My BIG three year old girl

Dearest Victoria Pearl,

Your daddy's most common utterance right now is, "Gosh, she looks so big."  Reluctantly (does a mom ever accept that her child is growing up so quickly?), I agree with him as I let out the hem in your pants that were too long just a couple of months ago.    I watch your hems shorten and your ponytail get longer, which are undeniable signs that you are getting older.  I celebrate your continued growth and love watching your personality develop, but I can't help but mourn the passing of the precious baby years.

Speaking of babies, I wanted to share something with you...something that I often don't even remember now that you are here - and that is just how much you were wanted and loved.  You see, I had wanted a baby for a long while.  It took three years of many ups and downs before you finally came along.  During those years of trying, I wanted "a baby", but I know now that it was you that I wanted.  You, my dear, are my dream come true.   I'll never have those baby years back, but I have you as we journey through toddlerhood and beyond, and there is no place I would rather be.

Happy Birthday, Dream Girl!

Love,
Mommy