3 Years Young

Dear Madeline Grace,

Someone wise once said, "The days are long but the years are short." Today you turn 3 years old. In some ways, I feel like you were just born yesterday and the past 3 years have flown by but in other ways, it is hard to imagine our life and family without you. I think back on that February 23rd when you were born or really starting on the 22nd. I woke up that morning knowing something was different and called the doctor. They had me come into the office and monitor me and we made phone calls to DeeDee to have her drive up to Charlotte for your big arrival. But after spending some time at the doctor, they felt like they were false contractions and it could be awhile before you came so I went home and DeeDee turned around on 85 and headed back to Atlanta. 

But you little one knew better and I woke up at 1:30am and knew it was time, I stood out of bed and my water immediately broke. More calls and the doctor said come in, DeeDee hopped back in the car and we called our bestie next door neighbor to come and sleep at our house with Ella until DeeDee could arrive. We arrived at the hospital, got a room and thought we would settle in for a long day of labor but you were not ok. Your heart rate was through the roof and every time Mommy had a contraction, you wanted out but it wasn't time yet. We tried everything to calm you but you were trying to tell us, you need to come out so after some tears from mommy, we were rushed into surgery for a c-section. 

Just like your sister, we didn't know if you were a boy or a girl but little one, I knew all along you were a girl. I don't know how I knew, your pregnancy was completely different from your sister's but I just knew. After some scary minutes, you were born and although your heart rate was high and you had a temperature (They think you had a virus), you were completely healthy and the cutest thing ever. Your daddy and I couldn't believe your full head of brown hair. It took your sister 2 years to grow any hair so seeing yours caught us all off guard. But that should have been my first indication that you were nothing like your big sister. You might be the same gender but you were going to be your own child.

Day One in hospital

As a newborn and baby, there was no happier or sweeter baby in the world. You were so easy and so laid back. You barely cried and when you did, it was such a quiet and sweet cry. You had a much tougher time sleeping through the night than your sister did but you were such a happy girl when you were awake that it was ok. You found your thumb at 4 months and began sleeping 12-13 hours a night and still do! Mommy and Daddy hope this never changes! You always went with the flow, letting whoever hold you, never having stranger anxiety and smiling and laughing all the time. Mommy may have said if I could guarantee more babies just like do, I would have 10 more! Boy, were you about to prove me wrong soon!

First birthday party - Hungry caterpillar theme

 Then somewhere around 18-20 months, you discovered your own voice and feistiness and you used every bit of it. The sweet little baby that would just sit on a blanket and play with books and blocks and not make a fuss, started throwing temper tantrums all the time. One minute, you would be so happy and then something would make you mad and bam, full on screaming fest wherever we were. Around 2, we pretty much stopped eating out all together unless it was chick-fila, you are just not so fun to take out.

2 year old birthday - Love and hearts theme

 However, around summertime this year, things started improving and while everyday is not prefect, you started acting a little better and we could resume some normal activities. 

Your verbal skills are off the charts for a 3 year old and you can tell us exactly what you think, which is sometimes great and sometimes not so great. 

But I have to say the thing that we love most about you and the thing that most people comment on is your infectious outgoing personality. You have never met a stranger and love to make people laugh. You are a natural comedian and have us laughing all day long. You have so much energy from the moment you wake up. 

You adore your big sister and want to know where Ella is and what she is doing every minute. She is so patient with you and seeing you all actually playing together really melts my heart. My hope for you and Ella more than anything else is that you both stay healthy and you always stay close as sisters. 

You also love going to preschool! You go three days a week and would go everyday if you could but Mommy knows how quickly that time passes with your big sister heading to kindergarten in a few short months so I am holding onto you, my baby, as long as I can. 

This year, one of Mommy's friends lost her sweet 3 year old daughter to leukemia and that really shifted my mindset with you. Yes, some days I yell and some days you go to timeout (a lot) but overall, I am trying to not sweat the small stuff as much and just really cherish you and your sister more. It is easy to lose my patience with your stubborn and feisty ways but look at the pigtail smile, how could I stay mad at that face for long. I have two healthy girls and I am forever grateful for that. 

Maddie Grace, your Daddy, big sister and I love you so much! Happy 3rd birthday!!

Preschool class picture

3 year old stats:

**School: 3 days with Ms Aly and Ms Anne (They call you mini teacher)

**Favorite Food: Spinach and Mozzarella Ravioli

**Still nap 2-3 hours a day and sleep 12 hours at night (Thank you!)

**Still sleep in your crib and I may keep you in there forever!

**No lovie but you sleep with 5 blankets and your thumb is still your favorite lovie

**You ask for daddy every morning when I wake you up and you can't wait until he gets home from work each day

**You adore your baby dolls and carry them with you everywhere

**Favorite character is Minnie Mouse

**Favorite show: Daniel Tiger

Funny things you say: "Of course" when we ask you a question that would have a yes answer, cracks me up, you call granola bars "nola barre", one of your besties in your classes is Hattie and you know her name and how to pronounce but you call her Patty to be funny.

**Favorite song: Anything Taylor Swift

**You hate candy and only eat candy or desserts if they have chocolate in them, are you my daughter???

**You are still tiny for a 3 year old but don't know exact stats until your well visit in a couple weeks but still wearing all 2T clothes and the one of the shortest in your class despite being the oldest. I think people can't believe how much you speak when they meet you because they think you are much younger than you are.

**You were potty trained in October after a failed attempt in June but now you are doing great with it