To The One That Challenges Me

Oh my baby girl. You get bigger everyday. You are still very much a baby - although, you probably do not think so. You seem to think you are all grown up. But I can see the baby in you. I can see that baby when you snuggle into my arms and rest your head on my shoulder as you try to sleep. I can hear that baby when you call for Daddy to come get you in the middle of the night. I can feel that baby when your tiny little hands reach over and grab a hold of my shirt as you snuggle into bed with Daddy and me. I hear that baby when you get hurt or when you are sad (not mind you when you do not get your way - then I hear the toddler in you). Yes, you are still very much a baby.

But you are also clearly a toddler. You are so much fun. Truth be told, you are at one of my favorite stages of life. Other people fear your age and all the things that go along with it but I love it. I love watching you learn to do new things. I love hearing you speak words for the first time. Hearing you tell your stories (even if I only understand half of them). I love watching you play with new things and figure out what those things are supposed to be. I love seeing your little eyes light up because you have figured it out. Or seeing you smile and hearing you laugh because you have done something that is funny.

You challenge me. You are a handful. Someone pointed out to me that my three kids were more of a handful than her five (meaning that she has older ones who can help) but really I think it is you that is the handful. Only you. You are messy. You throw temper tantrums. You are LOUD. And half the time I have no idea what to do for you. And even when I do it is a constantly struggle to be sure that your brother and sister are not losing out just because you are the loudest. So, yes you challenge me. I hope that I meeting that challenge. I hope I am being the best mom I can be to you. You seem to like me so I assume that means you are content with what I do. :)

You are an amazing sister. You truly love your brother and sister more than anything in the world. You surprised me from day one with the way you were able to love Little Sister. Now, I just love the way you go running to her and pat her belly or her back when she cries. It is so sweet. Oh and bed time kisses. It is so awesome to see you kiss Little Sister goodnight. And I know that you want nothing more out of life than to be just like Big Brother. And really you probably could not have picked a better role model.

You are a truly wonderful child who I feel very lucky to get to parent. You, just like your brother and your sister will forever and always be my baby. I wonder if you will always surprise me as much as you do now. I wonder if you will grow up and be just like me. I sort of hope you don't. I hope that you only take away the good things. But no matter what you say or do I will always love you more than you can possibly imagine right now.