Happy Third Birthday Sweetheart

Ella, weren't you just crawling? Weren't you just snuggling in the crook of you Daddy's neck? I thought just yesterday I was watching you sleep in your bassinet. Not so. You are a big girl now, big enough to have your own bed, big enough to dress yourself, big enough to write your name (your version of your name of course). I still watch you sleep for a bit every night and kiss your sweet face before saying goodnight. And although today you told me, in no uncertain terms, that you are a big girl now, you will always be my baby.

Of all the memories of the year leading up to your third birthday, I want you to remember our song the most, "For Baby" sung by Peter, Paul, and Mary:

I'll walk in the rain by your side
I'll cling to the warmth of your tiny hand
I'll do anything to help you understand
I'll love you more than anybody can

And the wind will whisper your name to me
Little birds will sing along in time
The leaves will bow down as you walk by
And morning bells will chime

I'll be there when you're feeling down
To kiss away the tears if you cry
And I'll share with you all the happiness I've found
A reflection of the love in your eyes

And I'll sing you the songs of the rainbow
Whisper of the joy that is mine
The leaves will bow down when you walk by
And morning bells will chime