Back by popular demand

On the eve of Elizabeth's 3rd birthday, one of my faithful readers has reminded me that it's time for another birthday letter to my beautiful little girl. (Refer here and here if you have no clue what I'm typing about.)

Dear Elizabeth,

Tomorrow you will turn 3 years old, so I'm writing another birthday letter to you. It's hard for me to believe another whole year has passed by. I'm afraid this letter is going to be short and sweet, because I've had a very long day. But, that's one thing I always want to remember about you. No matter how hard and long my day has been, you make me forget about it as soon as I walk in the door. I always love to come home and hear you running down the hall to see me with such excitement and joy. And nothing melts my heart more than when I hear you say, "Mommy, I miss you when you're gone." Little girl, I really miss you too.

I love the time I get to spend with you, whether it's a special trip to the Dollar Store, or sitting down on the floor to play Hi-Ho-Cheerio, or running through the "Spooky Forest" with your Dora lantern, or finding you hiding under the pillows for Hide and Go Seek, or one of our other many games. I try to make every minute that we're together count, since I see how quickly you are growing up. Now that you're older, we have so much fun together. Your bright little mind is full of such creativity that you can transform a teddy bear into a bridge or a puzzle piece into prickly-pear stew, and it's always fun to see what you will think of next. I get to be a kid again when I play with you, and you help me to see the world in a completely different way through eyes that are bright with excitement.

You are learning new things daily, and it amazes me how much you remember and how easily you learn. You're so proud of yourself when you learn new things, and I'm so very proud of you too. You love to "read" your books and I love to watch you when you don't know I'm there, because you are so expressive. Some of my favorite books from childhood are now your favorite books, and I love having that special bond with you. I remember sitting in my mother's lap (your Gran's lap) while she read them to me, and now you sit in my lap while I read them to you. One day, I pray you will do the same with your own little one...but at the same time, I don't want that day to come too quickly, because that will mean you're too big to sit in my lap anymore.

So, while you're still the perfect size for my lap and my arms, I'm going to cherish every minute we have together. I'm excited for this upcoming year. You're going to start preschool in the fall, and you're going to continue to grow into a beautiful young lady.

Happy Birthday, Libby Lou. I love you!