she's THREE.

I cannot believe it. 

My little lady is three. THREE.

What?! Where did the time go??

Seems like a few weeks ago, we were bringing home this squishy little squish.

I remember trying to learn her. Hearing every sound and trying to figure out what she wanted - what she needed.

And now I'm trying to keep her.

Keep her snuggly. Keep her sweet. Keep her little.

It's a battle that I'm struggling with the fact that I'll lose. I had no idea that with each feat, each triumph, I'd feel so much accomplishment...And yet, feel a lump in my throat when I see "old" pictures of her.

It's amazing how you can go from not knowing someone...to them holding the biggest part of your heart.

This girl can make me belly laugh. She can make me smile from ear to ear...

Or she can make me so frustrated that I'll wake up in the middle of the night worried that I hadn't been the best I could have been in some situation. I'll wonder how I could have done something better or if she'll still want to give us another shot in the morning. (I know - it's not like she has a choice; she's kinda stuck with me...but it's in the middle of the night. And middle-of-the-night-thoughts don't always make lots of sense...)

But as amazing as she is to me, how could I not overly think most every move I make?

I tell her all the time that she's my best girl. And she tells me, "And you're mine best momma."

Don't know how I got to be the lucky momma to this sweet soul, but I sure am thankful for her.

And now she's a rootin' tootin' little lady.

I mean, she's not a baby anymore. Not even a toddler.

She's a lady.

I may even go as far to saying she's my favorite lady.

She is the reason for me being a chicken-loving/barefoot-wearing/lard-cooking/blueberry-farming/beekeeping momma. 

She has shaken my world, rocked my socks, and made my heart so very happy. 

I don't think I could ever be thankful enough for her and her sweet soul. 

Happy birthday, my sweets!