1096 days ...

Dizzle and Doodle are in bed, J is out of town and I just put the last batch of cupcakes into the oven. Tomorrow is Dizzle's third birthday. Wow! Three years - That's 1096 days.

Dizzle,

In the last 1096 days, I have not slept straight through the night. Sometimes it's because you weren't sleeping either. Other times, my sonar hearing kicks in and I awaken suddenly to make sure that you are still OK.

In the last 1096 days, I have never eaten first. It's always prepare and serve your food, then, if I am lucky, take five minutes to shove as much food in my mouth as possible.

In the last 1096 days, I have changed diapers, cut nails, brushed hair and given baths more times than I can count.

In the last 1096 days, I have never left the house with everything I need.

In the last 1096 days, I have only seen 5 movies at the theater. And only one of those was with your dad.

In the last 1096 days, I have been bitten, pinched, kicked, yelled and screamed at more often than I would like.

In the last 1096 days, I have never left you without considering what you would do if something happened to me while I was gone.

In the last 1096 days, I have only spent one night apart from you. And it was the evening I gave birth to your sister.

In the last 1096 days, I have dealt with vomit, diarrhea, and 105 degree fevers.

In the last 1096 days, I have used my clothing as a napkin, a tissue and a spit rag. Nothing I owe is stain-free.

In the last 1096 days, I have not stayed in bed past nine, even when I'm sick.

In the last 1096 days, I have never needed an alarm clock. Your yells do the trick.

In the last 1096 days, I have lost my patience, my body and my mind.

Yet, as much as I've had to sacrifice, adjust and adapt in the last 1096 days, I wouldn't change one bit of it. Because ...

In the last 1096 days, I have received enough hugs and kisses to more than erase any anger and frustration directed at me.

In the last 1096 days, I have grown to love you more than I had ever imagined.

In the last 1096 days, I have had the opportunity to be there for every one of your "firsts."

In the last 1096 days, I have had the chance to watch you grow into an intelligent, strong-willed and adorable child.

And the list goes on ...

Dizzle, thank you for making me a mother and for being such a great big sister. Thank you for giving me a reason to act like a kid again and for loving me endlessly. But most importantly, thank you for the most difficult, yet happiest 1096 days of my life. Because of you I will never be the same. Happy Birthday Baby!!