Happy 3rd Birthday Bella!

We have a three year old.  I can't believe it!  It is amazing how much Bella has grown and changed in the last three years, and with every passing birthday I see less of my little baby I held on that day she was born, and way more of a big girl, fighting hard to be even  bigger than she already is. Oh what a blessing these past three years have been.

You are such a bright young girl!  You love going to school, playing with your friends, especially Blakely, and your teacher Ms. Cole always shares sweet stories about your day.  You love to ask lots of questions, and it is amazing how much information you store in that little head of yours!  You are constantly pointing out American flags with their stars and stripes, counting, adding and subtracting objects--especially white chocolate chips at the dinner table--and you are even starting to "track" as you "read" along in books.  

I adore how much you love others.  Thanks to our Jesus Book, or The Story: Preschool Version, you are learning a lot about helping others, and it shows!  You are always taking care of  and helping those around you--mostly mommy these days, but you love helping your friends too.  You talk about the day your lil' sister will arrive A LOT, and from your conversations, I can tell you are going to take care of her just as well.  

You try really hard to be polite and kind.  You are so good at saying please and thank you, and you even patiently say, "excuse me," when trying to get mommy and daddy's attention when we are talking. But don't let this politeness fool, because you continue to be a strong willed little girl who knows what she wants, but we appreciate the manners you are learning and practicing on a daily basis.

Your faith is undeniable!  You talk about Jesus often, your favorite thing to do is go to church, and you love spotting Jesus' cross around town when we are in the car.  You have started saying quiet prayers on your own at bedtime, and I love especially when you suggest we pray for someone you know who is sad or sick.  You truly have the biggest heart ever!

You continue to be an active little girl who loves to play.  You love gymnastics, just started tap/ballet class, and rough housing with dad is probably top on your list of having fun!  You like showing off your golfing and kicking skills to whoever will watch, and you continue to sing songs constantly.  Your imagination continues to grow and you love playing with your ponies and princesses the most.  

And finally talking is probably the thing you are the best at. You talk from the moment you wake up to the moment your head hits the pillow, and it is about anything and everything.  You love rehearsing your facial expressions in the mirror and having mommy and daddy repeat and recite funny conversations over and over again, just so you can laugh harder.  You have even begun to pick up on our sarcasm, and will point out when we are joking or kidding with you or each other.

Each day you challenge us, inspire us, and teach us something new!  You are filled with an endless joy,  and we are so thankful to call you our daughter.