Monday, March 19, 2012

She's 3

My Sweet Chloe Belle,
Yesterday, you didn't take a nap and by 7:00 pm you were on your last leg.  You cried and cried over a horse picture that Camdyn colored and you wanted.  I told myself to be patient with you because you are only 2...and then I realized that tomorrow you would be 3.  So, I took you upstairs and we sat in the rocking chair and I replayed your birthday in my mind as we rocked for what will probably be one of the last times.  After 5 minutes or so, you asked me to stand up because you wanted to rest your head on my shoulder, so I did.  I stood there with you in the fading evening light of your bedroom and we slowly turned circles until you were fast asleep.  I laid you down and kissed your puffy cheeks good night.  And as I shut the door to your room I thought "this will be the last time I ever lay my 2 year old to bed, we will never have another 2 year old." 

This morning I went to wake you and you were not in your bed.  I was alarmed for a minute and then figured you had to be upstairs somewhere.  I found you fast asleep nestled against your sister.  How sweet that in the night when you are looking for a body to curl up against,  you now choose her bed over mine. 

And today you are 3!  Full of spunk and spitfire and solid sweetness just like the day you were born.
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At exactly 7:14 this morning, Daddy & I took turns giving you kisses during your birth minute.  You swatted us away and we laughed about how you have always been the same.  You've always been a screamer and a "say it like it is" kind of girl.  You don't get pushed around, you speak your mind, and you care not what other's say.  I think you get this from Grandma D.  You remind me a lot of her, in spirit and temperament. 
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But, you are also sweet as the setting sun.  You are a hand holder and a rule follower, and quick to share and please others.  At just 3 you already care about feelings and whether or not Momma is happy or sad.  Sometimes, if I turn my sad face on, your eyes will well with tears.  We are connected that way, just like me and my mom. 
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Since we've done 3 before, I know what to expect.  This will be the year that the baby will disappear and a preschooler will be left in her place.  This will be a year of "why's?" and questions and limit testing.  But it will also be a year of independence and cohesive play with your friends and sister.  It'll be a year where tantrums fade and emotions are communicated with words.  It's an age that I'll miss when you are 4. 

What I wish for you this upcoming year is that you continue finding words for your emotions and gentleness in your hands.  I hope you feel loved and safe and secure, always.  I hope that you and your sissy develop a steadfast friendship, which I can tell is already forming.  My wish for you is that you keep that fire in your belly that makes you stand up for yourself and others.  I hope you always speak your mind and that you demand only the best for yourself.  I hope my weaknesses are your strengths.

Happy 3rd birthday sweet girl.
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Love you Forever & Always,
Momma

11 comments:

LeeAnn said...

Happy Birthday Chloe!!! As always, this is such a sweet post, and so full of love. I love the pictures...and the gymbo dresses. I hope you both have a fabulous day!

The Ludwigs said...

Happy birthday, Chloe! I love the balloon pics - such beautiful soft colors :)

Moments and Impressions said...

Happiest Birthday Chloe

These photos are so gorgeous Carol!! She looks so grown up.

Moments and Impressions said...

Happiest Birthday Chloe

These photos are so gorgeous Carol!! She looks so grown up.

Colleen (Shibley Smiles) said...

Oh my she looks so terribly big! Happy Birthday!

and BTW seriously your calling is photography and writing. You can evoke such emotion with your words!

Jennifer said...

Happy, happy birthday Chloe Belle. I love this post. And I hope you are keeping these for your girls to read and appreciate when they are older. You are an amazing mom with 2 amazing little girls. And I know that this is going to be a good year...I can feel it :-)

Unknown said...

Happy Happy Bday Chloe! Love all those photos and her spunky personality. Love the story of rocking her and her falling asleep with her sister. KLV recently let me rock her to sleep and I loved every second of it. Hope all is well!

Lexie Loo, Lily, Liam & Dylan Too said...

Happy 3rd Birthday to your beautiful girl!

Mama Hen said...

Happy birthday sweet baby girl! These pictures are beautiful! I hope you are doing well Carol! Your girls are so blessed to have such a great mama! Have a good day!

Mama Hen

Mama Hen said...

I just love these pictures! Have a Happy Easter Carol! I hope you are doing well and smiling! have a great day!

Mama Hen

Casey Martinez said...

Happy 3rd Birthday to your princess and for the record I can totally see a quote on that first and last picture and see the pic on pinterest!! PERFECTION!