Friday, December 17, 2010

Birthday Girl!

Hope turned three this past week. All the sudden she seems just so big, asking for a haircut -and to my horror holding her scissors up to her head during craft time. Using bigger and bigger words, playing "big kid" games. I'm just not ready for it. As is my custom (read, since I'm horrible with baby books), here is my letter to her.



Happy birthday, Pumpkin Pie!
You're three! Just as you learned to put those pesky two fingers up on one hand, three has come to bring new challenges and new joys.
You are getting so big. You talk constantly. A friend from church sent a you a birthday card and you jumped up and down with it saying, "It's stupendous." I love the words you come up with...most of the time. :) You love to tell jokes and play word games with people. Although you are beginning to think it's a little to babyish for you, you still play along with the animal sounds that I love to hear from you.

You have gone from telling us Breeley is "kind of like a baby" to being a wonderful big sister. You love to play with her and make her laugh. You are so patient with her when she pulls your hair. You are a good little sister too. There are times that you get into Ty and Becca's things, but you are so generous with your own toys. You have a giving attitude that is a wonderful thing to see.


You love people. After two shy babies, you were certainly a change of pace. This year as we did the Christmas production at church you made new friends everywhere. Running around and handing out your "energy" to the weary adults brought a smile to so many faces. You are good at that, you know? You bring smiles and laughter wherever you go. Even when the smiles and laughter are at your over the top fits.

You have decided you don't need preschool. When I sit down to work puzzles or help you learn colors and counting you tell me no. After all there is more important stuff to do like math and reading. :) You especially love it when the "big kids" have a school project you get to join in. Like the Advent count down chains we made. Your proud grin in this picture makes me laugh.





You hate to be inside, but equally hate the cold. Unfortunately for you, we live where winter is a very cold reality. However summer is your favorite time of the year. You love to swim. And you have no fear of the water. That keeps Mama praying overtime in the summer. You still love bugs, especially ladybugs. Grammy and Papaw just gave you a little stuffed ladybug and I don't think it left you side except for bath and dinner time for a week.

Your favorite books this year have been The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Where's the Green Sheep, and Winnie the Pooh books. You love to go visit "Papaw's" library. He loves it when you come see him at work too.


You and Daddy have an amazing bond. You're two peas in a pod, really. I love the way he laughs with you. It reminds me of how he and your uncle used to laugh together with Grandma Bishop. You are truly a joy bringer.




Hopey, I'm so proud of you. I love your heart for others, your generosity, and how much you want to please God. I can't wait to see what God has in store for your sweet little life.

I love you,
Mama

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday to your lovely little daughter.

My 2 daughters have just had their birthdays - 13 and 11!

Unknown said...

Aww...happy birthday precious princess! Our little adventurers are both 3 now! What a wonderful time.

Laura said...

I love these letters, SO sweet! Happy Birthday to your sweet little princess! She just looks so grown up, I feel like she was just a little baby when I started reading. It has been fun seeing your family grow!! {HUGS}

He & Me + 3 said...

Oh she is so precious. Happy Late Birthday Hope! My baby boy loves being outside too. super sweet pictures.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful family you have! My little one's middle name is Hope, definitely a good name!

Brandi said...

Awww, she is just a little doll face! Happy Birthday Hope! :)

And, Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family! :)

David & Jenna said...

Oh, Bethany, I LOVE this letter!! It's such a great idea! I've been thinking about how quickly they grow and wonder if I'll remember all the cute things they do at this age/stage :) Your kids are going to love reading these as they get older! Happy Birthday to your sweet little Hope!
Have a very Merry Christmas!! :)

Amanda said...

Man, that is a tear jerker. I think I love her!! :)

Happy Belated Birthday sweet girl!

Amanda

jules said...

Three is such a fun age! Happy late birthday to the little pumpkin.