Happy Birthday, my Madison

Madison,
Happy Birthday! I can't believe that you are already three years old! I am so proud of the little girl you are and the one you are becoming. You are so strong and sweet and funny, and pretty darn cute, too. Your Dad will tell you that he had the most to do with that part. You love to tell him how you have dark eyes, just like Daddy's dark eyes. You never seem to say that you have dimples just like Momma. Throw me a bone, kid! Those dimples are the only proof I have that you're mine!

I can't believe how much changes in just one year. A year ago, you still pretended like you listened to us when we told you to do something. You've totally given up that illusion now. Why bother, right? The other day, you and I went to the grocery store. You didn't want to ride in the cart, so I told you that was okay as long as you stayed right next to me while we shopped. We went down an aisle and while I kept going, you stopped to look at something. I told you that you had to come over to me and you took the tiniest step that has ever been taken and asked "is this close enough?" When I said no, you did it again. And again. Four hours later, and you were finally next to me again. It's really hard to act all angry and mom-like with you when you are such a little stinker. You get that from your dad, too.

You are going to be starting school in a couple of months, and the thought of letting you go into that great big world terrifies me. I know in my head that you are going to be just fine, better than fine, but in my heart I want you to stay this funny little girl forever. I love watching you grow up and test your own limits and seeing the joy on your face when you do something all by yourself for the first time. I even love when you get so angry when things don't go the way you want them to, and as frustrating as it can be for us sometimes, I want you to keep getting angry when you don't like the way things are. I promise to always fight as hard as you do against anything that makes you unhappy. I promise to do this, because when you were born God took a little piece of my heart out of my chest and put it in my arms instead. You are the very best thing I have ever done.

As much as I miss the baby you used to be, I love the little girl you are. I thank God every day for you, and I am forever grateful that I get the privilege of being a part of your life. I love you more than words can ever say. Happy Birthday, my sweet girl.

Love,
Momma