Can you tell me a story?

Dear Catalina, You just celebrated your third birthday--unbelievable! At the same time it seems like it was so long ago that I had a life without you but also that it was just yesterday we were bringing you home from the hospital. You are no longer a creature with only needs and wants--but thoughts and expressions as well. Ok so you've had thoughts and expressions for a while, but this birthday has really cemented that in my head. You are your own person. It is so fun to watch. Here is a link to a video where you express your thoughts on turning three http://youtu.be/gTs1eXHTWyg Added to the list of things that three-year olds do not do--according to you-- is pee pee in your pants. While I still catch you picking your nose, you've actually so far kept your promise on this last one. For your birthday, we thought we'd take you down to Phoenix and go to the Children's Museum or this amusement park for little kids. Unfortunately you got sick right before we were set to go. We went anyway which ended up being a mistake. So we didn't get to do too much in Phoenix, but I think you still enjoyed the time you got to spend with mommy and daddy in a hotel. Today you seem to be full of emotions. You mentioned that you were lonely at school and that breaks my heart to hear. You currently attend a small preschool called Gartendale. Right now there are only 5 kiddos and you are the youngest. I know you want so badly to play with the two other little girls, but I think you get left out a bit. Already it's starting. I'm not really prepared to help you through these social issues--especially when I still deal with them myself. Hopefully we can impress upon you how special you are and build some self confidence--but I fear that I have some troubles with that. I probably can point out any shortcomings in a person faster than I can name their strengths--including my own. I am trying to work on not passing that on to you, but I'm not sure I'm succeeding. So here are some of your strengths: I shouldn't harp on appearances--but you are seriously adorable. I know I'm biased, but I have rarely seen a cuter kid. You are very creative--and expect the same of others. One of your favorite things is to say "Mommy (or Daddy), tell me a story" Even though you often want the stories to be similar to ones you've heard before, you also seem to enjoy new twists and endings. You love reading books. I think we could sit and read all day and you wouldn't mind. You are very curious. You always ask me about the first letters of various words. "What starts 'Pelican'" or something like that. You've gotten pretty good at recognizing sounds, too. You've picked up various skills in gymnastics really quickly. I wasn't sure that physical activity would be a strong point, but with some direction, you seem to do just fine. You always want me to walk or ride the bike to places--I hope this never changes. It keeps me honest about my need to drive places. You are very thoughtful and kind. You tell me you love me without warning. You often think of gifts for others, too. You can be completely random. Sometimes you and I just say words to each other--kind of like an unannounced word-association game. You've done this for a while now. I think its hilarious. You have a great sense of humor--and your life is definitely infectious. Hopefully I tell you these things in person, too. But now we have a record of your amazingness! My little three-year old. Unbelievable. So far, three is pretty terrific. I'm told you will turn into a monster soon. I see signs now--but I welcome the challenge. Sorry for the boring post. I love you to the moon....and back Mommy