3 Years Ago

Three years ago, we went from being a family of 3 to a family of 4.
Three years ago, I became the mother of TWO of the cutest little girls ever.
Three years ago, I realized it was possible to love the 2nd child just as much as the 1st.
Three years ago, I held a 6 pound, 6 ounce peanut in my arms.

Fast forward to today. Our youngest daughter is THREE years old! I cannot believe how quickly time has gone by. It is amazing to look back and see how much has happened in the short span of 12 months. Running, jumping, coloring, panting, walking up steps, making animal sounds, discovering her imagination, learning to love books, dancing, vocalizing, using a big girl swing...all of these wonderful things (and many more) have happened this year.

One of our favorite things has been watching Cara grow and mature & watching her personality develop. She is such of a sweet, caring, smart and rambunctious little girl.

This is Cara, as we've come to know & love her--
She loves to run to you, full force, and embrace you in a hug with surprising strength. She is a diva at heart and longs to be bedecked in necklaces, bracelets and fancy dresses. She adores playing outside and exploring nature (which includes picking things off of trees & bushes). She has an obsession with balloons (the movie Up was a hit) and Elmo. She would drink nothing but milk with a squirt of chocolate syrup if we had access to a cow with an unending milk supply. She loves to be a big girl by "vacuuming", putting her dishes away and washing her hands. She is a momma at heart and hates to see people upset or crying. She still realizes the importance of naps and will put herself down for one if she's tired. She would rather have a pile of books than a toy box full of toys (a girl after her mother's heart). She knows how to wrap you around her little finger with her adorable smile, but watch out, she often has a mischievous glint in her eye! She understands the wonders and miracles of the world and delights in experiencing and discovering them--every day is something new.

We are greatly looking forward to what this year brings as Cara enters the world of preschool. We are excited for the friends that she'll make and the things that she'll learn. It's hard to believe that she's THREE, but oh my, she's come so far! May the future be bright & happy for her.

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY Cara, we love you, always!