Sweet Girl,
I can’t believe you are now three years old. Somehow I simultaneously feel like there’s no way that much time could possibly have passed since your birth, and other days I can’t believe how bright and talkative you are for only having lived three years.

You started preschool this year and have loved this transition. You are going two days a week and clearly wish it was more as you STILL try to run into your brother’s class when it isn’t your school day. You love talking about what you learned and showing me your art projects. You have so much to say but still are hesitant to talk in big groups, preferring smaller interactions.

You also started gymnastics this year and you LOVE talking about the different jumps you practice there and how you want to practice your balance beam. You look forward to gymnastics day all week. That’s not the only physical fitness you are interested in- you have become OBSESSED with hiking and were very upset during the hot months of the summer when we didn’t go- you would ask almost every day and were so excited when the weather cooled off enough for us to hit the trails again. You transitioned from hiking with mom in a baby carrier to insisting you are a hiker that can walk on her own. You can rock out several miles of trail and are fearless when tackling the steep, rocky parts of a trail. Sometimes this makes me a little nervous, but mostly it makes me super proud and I have loved our one on one hikes the past year. You even asked to have your classmates join you for a hike for your birthday instead of inviting them to a party which probably would have been overwhelming for you.

You have continued to find your voice this year- your vocabulary continues to blow us away and you have learned that sometimes you have to be as loud as you brother to get a word in. This has made our household a lot louder, but also even more entertaining. Your dad and I love hearing you and your brother sing together in the morning or tell each other stories. You love playing pretend with him, whether that is creating tea parties or dressing up as Elsa or giving us all doctor check ups.

Other things about this past year: Your most common phrases are “Can I just try a tiny bite?” “Where is teacher Jen?” and telling people your full name. Your favorite foods are apples, chicken, chips and salsa, and anything mom is eating- it doesn’t count unless it’s on my plate though. You still love picking out your own outfits, especially shoes. Your favorite game is Feed the Woozle. Your preschool teacher has told me on numerous occasions that she is convinced you will one day run a small country. You are obsessed with sunglasses.

I am so excited for this new year- not only because I know you will keep learning so much as a three year old, but because you are so excited about being a big sister and I can’t wait to see you officially meet your little sister. Each morning you come and kiss my belly and tell her good morning and ask when she’s going to come out and play. It should be less than a month until that happens- your wait is almost over!

I want you to know as you become the middle child that you will always be so unique and special to us. I promise we will still have one on one dates, that I will listen to your stories and questions, and that I will continue to treasure what makes you unique from your siblings (Don’t forget that! Even as I express the love I have seeing the things you have in common!)

I love you so much and wish I could slow down time just a little to enjoy you all the more.

❤

Mom