And then you were three ...

Dear Dilly,

Tomorrow you will be three and I am not entirely sure how that happened. OK, maybe I know how it happened, but it feels like it flew by. Like one night, you fell asleep a baby and woke up a preschooler. I swear your sisters didn't grow up this fast.

Dilly - One Day Old

Dilly, present day

But I guess that's what happens to third children. They age beyond their years. And, you've always been that way. You have a sense of maturity and an outgoing nature that have been evident since day one. I've always said that you were the most easy-going of my children, and that is still the case.

You wait your turn.
You follow my rules.
You understand my logic, even if you don't like it.

It makes parenting you easier in a sense. It's uncomplicated and straight forward. I don't fear that a parenting misstep on my part will result in a full on tantrum like with your sisters. Yes, I am aware that this will eventually change. But, please do your best to not let that happen.

Dilly, there are endless things that I love about you, but today, on the eve of your third birthday, I want to share with you those things that make you so very perfect in my eyes. The things that define who you are and shape who you'll be.

I love the way you say "I don't know" whenever you are asked a question. I've never heard another person convey so many different emotions and meanings with the same three words. Just by listening to how you say it, I can tell if you are feeling shy, angry, devilish or just plain silly.

I love the way your face lights up whenever you are happy. Whether you've just found out you are going to Disney or that you get to eat cake, you show such joy and excitement. Your eyes light up in a way that few others can. I hope that never changes.

I love that are brave and strong and that you only pretend to be shy. You hang with the big kids and you hold your own. You never let anyone tell you that you can't. Hold onto this trait, it will get you far in life.

I love that when you speak, you sound like a cartoon character. Your voice is high and squeaky and beyond adorable. Whenever you talk, I want to cover you with a thousand kisses just for making me smile.

I love that you relish in being our baby, at least for the time being. I know that one day, you'll want us to see you as grown up, and that's fine. But until then, I am going to soak up every second with my Baby Boo.

I love that you think that "toot" is the funniest word out there. You throw it into conversation whenever you can. It's kind of hysterical, although I'd never admit that to you.

I love that when I tuck you into bed at night, you want to tell me about your entire day from start to finish. You don't care that I was there for all of it. You just want to remind me of how much fun it was. It always makes me cherish those quiet moments I get to spend with just you.

Dilly, I love you for everything that you are and everything that you will ever be. 

Happy 3rd Birthday, Baby Boo!

Love,
Mommy