thirty six months

Dear Doodlebug,

Today you are three years old. You act every bit of it too. I told you yesterday that you needed to get some rest before your big day tomorrow because it's your birthday and you said, "No it's not." And I should know better than to argue with you, but I said, "Yes it is." Of course you replied, "No it's not." When I gave up and said, "OK it's not" you changed your tune right away and said, "Yes it is. Tomorrow's my birthday!"

My friends say that three is harder than two, but I've always wondered how they could possibly be right. Then today this happened. And when I told mom and dad in front of you the other day that you sure did have a 'tude lately, you emphatically stated, "I'm not two! I'm three!" Three years old and always wanting to be right.

We had a small party for you on Saturday at the park and despite the frigid temperatures most people came to celebrate and watch you play. Like most every day you conquered the playground and dirt mound, entertained us with your antics, and charmed us with your carefree giggles. You know what you want girl and you go for it. You savor control just about as much as your mama and daddy and the competitive spirit in you has come out in full force.

This month you've learned to play a few board games and you've learned to fight to win the race against your father to the top of the stairs each night. You are a Sore Loser (yes, with a capital S and L).

You’re obsessed with all of the Disney Princesses. So much so in fact, that a friend of ours got a birthday party invitation from you and it had the princesses on the front. When his dad asked him who it was he immediately replied, “Julianna.” Like many mothers I’d imagine, I never thought I’d let my child become as obsessed with some cartoon characters as you have become, but somehow along the way I gave a little and you wanted more. Then came the day when the eight collector’s figurines of all the Disney Princesses that we’d ordered for your cake arrived in the mail and your eyes got as big as basketballs. You simply looked and said, “Wow!” (imagine a double-syllable exclamation in a deep southern accent). It makes me so happy to see you so happy. We’re going to have a blast at Disney World in a few weeks.

Jules, I know every parent thinks their child is the exception to some rule of development averages, but you truly are one of the most intuitive three year olds I know. Your vocabulary never ceases to amaze me. You know things about the sun and moon, about the Bible, about nursery rhymes and books, and even things about people that even I have trouble remembering. You absorb things like a sponge. You know quite a bid of words in Spanish and you understand a lot about numbers. You are already asking questions that I have a hard time answering like, “Why did those people kill Jesus on the cross?” and “Why do germs make us sick?” You’ve memorized fifty page books and know thousands of songs.

The part that gets me the most is the amount of stuff that you understand when we don’t even say it. I’m currently ten weeks pregnant and while we haven’t spoken a word about it to you this time around, you very clearly already understand what’s going on. You surprised us all a week ago when you said something to daddy about a brother or sister. When he asked you, “What?!” you said, “My baby sister’s in my mom’s belly.” Daddy said something like, “She is?” and you told him plainly, “Mommy’s belly’s getting bigger. See, I’ll show you!” She proceeded to point at my belly and pat it gently right after I walked into the room.

By the way, THANKS FOR THAT KIDDO.

It is a constant battle to get you dressed in the mornings and to keep you from putting the dog in a headlock. WHoooo boy we’re in for a treat with two of you in our house, but it will eventually be loads of fun to watch you boss your younger sibling around. One day, I hope, you’ll understand why we don’t shoot people or why it’s not nice to say, “I’m going to kill you!” or “I don’t love daddy!” Until then, we’ll continue to love you unconditionally and we’ll try our best to teach you right from wrong and how to survive in this crazy world. I promise you that, Doodle.



Naturally, your father and I have spent several minutes over the past couple of days reminiscing about those nights three years ago before our lives changed so dramatically. We were so happy before you joined us in this world, but we truly didn’t know love like we know it today. You have brought us so much joy and happiness and we’re so thankful to have you as our little girl. You may be growing up fast, but you’ll always be our baby. We love you bunches!

Love,

Mama