Our "Older 3!"...For 2 More Days

Look at this precious little "big" girl! This was two days before Mackenzie's 4th birthday. I really can't believe that I have been a mom to this beautiful child for 4 years. I am blessed, indeed! It is strange really, because it seems like just yesterday that my life changed forever, while at the same time, I can't remember life before she arrived! Someone asked her today how old she was and she said, "I'm 3!" I was very sad that she will only be able to say that for two more days. Then she said, "But Mommy, I'm an OLDER 3!" That is a big deal in her world!

I am just really having a hard time with the fact that our girls are growing up, way too fast, and there is nothing I can do to slow it down. What I can do is make the most of every moment, and love them to pieces! Every year on the night before the girls' birthdays, I write them a letter. This wasn't something that I had always planned to do, but it just kind of happened, and now I just keep doing it. I think I do it more for myself than for them really, because it helps me express how I feel. So, this is Mackenzie's 4 Year Old Birthday letter! I hope one day when she is older and reads it, she will understand how I felt!

My Sweet Mackenzie,

Once again, it is the night before your birthday...your 4th BIRTHDAY! Wow...I remember writing last years letter like it was just yesterday. Where did the past year go? I can't believe that my baby girl is 4 years old. You are my beautiful big girl now! (I do love it that right now you like to pretend you are a baby...I like to pretend that too!) I am so proud of the little girl you are growing up to be. I probably write about the same things every year, but I just want you to know what is in my heart and how much I love you. You are my joy and delight! When you were born and I held you for the first time 4 years ago, I experienced love in a whole new way. The same thing happened when Madison was born. I love you both so much that it almost hurts. This has been a big year for you...you started taking dance class and had your first recital, you went to the dentist for the first time, you learned how to write your name, you started ELP, we went on vacation to Sea World and the beach...so many fun memories! My favorite memory from when you were 3 years old is probably our trip to Disney World. It was truly magical and I can't wait to take you back again! You gained a lot of independence over the past year. Starting preschool was a huge milestone in your life...one that was really hard on mommy! I am so thankful that we made that decision though, because you love it and we have great peace that it was the right thing to do. You love reading books, coloring, playing dress-up, Barbies, and princesses, watching Dora, Kai-Lan, and right now, CARS! (We think that is funny because you are 100% girl, except that you love Lightning McQueen!) You love to play outside, going to your class at church, and singing songs. You are definitely a little drama queen and you say the funniest things! I hope someday you will enjoy looking at this blog and reading about all of the funny things you said and did! Almost every night, you find your way into our bed...while I would love to have more than 6" to sleep on, I will be so sad when this stops happening. I treasure our early morning cuddle time! One of my favorite memories from this year is playing Wonder Pets every morning when we would wake up...you would crawl under the covers and say "Help, help! A baby turtle is stuck on a log! or A baby squirrel is stuck in a tree!" Then I would be Ming-Ming and Madi would be Tuck and we would come rescue you! This was our routine almost every morning there for a while! While I am very sad this year that you are growing up so fast, I am thankful for every day with you & I look forward to what this next year will bring. You are no longer my "older 3," you are now a "younger 4!" I pray for you this year, that God would continue to bless and watch over you, that you would learn about His love and learn to love and praise Him, and that you would continue to grow in love and happiness! Always remember that no matter how old you are, your momma loves you always and you will never outgrow my lap! I love you more and more each year I think! Happy 4th Birthday, Mackers!

Hugs and Kisses,

~ Momma

Well, it is 11:20 PM on October 1st...almost Mackenzie's birthday! We are going to have a wonderful time celebrating over the next two days. But for now, I think I'll go kiss my little 3 year old one more time while she sleeps! (And try not to cry while doing it!)