THREE

Lu-Lu, Little Raindrop,

You are dearly loved. You bring such joy and enthusiasm to all you do, and I simply can't imagine our life without your sweet smile and affection. You are so full of love and joy, and so eager to embrace what's before you in life. You can't even make it through dinner without dishing out some hugs to whoever is sitting next to you. You tell me at least three times a day that I'm your sweet Mother-daughter (still trying to figure out roles) and that you love me (totally undeserved).

Last night before bed I asked you what was your favorite thing of the day? You said, "going to see the big, really big alligator swimming, swimming, swimming in the water." I said, "Oh yes, that was exciting, but that happened a couple days ago at Wakulla Springs. What was your favorite thing from today?" You said, "the other alligator." :)

You have almost completely dropped your nap, and if you ever accidentally fall asleep during the day, we can pretty much assume you won't be going to bed at night until after 10:00. Yep, you're my little night owl, and our only child to sleep past 7:00 in the morning (and a lot of mornings you sleep as late as 9:00). In fact, it's 10:45 as I write this, and you are still awake, going on about this and that: the potty, the birthday card, the need for someone to "lay with me."

In the morning we like to talk about the dreams we've had in the night, and you are ready to jump right in with the story of your pink dragon who loves to change colors depending on the situation he faces. Papa tried to convince you that there's a dragon living in your belly who likes to eat certain foods that you don't especially care for - such as broccoli and peppers. His tactic actually worked, too.

For your birthday we decided to do balloons (thanks for the idea, Elisha) since you are fairly crazy about them. We got 6 helium balloons and a bag to turn into water balloons. You are pretty easy to please, which is such a gift.

Today was your first day of preschool at Master's Academy, and you walked right in and sat down with your teacher - this from the girl who took an entire year to get used to the nursery at our church (and actually go). You are so excited that you repeatedly remind me to bring your sleeping bag and lunch. It'll be a long day for you (11:45-4:45) but I really think you're going to do great.

You love, love, love going swimming, and after having 3 swimming lessons earlier this Summer you have actually started swimming on your own (though it often resembles drowning). The good news is that we still have 2 months left to practice (if it stays warm enough), and I'm hopeful you'll be pretty independent by the time the pool closes.

You love to sing "Come Thou Fount-ain" and "Good Fruit." Today, for some reason, Songbird was singing "I Have Confidence" from the Sound of Music, and you pitched right in, you and Bro, with "I have continence." Again and again. Your favorite book is the Runaway Bunny, though you also love the Song of the Stars by Sally Lloyd Jones and the shape/number/word bilingual books your grandmother bought us years ago. You requested spaghetti for your birthday dinner. You wanted yellow cupcakes with Nutella frosting and sprinkles along with Neopolitan ice-cream for your big dessert. And for your present I bought you a sweet Melissa and Doug Mop / Broom / duster because you love helping me out in the kitchen. Sister showered you with gifts and cards this morning (as is her way), and Bro painted you some Scarlet Macaws (as is his way). Your siblings surround you with attention and love.

We all love you so much. Happy Birthday.