Thursday, June 2, 2016

{three.}

Dear Lilly,

You are THREE, can you believe it?!  I can't even remember what life was like before you, but at the same time it seems like just yesterday we were bringing you home from the hospital (and yes, I'm probably going to say that every year! get used to it!).  This has been such a big year for you, and you have changed so, so much.  You are growing up right before our eyes, and we couldn't be more proud of you!


This year you went from just starting to talk and form sentences, to pretty much talking all the time.  I still can't believe some of the things that come out of your mouth, but you are just so smart, and you pick up on EVERYTHING.  You are such a kind soul, and you are genuinely concerned for others.  If someone is hurting or sick, you always want to make sure they are ok, or lend some comfort.  You are a rule follower, and you like to make sure everyone else is, too.  It's adorable, and I hope you hang on to this quality as you get older!




You changed in so many other ways this year, it was like you just grew up overnight.  You gave up the binky, you started wearing big girl undies, and now sleep in a big girl bed at night.  You also weaned from nursing, which was so bittersweet for mama.  I love that we had that bond for almost 3 years, and was so sad when it came to an end, but I'm just thankful that I was able to allow you to wean when you were ready, when we both were ready.  You did all of those things in the course of just a few weeks, which is why it felt like you grew up so quickly!



Daddy and I threw a lot of curveballs at you this year, and I can't say enough how proud of you we are for how well you've adjusted to all of the changes.  We found out that you were going to be a big sister this year, and I must admit I was nervous about how that would affect you, and how you would feel about it.  I should have known better, though.  You were nothing but excited from the very beginning, and I know you are going to be the best big sister to your little brother, and you two will have a lifelong bond.  Not only were we growing our family this year, but we decided to grow into our own home as well, which I know was another big change for you.  As usual, though, you took it in stride and never skipped a beat.  I'm so happy that you are in the home that you will grow up in with your little brother, and that it is OURS.

I want you to know that you will always have a special place in my heart, my baby girl.  I don't think I will have any trouble multiplying my love for your little brother to share, but I will always have a special bond with you, and I'm excited to see how that grows as you get older.  I love that we can have our "Mommy and Lilly days", and that you get so excited for them, even if we are just hanging out at home all day.  I love the time I get to spend with you, even though it's harder to come by now with a baby in the house, but I am so grateful that you are understanding about it.



I promise that your next birthday will be special and amazing, and all about YOU.  I am still overcome with mom-guilt that we spent your 3rd birthday bringing baby brother home from the hospital, and didn't get to have the fun day together that I had planned.  I'm so thankful to your Grandma and Grandpa, though, for helping us to still make it a special day for you, taking you to dance class and coming over for your "pizza party" afterwards.  Once again, you amazed me with your maturity and didn't even bat an eye at the situation, and I couldn't be more thankful and proud.  I'll make it up to you  next year, I promise!!

Like I keep saying, I just can't believe how much you've grown and changed over the past year, but I am so thankful that we get to witness it every day.  This past year has been full of fun and laughs, and although everyone says three is tough, I know this year will be a blast too.  Watching you grow into your role as Big Sister is going to be wonderful, and I know you will just blossom.  Keep being that beautiful, smart, kind, funny girl that you are, and make sure to teach your little brother all of those great qualities.



Happy number THREE baby girl, I hope you know how much we love you, and hope this is the best year yet!!

Love,
Mama