Happy 3rd Birthday, Hannah!!

Happy Birthday little girl!  I started to say “baby girl,” but that is no longer the case.  You are definitely not a baby anymore…This year has been full of changes for you!  We have watched you grow from a sweet, curious little toddler into a caring, helpful, polite, outgoing, friendly, beautiful (well, that part hasn’t changed!) little girl. 

Just a little glimpse of Hannah at 3:

 

 

 

• She talks – all. the. time.  Whether she is asking questions, telling stories, giving a running commentary on all is going on around her, or talking to herself…
• She loves to sing, and does so often, and loudly…Little Einsteins, Winnie the Pooh, Sunday School songs, “mommy’s music,” or her own compositions…But, her current favorite is “The Bally Song” (which, translated, is “Valley of Vision” from the Sovereign Grace CD by the same title!).  Her sweet little voice is the soundtrack of my life.
• Giggles…She has the best laugh…It is absolutely contagious – and no matter how awful the day is, that little giggle will make you smile!!
• She knows her letters, and can write all of them – “But, mommy, H is jus’ my favorite” – so, that is the one we see most often.
• Books – we love storytime, and I am so glad that she enjoys being read to…She has also memorized several of her books which she “reads” to us!
• She knows her numbers, and can count to 50!
• She (still) does not sleep – She is, and always has been, a morning person…waking up before the sun, cheery and ready to play!  Naps became a thing of the past early last summer.  But, more recently, she has had some struggles with nightmares/night terrors, interrupting what little sleep she does get…
• She loves her friends – and this includes the kitties, her grandparents, parents, as well as other kids…I often hear “Daddy is my best friend!”  Which is closely followed by “Oh, Charis (our cat), you are my best friend!”  (And, that statement is usually punctuated by a pitiful meow as she attempts to hug, pet, lay on, or pick up said “friend”…)
• She adores her daddy…not that I blame her – I do too!   She can’t stand to have him leave in the morning without many good-bye hugs and kisses…and we can often be found on the front porch waving good-bye and blowing kisses as he pulls out of the driveway.
• Her favorite place is outside – going for a walk, playing at the park, or just hanging out in the front yard – it doesn’t really matter as long as it is outside!  Her new favorite activity is playing tennis with her daddy!
• She will “play dolls” for hours, making up, and acting out all sorts of stories…
• She loves Disney – specifically Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse, Disneyland, and all things Cinderella (or any “beautiful princess”).  She can’t wait for our next Disneyland trip, which will probably include our very first “princess hunt.”
• She is my constant helper and companion – in the kitchen, doing laundry, cleaning the bathrooms, or dusting the furniture…she is a hard worker, and really is a lot of help!  Unless the chores involve the dreaded “bad-bad,” or “bacuum cleaner”.
• She has more energy than anyone I’ve ever met…She runs, hops, skips, or dances everywhere.  It takes a lot of caffeine to keep up with this girl!
• She often talks about her sister.  (Just to clarify, she does not have a sister, but wants one desperately!)  She has started asking Jesus for a baby sister.  You would make a wonderful big sister, and I hope Jesus answers your prayers (and mine!) very soon.
• She is the most compassionate little girl, and hates to see anyone crying, or sad, or hurt, and picks up on it almost immediately, and does her best to offer comfort in the form of a hug, a kiss, a Kleenex, or a band-aid.

Hannah, you are a precious gift, and a tool from the Lord to teach me to depend more on Him!  Sometimes, a simultaneous source of joy and test of patience, but always a constant reminder of God’s goodness, faithfulness, and blessing.   As each year (really, each day) passes – too quickly - I am reminded that the time I have with you is so short…and I grow more and more in awe of the responsibility, and the privilege that it is to be your mommy. 

Happy Birthday little girl!  I love you!!