Three years ago, you entered our lives and changed everything we knew about family. You are an amazing little lady that has captured everyone's hearts and made experiencing life something magical. It feels this year your babyhood has faded away. You have grown into a fierce and independent little spirit. You love without abandon often throwing out hugs and pats, yet still welcome your space.
These days you want to do everything yourself, which sometimes can be a bit frustrating. You question your ability and have to be reassured on occasion. However, slowly you are tackling new tasks from zipping your coat to buckling your seat belt to demanding Ace follow your every wish. He's happy to oblige when treats are involved. Starting preschool brought out a new realization of your capabilities, and when I pick you up, you proudly show off the day's accomplishments. You love to be first wherever we are going and still would rather run than walk. Although it's best to slow down on a rainy day for puddle stomping. Much to your mommy's pleasure you always seem to check first that it's okay. I suspect you realized mommy takes some pride in your clothes and shoes. Much to your daddy's dismay, you are starting to model your mother. However, your inclination to strategize and plan follows the mind of your daddy. It's not surprising you color code your Legos.
Your favorite foods are pancakes, cheese, and fruits although you are happy to try any snack. You would spend hours tackling puzzles and seem to no longer need our assistance. Often we hear you in front of your barn or kitchen set imagining various scenarios and acting them out. Anything with animals is still a plus. You have developed a love for movies and often act out the scenarios. Following a brief hiatus of fearing the outdoors, thanks alpaca farm, you are back to loving any playground or adventure met along the way. Extra special moments are spent working with daddy in the yard or running in circles while he plays pool. Your tomboy spirit is still alive, but a hint of girliness has come about. In an hour, you will play with dinosaurs, mermaids, and end with a princess going for a train ride. Llama Llama and princess books are at the top of the list and have shared your mother's love for the library. This year you participated in soccer, which is now a favorite game with grandma. We also found a new love at the Aquatic Center, where going underwater is no longer a fear. Your adrenaline side came out when you got to go down the waterslide and all your mommy could hear was a small voice yelling "again, again" the whole way down. We have begun tackling numbers and letters, and it seems each day, you surprise us with what you have learned. You have not hesitated to turn some of our life lessons right back at us including requesting that we listen or remember to share. Family has gained new importance in your eyes from cousins to grandparents and beloved pets.
I've come to love the mornings when you scurry down the stairs to climb and figure out what's for breakfast. We now have a few minutes together before heading off to preschool and tons of endless play with your new friends. At pickup, you greet with a smile, a wave to the pig, and stories about riding horses and eating chicken burgers. When daddy gets home, you are all smiles with demands to go high! Each night we snuggle in your new big girl bed for stories followed by back scratches. It's a welcome moment for your mommy and daddy. I will cherish those moments. I often then sit and watch you drift off to sleep cuddling a stuffed animal and holding tightly to circle blanket. We are more than blessed!
