My big girl

Aubrey Lane, you are now 3 years old. I am wiping away tears as I type this just thinking of how amazing you are and how much you mean to us.

Not a day goes by that I don't laugh at your wittiness, stand in awe at your intelligence, or smile at your tenderness...you are absolutely one in a million.

I don't know how I got so lucky to be your mommy...but I thank the good Lord every single day for giving you to us.

This past year has been one of tremendous growth for you. You have come so far in a year, it is absolutely amazing. You went from being a dependent little toddler to an independent, sassy little girl. The things you come up with and say make me laugh so hard...nothing gets past you anymore and I have to be really careful what I say or do, because you are sooo smart and intuitive.

The other day, we were at Chick A Lay (as you call it) and you were very hyper and wild. We were headed home to take naps, so I didn't want you to get your usual ice cream cone and become even more wound up. I cleverly told you that the ice cream machine was broken (trying to avoid a meltdown) and we wouldn't be able to get one. As we were loading up in the parking lot, out walks a lady with a large ice cream cone and of course she walks right in front of you. You loudly proclaim, "mommy...the ice cream machine is fixed and working!" I felt terrible for being caught in my mommy fib and right then and there I knew there was no more trying to pull a fast one on you!

You are doing great in school and slowly...very slowly starting to communicate with your teachers. I think you have said a total of two words all year, but you are smiling, waving and enjoying yourself, so that is all that matters.

You started dance this fall and absolutely LOVE it. You love the tutu, the leotard, the ballet shoes, the tap shoes...everything! You don't participate much in the class and you look absolutely fearful during class, but when you leave, you seriously talk about dance the entire week...begging to go back!

You are completely potty trained! PRAISE THE LORD! You occasionally will get distracted and have an accident but I'd say 99% of the time you do awesome. You crack me up because when you use the restroom, you always ask me to leave so you can have "your primacy!!"

You are a very picky eater (except for all things junk and candy). Some healthy things you love include hummus, bananas, yogurts, cucumbers and apples. You take FOREVER to eat dinner and a lot of nights it is a fight to get you to eat. We have adapted the "three bite" rule and require you to eat at least three bites of everything on your plate. We are not big on requiring you to eat everything, but you must at least try everything.

You love all things Frozen and are really into Tangled right now. You love the part where Flynn finds a wanted poster of himself and screams, "They can't get my nose right!" You think that is just the funniest thing ever! You are totally into this stage of repeating numerous lines from movies throughout the day and it cracks me up and how much you can remember.

Your little heart is getting so much softer and sweeter (for a while there I was a little worried, HAHA!) You are developing a real sweet spirit and learning to consider others in all you do. You are more sensitive and melt down with just a stern fussing, where as used to, we could wear you out and you really didn't care. I love that you are learning scripture and doing your best to hide God's word in your heart. You can recite quite a few verses and really love to tell bible stories back to us that you have learned.

Aubrey Lane, you have a real zest for life and are so full of energy and fun. Not a day goes by that you won't say, "that's amazing" or "I'm so excited". I love that you love life and find such joy in the little things. You appreciate the small things like a few jelly beans or popcorn and a movie. You love to snuggle and give hugs and kisses and are becoming so affectionate and loving to mommy and daddy. Weston...not so much. We are working daily on training you to be sweet and kind to brother as that is something you are struggling with!

You love and adore your family. You love your Meme, Papa D, Nana and Papa. You are so comfortable around them and love going to their houses. You ask for Nana and Meme regularly and they spoil you rotten. You also have your Papa D and Papa wrapped around your little fingers.  You adore your cousins and they are all your best friends. You love your Uncle D and will lavish hugs on him when we see him.

Aubrey Lane I could go on for hours about the crazy-fun things you do and say...I honestly think you are just the funniest little thing ever. You are so incredibly smart and I don't think I'm being partial just because you are mine!

But beyond your wit, beauty and intelligence, the thing that makes me the most proud is your precious, sweet spirit. I know without a doubt you are gonna do amazing things for God and grow to be a Godly young girl. You are going to soar to great heights because you have a tender heart and love hard. You have amazed me so much this year baby girl, and I am beyond proud of the little girl you are becoming. You keep shining bright in this world and continue to make your mark on this big world. Always know that mommy and daddy love you more than anything and think you are just the most incredible gift we have ever been given.

May this next year be full of more great changes and growth for you. May you continue to find your voice and gain confidence in all you do. I pray that your spirit will continue to be molded and may your heart keep beating strongly for the Lord.

I love you my sweet girl!

Happy birthday!