But wait, Anna-girl.. wasn't it like five minutes ago I found out I was pregnant with you? I can remember my 20 week ultrasound so clearly.
I was told I'd have a daughter but was sent a princess.
When you were born it was, of course, love at first sight. Within seconds you had your dad and me wrapped securely around your little finger. The moment you were born took my breath away. You were exactly what I was hoping and dreaming for.. perfection with sweet, chubby cheeks!
The world was drenched in the most beautiful pink, the day you were lifted into the world.
You're a swirl of giggles and have the cutest button nose I've ever seen. You're my baby rebel with a heart of gold. You worship the ground Patrick walks on and are fiercely protective of "your" baby Ella.
My heart melts like a pat of butter in a frying pan when I look into those big blue eyes.
I love that you love diesel trucks, George Strait, superman ice cream, Dora and wrinkling up that precious nose when you're not sure what to think about a situation.
The first time my dad held you in his arms he said that you were "destined for great things." I have no doubt that you'll be a rock star in whatever you choose to do in life. Your eyes glimmer with determination and tell me that you will go far in life.
"I believe / fate smiled and destiny laughed as she came to my cradle / 'know this child will be able' / laughed as my body she lifted / 'know this child will be gifted' / with love, with patience and with faith / she'll make her way" ~Natalie Merchant
You are my joy and heart's delight.
I've been thinking about the tea party you and I had a couple of days ago. Patrick was at preschool and Ella was napping. It was just you and me. We had a giant pink blanket spread out with our Disney princess tea cups filled with apple juice. Our Jasmine and Belle plates covered with graham crackers, apples and little cookies. You were wearing your favorite blue princess dress and we had our sparkly jeweled tiaras on our heads. I smile watching you hold the top of the Ariel teapot as you poured apple juice in our cups. It's unbelievable to think you are already old enough for these things.
Then it hit me.. these are the moments. The ones I will think back on and tear up remembering when you are all grown up.
Someday all too soon we won't be playing dress up anymore. You'll be standing in front of me in a wedding dress. (Wow, I can't even type that without hyperventilating.)
At the tender age of three you are one of my best friends. So bittersweet watching you turning into a little lady.. there's no denying you are no longer a baby. Our mommy/daughter bond makes my world go 'round. You are one of my princesses, one of my three "everythings." I can't begin to imagine life without you.
This upcoming year you will start preschool and I'll have to drop you off *gulp* and force myself to walk out of the classroom. (Don't think I won't be sobbing like a baby in the parking lot for those two hours on your first day.. ok ok FINE, first MONTH.)
You're growing up.. that's the bottom line. As much as I'd like to keep you little, I am looking forward to seeing who you grow up to be, the amazing woman (*sob*) you will turn into. You're going to change this world for the better. You make it a worthwhile place just by being you, baby girl.
No matter if you're three years old and we're reading Goodnight Moon, you're seventeen picking out your prom dress or you're all grown up with babies of your own (ok, be right back, I've got to find some Kleenex to soak up the tears from the thought of that last one so I can actually see the screen again).. you will ALWAYS be my baby girl. Forever & for always.
"Playdough rainbows and paper wings / I remember all of your favorite things / Like tea time with Pooh Bear and Charlie Brown / Barbie band-aids and princess gowns / And here I am trying to hold the hands of time / They're movin' so fast that I'm fallin' behind / And I know, that you're ready to take a step / But I'm not ready for that yet / All I see is my little girl in tears and curls / Watching you grow before my eyes / Letting you go one Barbie band-aid at a time." ~Sonya Isaacs
I love you, Anna Elaine, with all of my heart.. to the moon and back. You are my everything.
Now.. let's go cuddle and pretend you're not growing up too quickly.
Happy Birthday, gorgeous girl!
