To my daughter on her third Birthday

Dear Lauren,

today you turn THREE sweet girl! How can it be that three years have past since you came into this world (kicking and screaming, I might add!)? I'm not sure where the time went, but I do know that your daddy and I are so thankful for the past few years...


You could open a charm school for toddlers. You are so sweet, so girly, so cute, so charming, that you get away with things you probably shouldn't. You have your daddy, your nanny, your grammy, your extended family us all wrapped around your finger and you have figured it out. You giggle. You joke. You make funny faces. You're generally not whiny or fussy, although you definitely know what you want and how to get it. You can be a bit demanding and bossy at times (just ask Jacob!) but you sort of bat your eyes and demand sweetly, and somehow your charm gets you what you want :)


You are shy, independent and very, very smart. When you turn on the charm your smiles and giggles light up the room.


You are really into pretending and playing with 'white b' right now. You feed him breakfast, change his diapers and read him stories. When we're in the car, you prop him up on your lap and secretly whisper in his ear all of the things you see outside. When it's naptime, or bedtime, or time for daddy to go to work, 'white b' has to be part of the good-bye's too. If we fail to give him hugs and kisses like we do with you, you simply melt into a ball of tears. You love that 'ole bear more than life itself.


You are also pretty fond of your brother. Sure, he annoys you at times and you retaliate by taking his toys and putting them on the counter where he can't reach them, but you really do adore him. You frequently give him hugs and kisses, and often ask him to accompany you to your bedroom when you're scared. And once you're in your room, laughter erupts as you both jump on the bed singing the "three little monkeys jumping on the bed" song. He truly is your partner in crime.


You love being outside. Hot, cold, raining, it does not matter to you. You happily putter around outside for hours picking flowers, arranging sticks and searching for ladybugs. But if even a drop of water lands anywhere on your body, you are adamant that you have your rain boots and "rainbrella." You may like being outside, but you are a princess at heart and hate to have wet or dirty hands ;)


You also LOVE to help me bake. You often ask to make brownies or (pink!) cake or cookies. Really, I think you like to lick the spatula more than the cooking itself, but I don't care. I love spending time with you making 'pecial treats for daddy. And speaking of special treats, there is no doubt you are my child! Because your favorite foods? Chocolate and any kind of cheese (including feta and bleu cheese) which you certainly didn't inherit from your dad!


Your desires are so refreshingly simple- play play-doh, read a book, sing songs, tickle your back. A perfect day for you would be going on a walk and collecting rocks, weeds, leaves, etc. You bring your purse along, which is already filled with various toys (single crayons, stickers, Happy Meal Toys, magnets, beads) and you add to your ever-growing collection. Then when we get home, you share all of your "treasures" with 'white b' and you giggle with him and hold him close. You don't ask for much and you are a joy to spend time with.


Each day you remind me what is important. Each day you tell me you love me in the sweetest little voice and I kiss you all over and listen to you squeal with laughter. Each day I am thankful that you came into our lives.


Happy 3rd birthday, my sweetest girl.


With all my love,
Mama