I can't believe that a whole year has passed and now you are 3. You're a little girl now- no longer a baby. You have little girl hair that you like to wear in 2 braids, unbrushed. You have little girls legs and arms that are lean and no longer baby chubby. You can navigate all of the slides and ladders at the park easily. You've experienced a lot of firsts this year from dentist appointments to haircuts to swim lessons. It was fun to watch you navigate each new situation with confidence. I love being your mama and I can't resist kissing your cheeks.
You know your little 3 year old self, Sadie William.
You learned to swim this year! You jumped in the pool each week, listened to the teacher and tried new things. We all held our breath the first time that you jumped in and swam across to the other side of the pool, your little arms and legs seem to move independently... kind of like and octopus or an amoeba.
Just the other day in the grocery store, a woman came up and asked you your name. This isn't uncommon, you're just so dang cute.
You said, "I'm Sadie!"
The woman responded, "Nice to meet you, Katie."
You said, "No, not Katie, I'm SADIE"
You have shown us this sense of self again and again with your sister, who can be strong willed and sometimes bossy. You'll make your likes and dislikes known pretty quickly- even if it means giving Rosie a shove. You've spent some time in your timeout chair. I can't stay upset when I hear you call, "Mom! I'm ready to listen!"
Although we can't always respond in this way, or get used to correcting adults, I am proud of you for making yourself known, even at 3. I pray that you always have this strong sense of self and continue to stand up for yourself.
You are creative and fun. We asked you what you wanted for your birthday and you said, "I'd like a stinky skunk!"
Oh my. Dad showed heroic effort and found you a perfect skunk puppet.
Your vocabulary has grown so much this year. You have a deep, true laugh that is full of joy. When you laugh like this everyone around you can't help but experience joy and gratitude for your little life.
We have had fun spending time together, just the 2 of us in the mornings when Rosie is at school. You love to spend time on the carpet playing with little dolls or blocks. You like to make towers and knock them down. You are fun to play with. Your favorite show is Curious George and your favorite foods are fruit and pasta.
You have dad's sense of direction. Praise the Lord. Just the other day, you lead Mimi to Rosie's school to pick her up after kindergarten. When Mimi turned left instead of right you informed her that she was going the wrong way. Later, when looking for a specific lunch spot you told Papa that he had, "just passed it." Sometimes it's nice to be corrected by a 3 year old :)
We love you so much Sadie. You are still the easy going little person that you have been since birth. You are showing more and more of your personality and it's a joy to get to see. You bring so much laughter and life to this family. We are grateful everyday for who you are and for the role that we get to play. My prayer for you hasn't changed too much from years passed- that you will experience the love and joy of Jesus in your life and that you will find meaning, gratitude and purpose in serving others and experiencing the beauty of the world around you. Love you to the moon and back about a million times.
Mama
