She really is three.

Well, as of 9:08 this morning, my baby girl is three. She entered this world at 6 pounds 10 ounces and was 19 inches long.

Luckily, I was busy at 9:08 or I probably would have teared up uncontrollably. This birthday is just really hard for me to swallow.

The birthday party went off without a hitch, and I will be adding pictures later. I had my mom take all the pictures so they are all on her camera,and I haven't quite gotten them loaded to my computer. But, in honor of my sweetie's birthday, I thought I'd share a few of the best things we've learned about her in the past three years.



First off, she was born pouting. We thought it was so ironic at the time because Caleb puckers his bottom lip, still, when he cries. We knew they must be siblings when we saw that. What turned out to be so funny about it though, is she has never hesitated to show her emotions. She can be the happiest girl in the world, hysterical laughter, or she can be as mean as a snake. Her newest trick is to just shout at the top of her lungs, just to let you know she's not content.



I cannot get enough of her. I find myself just staring at her, just taking her in. I study every curve of her face, the softness of her skin, the shape of her hands and feet. I learned with Caleb that those things are but a fleeting moment, so I am trying to press the slow-motion button on her. I want to remember everything about her at this time. From the first moment I held her in my arms, I knew she was very special. She would one day be my very best friend, as my mom is to me.



She idolizes Caleb, and rightfully so. He has always been such a patient, kind, and wonderful big brother. Even though she insists on calling him her sister, they have such a precious relationship.



She wants things to happen fast. She was born just three hours from the time my labor was induced. And, she hasn't slowed down since. She is very impatient, much like I am, but she is not good at hiding her dismay when things don't go exactly as she plans.



She might be a vegetarian some day. She has never been a big meat eater, but man does she love fruits and veggies. Her favorites are corn and green beans.



She's the life of the party. She always has been and I suppose she always will be. She has an infectious little giggle and can fill a room with laughter.



She truly loves animals of all kinds. Rodney came in the other day to announce that Hannah's first act as an animal conservationist was relocating rollie pollies from the sidewalk to the grass. She has such a heart for all kinds of life. She is so sad when she sees me smash a bug. It's really funny.



She tells everybody that she meets that "My daddy's flying airplanes." I guess this means she is very proud of him and she misses him. Also, every time we hear a plane or helicopter pass by, she squeals with delight in thinking it "MUST" be her daddy. She might be a little bit crazy about him, as he is absolutely in head over heels with her. He says the thing he looks forward to the most about coming home from his trips is how she runs up to him so very excited to see him, as if it's been months since he'd been home.



She loves to play pretend. She carries around little 'stuff' all the time. A play phone, fake fruits and vegetables, brushes... whatever. She has even invented an imaginary friend named Darby, who she seems to know very well.



She loves music. She can bebop with the best of them. She knows the words to all my favorite songs, including Bleeding Love and Life Goes On. When my phone rings, she sings the songs. Her favorite song, coincidentally, was my favorite song when I was her age, Uptown Girl. She can sing it. She has great rhythm and isn't afraid of an audience.



She's precocious. And, I mean that in the very best way. She loves to read books, but only the pages she wants to read. She loves to watch TV, but only if her shows are on. And, you better hope they are. She loves to wear Crocs... who cares what feet they go on. And, she REALLY loves to be outside with her granddad, who would swim across the ocean if she asked him to.



She thinks Tay-Tay has hung the moon, and well, she has.



She went to Disney World when she was only 18 months old and was a perfect little lady, but went to Chicago at 2 1/2 and was not. She also totally has my mom wrapped around her finger.



She can do funky weird things with pacifiers, and she may take one to college.



She's scary smart, is truly a precious gift sent from above... and, is three! I can't believe how fortunate we are to have her in our lives. She makes us complete.