Happy Birthday, Little Girl

Dear Ironflower,

Today you are three years old. You still love your kitty, just like you did when you were six months old. But now you've created a special voice for kitty - she even told you Happy Birthday this morning. You love all the Shrek movies and routinely request that Daddy and I make-up stories about all the characters (though you seem to have added in a few extra dragons). Your favorite color depends on your mood and who you're with, it seems to alternate between pink, purple and green. You can play Little People for hours, though you like them best when mommy and daddy play with you. You love to do art projects and climb at the playground.

Everyone who meets you remarks at your beauty. Some people think we are crazy for not making a child model. But what I think is super cool is that while you believe that you are beautiful, you are also quick to think that other people are beautiful. You love to give compliments. You growl when you are angry. You see imaginary creatures everywhere and have complete faith that you can deal with them. The only anxiety you ever had about preschool was that you didn't want to leave. You are quick to demand things but you almost always remember to say thank you. I love it when you ask for hugs. You like to try things yourself first, then ask for help (or not).

I hope that you never lose your utter faith in your abilities. I hope that you always see the beauty in yourself and others. I hope you never forget how to ask politely and assertively for what you want. I hope you always feel how much we love you and know that nothing you could do would ever change that. I hope you can always tell me anything.
love,
Mommy


(Cake update: When we braved the bitter cold to go to the grocery store this morning, the kids chose the same blue car cart we had last night. After settling them into the car part, I swung my purse into the top part. . .next to a can of chocolate frosting. I turned it in and bought a new one though.)