Happy Third Birthday, Lila!
Three years ago today I was finally holding you after fifty-six hours of labor. You didn't make it easy on me from the start! It has always been an adventure with you, you always keep me guessing. You are without contest the single most amazing thing in my life.
This last year was a big one for us. You didn't go easy on me during the "terrible two's" that's for sure. Long gone are the days where I could sit you down, hand you a toy and you would be quietly entertained for hours. You traveled with me around the country; Maryland, DC, Houston, California, and Virginia. And early this year we made our way back to our home, El Paso. You were the smile I woke up to every morning and my strength throughout the day.
You also helped me through one of my biggest tests this year. Just a few weeks ago I was completely cleared of cancer. You were my biggest supporter all along. I knew I couldn't bare the thought of not seeing you through your first day of school, your first crush, prom, graduation, college and your wedding. When the days grew long and my body was weak you were my strength to continue the fight. Thank you, sweet girl. We made it!
Among our travels and our battles you kept life interesting every single day. There's never a dull moment with you. Your effortless sarcasm and diva attitude bring laughter to my every day and show me just how much you are your mother's daughter. When I ask you if you know why I love you, quick as a pistol, you never miss a beat, "Because I'm funny!" is always your response. You are everything that is good in me.
Your love for food continues to be alive and well. You've never been a picky eater and you are willing to try anything. It thrills me when you casually suggest we have sushi for supper. You have some very grown up taste for such a little girl. You continue to be my little petite princess, barely breaking thirty pounds on your third birthday.
My favorite part of our day is when I lay you down to sleep. You're reluctant to go to bed, but you love our night time rituals. You change into your jammies and when you put your shirt on you joke with me that your hands are missing. You keep your hands in the sleeves and cry, "Where's my hands! Where's my hands!?" I play into your game and you giggle and say "I'm just kidding, mommy." I tuck you into your favorite blanket and you request a song. We sing "You are my sunshine" together and you tell me that you love me. You melt my heart every time you say that, you know. I read you a book, and we say a prayer. The last part of our prayer consists of the people we love. I'll say, "Please bless Mommy and Daddy and Nana..." and you continue on to pray for everyone and everything you love. Among our friends and family you include Caillou, Dora the Explorer, Chuck E Cheese, hot dogs, cheese and balloons. Sometimes I'll add bacon to the list because it just seems to fit.
You've taught me so much in this last year. You never stop amazing me with your simple wisdom. Your fearless stance on life, persistent attitude and constant curiosity are some qualities that I hope will remain with you for the rest of your life. You run into closets in hopes of finding monsters to scare because at only three years old you know there is nothing to be afraid of. If ever I cry, you wipe my tears and say, "Stop crying. Let's go play." You negotiate like no other and keep me on my toes every second of the day. This next year, I hope to live as bravely and confidently as you do.
So today, on your Third Birthday, I hold back the tears that involuntarily come when I think about how much I love you and how much you've grown. I marvel at that thought of how much I've grown with you. You are an amazing little person and you're growing into a magnificent child. Thank you for the random hugs and sweet kisses. Thank you for your unconditional love. Thank you for being every thing I've ever wanted and for being all that you are. What did I ever do without you?
Happy Third Birthday, my sweet, sweet little girl.
I love you, darling.
