a big girl, you now sleep in the top bunk and you are so proud of that milestone.

I love you with all of my heart,

Mommy