Happy Birthday Abby!

Dear Abby,

Happy Birthday! How in the world did you get to be 3 already?!?

While I was good about taking pictures of you, I never wrote much down. However, it's never too late to start. And it's been quite a year to document!

One year ago we were living in a barely furnished apartment, still driving around trying to figure out this new place we were living in. Now? You've flourished in our new town. You've got a great group of neighborhood friends, you're loving preschool, and you've even got a new little brother to dote on. (and boy do you dote!)

With every year that passes, I think "this is the best yet!" And it really does keep getting better. Gone is my baby girl, and in her place I have an independent, very opinionated, yet mostly sweet, little girl. I really have been amazed at your independence lately. You do so much on your own: you can get your own snacks and juice boxes, you go to the potty on your own, and I've finally gotten comfortable letting you go upstairs by yourself to get something or play a bit. (I realize that we've probably been a little too protective on that last part, but you unfortunately inherited your mom's clumsiness) You've also really gotten into the self play recently, and are perfectly content playing with your princesses and castle or in your kitchen. You've even started to make up little games.

Of all the new things, I've probably enjoyed your verbal improvements the most. Last year you'd just started to put together sentences and phrases, but now you have full on conversations and monologues. You have original thoughts and are always asking questions (your favorite is why? but that's another story. Today we had a whole discussion about animal noses after you noticed Daisy Duck didn't have a nose.) Your thought processes constantly amaze me, and often make me laugh!

While we certainly have our moments (they don't call them the terrible 3's for nothing!), you've really been a blast lately. We took you out to dinner tonight for your birthday at PF Changs. You certainly share your mom and dad's love for the restaurant. You tried everything and loved the spring rolls and honey chicken. (though not the sauce they mixed- "it was TOOOOO spicy!")

All in all, it's been a great year! I love you tons, and you are still the BEST birthday gift I've ever gotten. Here's to another fabulous year!

Love,
Mom

(I sign this Mom and not Mommy, as you're currently making the switch. You seem to think Mom is much cooler than Mommy. However, I still get a few mommy's, particularly when you need a little extra attention.)