Happy 3rd Birthday, Gracie!

On May 27, 2008, Sean and I were blessed with this insanely beautiful and perfect gift, our daughter. I won’t ever forget what took place at 2:31 that afternoon, her official time of birth. I won’t forget the sound of those first cries or the way she looked up at her daddy when he held her for the first time. I won’t forget the tears in his eyes or how that tiny bundle felt in my arms. And that was just the beginning…

Three years ago, I couldn’t have known how much this baby would add to our lives. She’s turned into this amazing little girl who speaks her mind and continues to test her boundaries. She loves fairies and dancing, and on most days, you will find her dressed in a tutu and fairy wings, even while shopping at the grocery store. She enjoys wearing jewelry and princess crowns. She’s as girly as a girly girl could be and this has been so much fun for her daddy and me. We share our home with our own little princess and trust me, she takes full advantage of this title.

Gracie, at age three, your favorite color is pink. You love Tinker Bell and Strawberry Shortcake movies and dolls. You have developed an interest in dinosaurs (which is what you chose to be on your birthday cake) and have an ongoing interest in flowers, especially in caring for them and watching them grow. Your favorite television show is The Backyardigans. You also like watching Little Bear and Franklin.

Your favorite food is cheese (cheese sticks, cheese slices, shredded cheese picked off of whatever food it was once on top of…), which can be problematic since you are still struggling with your belly issues. You enjoy snacking on pretzels and have a sweet tooth for Smarties candy (which you had for the first time as a reward during potty training).

You love when we go outside and blow bubbles or draw with sidewalk chalk. As girly as you can be, you also have a love for the outdoors. You don’t mind getting dirty in the woods on nature walks and enjoy exploring. You will chase down a lizard and appreciate even the tiniest creatures and bugs. You enjoy doing crafts of any type and are always anxious to show off your work to your daddy when he comes home from work.

You are still taking Kindermusik, a music class we started with you when you were 8 months old. You love to sing and have recently started memorizing your favorite songs and singing them to us, or to yourself as you wind down for a nap or bedtime. Your favorite song right now (especially for dancing) is Airplanes, which you call “Shooting Stars”. We have an adorable recording of you singing yourself to sleep with this song. You also sing your ABCs, Jesus Loves Me, and Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, among other songs you've picked up along the way. You have the sweetest little voice.

BIG things will be coming your way now that you are three. You will start preschool, dance class, and you'll welcome your baby brother to our family. I am so excited about watching you in the role of Big Sister. You are constantly making your daddy and me smile and laugh, and we are enjoying this age with you, no matter how challenging it may seem at times! You remind me of your daddy when it comes to problem solving, and me when you're mad. You are our little angel, and we love you so very much!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRACE ASHLYN!