Ashley's Birthday

Today, Ashley, you are three. It is amazing to me that you are three. I look at your face when you are sleeping, and you seem like you are still so little, and then I look again, and you look like you are so much older than you really are. Like you already know all the answers to the why questions you keep asking me lately. But I know you still need me, and the day when you don't need me anymore will be the hardest day of my life. I love it that I can pick you up and hold you to stop you from crying when a stranger yells at you. I love it that when I get really upset and cry in front of you, you tell me, "Mommy, stop crying." I love that look on your face when you are really excited about something, like going to the pool, and that tilt in your voice when you say, "the pool?". I love it that you give big squeeze hugs and you try to kiss Crazy Uncle Mike on the lips even though he won't let you. I love it that you call all the Grandparents by their pets' names (i.e. Grandma Mocha, Ray's Mom whose dog is named Mocha), except my Dad and Stepmom who are Grandpa and Grandma Fuzzy due to my Dad's hairy back. I love how social you are, always wanting to go outside to play with someone, anyone. And I love how much you look like your Daddy, but how you have my personality. And I really love it when you tell Daddy you are Mommy's girl. You will always be Mommy's girl, and I love you.