To our 3-year-old...

From the minute you were born, you were a daddy's girl. He could hardly leave your side. You have his eyes, his imagination, his enthusiasm, and so much more. Sometimes I would feel jealous of your special connection but I have learned that there is something so great about a father-daughter connection that builds confidence and self-worth in a girl and woman. You couldn't ask for a better person to have this special bond with. If you follow his example and take his advice, you will have the ability to do great things.

What an incredible experience to become your mom. July 17, 2009 was a rough day getting you here, but I was so happy to meet you and see that you were healthy and strong. I was so happy to give you the special name of your great-grandma Maren. We knew that was your name months before you came. Three years seemed like 3 months ago. We feel so blessed to have you in our family.

These pictures say it all about the kind of one-year-old you were. You were always full of surprises. You had a lot of spunk and you always kept us laughing.

As a 2-year-old, we were impressed by so much. We could see how smart you were and how in tune you were with the spirit. You were social wanting to make others happy.

It was amazing the things that would excite you. You kept us on our feet.

At 3, the sass and independence appeared. I have had a bit of a preview as to how to be your mom when you become a teenager. Thank you for the opportunities to refine who I am by developing qualities such as patience, compassion, and more of a nurturing character.

I love this picture because it shows how excited and happy you are to be a big sister. You are a great one.  Eva adores you already and will look to you for support and friendship all her life.

We love you pirate, princess, witch, big girl, ballerina, whatever you imaginative little heart desires. Keep that spark alive, and you will go far.