THREE

Alexis,

The celebrating started early this year!
With a Halloween-themed birthday party,
followed by birthday lunches and dinners
and ice cream cake with your extended family.
You even had a little party at preschool this week
filled with funfetti cupcakes and candles and a party hat.
But today, November 16th, is the real deal.
After much anticipation, you are THREE!

It has been such a delight to witness your excitement for all things "3".
You truly understand the concept of birthdays and holidays this year,
and it has been so much fun for your dad and I to see this special moment
through the eyes of our three-year-old.
Your enthusiasm is quite contagious.

It is amazing to look at pictures and videos from this time last year.
To see all the changes in you.
At the age of 3, you are so talkative.
Sometimes, your mind is working so fast that your mouth can't keep up.
We just love when mid-sentence you pause, regroup and continue on with your conversation-
making sure you don't leave out a single detail.
Your memory continues to amaze us.
You hear a new word or phrase in French class and absorb it instantly.
You hear a new song on the car radio and start singing along.
You and your class are learning phonics and handwriting this year,
and you simply soak it all in.
You have an idea and a plan for just about everything.
And, we better watch out,
or you just might outsmart us.
You have such spunk.
You are so eager to explore, to play, to learn, to make new friends and to lead.
With this spunkiness comes quite a stubborn streak...
some days you surely give us a run for our money.

At 3, you are certainly our "little princess".
You love pink and purple.
You ask us to tell you a princess story each night at bedtime.
You say you have a secret to share and then whisper in my ear, "I love princesses."
You change into one of many tutus as soon as we get home from school.
Disney movies and stories captivate you.
You love twirling and singing and makeup.
You even keep a crown in my car...
just in case you need it while we are out and about.

You love to be our little helper.
You race to get your stool and help us bake in the kitchen,
load the laundry and check for mail any chance you get.
I think you are going to delight in the whole "big sister" concept.
You love to play games-Memory, Bingo, Candyland, Hide-n-seek are current favorites.
And you adore reading.
First, you beg us to read a book (or two, or three) to you,
and then you love to retell us the story.
You are usually very social and very interested in the people around you.
Young and old, boy and girl, stranger or friend,
you are eager to strike up a conversation wherever you go.

Alexis, you are growing right before our eyes.
And though you are no longer our baby anymore,
you will ALWAYS be our baby.
May your enthusiasm and confidence guide you through your days.
And may you always know just how much your are loved.

Happy, Happy 3rd Birthday Peanut Butter,
Mom and Dad