Dear Preslee

my dear, sweet, stubborn preslee...you are SO much like me that it scares me. especially when i think what it will be like to deal with your fiercely independent personality in about ten years from now. the more i tell you to do something, the less you want to do it. if knowledge is power then you are going to be one very powerful little girl. you seem to know everything, including things we didn't teach you. having a conversation with you is like having a conversation with an old woman. you are wise, well beyond your three years.

you are very social, too and think nothing of holding your arms out to a room of children and adults for hugs. i love the way you look at me sometimes and say, "mommy", then just fling yourself into my arms for a tight hug and a kiss, right on the lips. you are so strong and adventurous. there isn't much you are afraid of. i love the way you always make sure that mason knows there is nothing to be afraid of. you are such a wonderful big sister!

you couldn't be more strong-headed and strong-willed. while those traits frustrate me, i understand them completely. your momma, sweet girl, is the same way. you are not afraid to speak your mind and i know this will land you in some trouble some day. but, you have persistence and i find that to be a key to success. you are going to be something big. your drive and passion for life is going to get you so far. there is nothing you can't do and i love watching you try and try again until you do just what you set your mind out to accomplish.

you are such a thoughtful little girl. i listen to you and mason playing and laugh when i hear you squeal because you found a new toy and want her to see it. sometimes you do hold her down and push her towards it with her obviously resisting, but the thought is there. you want her to have as much fun as you are having.

sweet preslee, you are SO independent yet so vulnerable at the same time. you are SO observant. so AWARE. and so very sensitive to everything and everyone around you. you are so beautiful. your smile lights up your whole entire face. you take my breath away!

i have enjoyed watching you grow and change every single day of these last three years. your first couple of days in life was rough, but you were such a fighter and came out all the more stronger. your passion for life amazes me. nothing escapes you. you notice everything. there isn't a minute for me to get bored because you want to talk to me every second. i love how happy you are in the morning when i come into get you. you have already gotten up, changed out of your pj's and gotten yourself dressed for the day. most of the time, you are sitting in bed reading a book. and every single day, you say to me, "mommy, i woke up" in the most excited little voice. you can't wait to see what each day will hold. you have such a zest for life! i love that about you.

i know that you are going to change even more in the next year. the days that you are my little baby are gone and now you are an independent, strong toddler. this next year, you are going to turn into an even more amazing little girl. while, i am a little nervous about that, i am excited to see what crazy adventures we will have together. i love you preslee grace, you are my first born and you stole my heart from the first moment i layed eyes on you.

happy birthday baby!
love, mommy