Happy Third Birthday Alessandra!

My special girl.  I can't believe you're already three. How on earth did you grow from the little cocoon of warmth to the bouncing ball of energy complete with her own thoughts, opinions and choice of wardrobe??  It's not so easy to rewind three years and imagine life without you.  What is easy, though, is remembering how I wasn't quite sure what to do with you once I had you.  Somehow, you've always shown me the right path to make you happy, and you are still showing that path to me each and every day.  Who knew such a tiny little entity whose days on this Earth have not been so long has so much capability in showing me how life should be?  You are as easygoing now as you were back then.  Your sense of humor is amazing and reduces me to a pile of laughter every time you tell a joke.  Your stories are adventurous and creative, and I love hearing you spin your imaginative tales, especially when you make me your heroine, defeating the dragon from high up in the castle. What I ever did to deserve such a happy, friendly, and above all nice and caring child is beyond me.  But I am here to tell the world, I am the luckiest mama alive on this God's Green Earth. 

You are never above accolades to the nearest person who has accomplished something well.  It doesn't even have to be great.  "Good job!" or "You did it!!!" are not strange sentences to your lips.  "Please" we are working on, but "Thank you" is mastered.  You are affectionate and love doling out hugs and kisses to whomever will accept them.  (Pity to those who won't, as you are missing out huge.)  You always share and invite others to participate.  You are fair and an includer.

You are still so smart and eager to learn.  Your best stuffed animal is "Puppy" and take him with you everywhere you go.  You still love all kinds of fruit, corn on the cob, and lemonade and can take or leave the rest of the stuff out there.  You hate broccoli.  Puzzles, books, soccer and TV are your favorite pastimes, and we take you with us everywhere we go.  You have a preference for "princess" skirts, tank tops and flip flops, but every once in awhile will choose shorts. 

You love finagling a later bedtime and sneaking outdoors when we aren't looking.  You also love sneaking your footstool to the refrigerator to swindle a couple of grapes out of the bag.  I make like I'm shocked since they are not washed, but am secretly happy that the one thing that you want is a healthy fruit. 

Above all, I love you.  I have never been more sure about anything in my life.  I am so proud of you and everything that you do.  You are my pride and joy and the reason I love to live life.  I know your daddy feels the same way I do, and would write the same things if he were the "blog keeper".

Happy Birthday, Baby.  We love you so much.  Have a wonderful day and can't wait to see what the years ahead will bring to us.  But don't grow too fast, okay?  :)