ANDIE IS THREE
It’s impossible. I can’t for the life of me understand how my littlest baby is three. Even you resist any and all thoughts of growing up. You don’t want a big girl bed, you don’t want to do the big girl thing and give your pacifiers to the paci fairy, you don’t even want to be called a big girl. And no matter how long the day has been, after we’ve already rocked you and tucked you in, and you call me back into you room to ask for “one more rock”… I can’t resist either.
I’ve said it before, but you’ve consumed my life from the moment you existed. You grew so low in my belly that I was always aware of you. You refused a bottle, only ever letting me feed you. It’s important to note, you also insisted on more frequent, shorter feeds, which meant that I was never too far from you.
It’s funny though, how someone who craves such a constant closeness can also manage to be so fiercely independent. No one can sway you once you’ve set your mind to something, you want to do everything all by yourself, and you will not be convinced to try any suspiciously new looking foods.
You know exactly who you are, and I love that about you. You love peanut butter and painting, (and sometimes you paint with your peanut butter). You love being outside and exploring. You are a creative soul, and revel in any chance to get a little messy (except when carving pumpkins). You love the water. It could the puddle on the front sidewalk, the bathtub, a swimming pool, or a lake; whatever the water, you’re always up for a splash. Your laughter comes straight from your belly, and your smile takes up your whole face.
This birthday is a milestone for my mama heart. It’s the last one before you’re off to school, and become a little bit more a part of the world. I’d be lying if I said I was ready. Like you, I want to linger in this season of babyhood. But I know (eventually) you’re going to change the whole world for the better, because of the way you’ve changed ours. Happiest birthday wishes, my sweet littlest baby, I love you more than I can ever say.
