Happy Birthday Big Girl!

Sweet Kate,

Every year on your birthday I like to write you a letter.  This year has been full of change and transition.  Shortly after your birthday last year, Dad was offered a job in Texas and we decided to move.  I think the move was really tough on you (me too;).  We were in  a corporate apartment and you slept in a pack and play in a large closet for a few months.  We had to flee a hurricane and you had a lot of illness this year. I think you demonstrated your displeasure with all of this transition through typical 2 year old behavior~tantrums. Once we settled into our new house, things got a little better.

You also started pre-school two mornings a week this year.  You were hesitant at first but eventually you came to love it.  In the Spring, we moved you to the three morning a week class and you adapted beautifully.  You took ballet and tap and had your first recital.  You are a natural on the stage and you LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to dance.

You have never been a big fan of toys and you still don't really wander off and play (although I am trying to teach you this skill).  But you ADORE the Disney princesses and all things girly. You will watch Cinderella or Princess sing alongs and you love to dress up like the princesses. Speaking of dress-up, you also wear tutus and ballet slippers constantly.  Give you a tiara and a tutu and you are one happy little girl.  You also have recently discovered the love of having your fingernails and toenails painted.

Other things you love include cupcakes and books.  Your favorite books are Fancy Nancy and Green Eggs and Ham.  You also like Pinkalicious and Arthur books.  You will sit on your floor and "read" the books you have memorized.

You have become such a big girl this year....you started school, potty trained and for the first time last night, you slept in a big girl bed (you did fall out though).  We are hoping to put that crib away for good next week.  You also became comfortable swimming independently with your bubble and having babysitters (woo-hoo!).  Unfortunately, you have pretty much said goodbye to nap time too. I am so proud of all of your accomplishments (except that last one).

You definitely pushed my buttons more this year than ever as you asserted your independence. You have a very strong will and while I know one day it will serve you well, it makes for a challenging two year old.  You know what you like and what you don't like and you are not shy about letting others know too.  You might just get that from me;)

Kate, you have such sweet manners.  You say please and thank you.  When people wish you a happy birthday...you respond by saying "happy birthday" in return.  You share with your friends and get sad when your brothers are upset.  Your heart is full of love and compassion.

You absolutely adore your Daddy.  You refer to yourself as a princess and him as the King.  You run to him when he gets home from work and he reads to you and puts you to sleep every single night.  I love watching your relationship.  It is simply beautiful.

Similarly, you look up to your big brothers.  They have taught you all sorts of silly things (pound it, knock knock jokes, and other things).  You wrestle with them and play all kinds of made up games (ghostie ghosite, pink burrito, and hide and seek).

One thing you started to do recently really touches my soul.  Every night at dinner we go around the table and share our favorite part of the day (or other positive item).  We have been doing this for years.  When you came home from China as a baby we always asked you about your favorite part of the day.  Dad thought I was being silly but I insisted that we ask every single night.  When you finally started answering, you said the same thing every day. You would tell us your favorite part of the day was "getting a haircut." You said it all the time whether you got a haircut or not.  But in the last few months, you actually began to answer us accurately. And a few weeks ago, YOU started asking each of us what our favorite part of the day was.  

I get teary eyed as I see how you have seamlessly worked into our family and our hearts Kate. You are such a gift to us and I love you to the depths of my soul.  I could go on and on about all the things I love about you.  But mostly I just love YOU!  Happy 3rd birthday Kate Emerson.

Love,

Mom

On your first birthday

Your 2nd birthday

And today on your 3rd birthday

We celebrated as a family today and I will post those photos soon.

(Kate's dress is from Old Navy for those who have inquired)