Three.

Three years ago, I was in a hospital in Tucson, happily cuddling my new baby girl!

Today that baby girl finally dragged herself out of bed after 7 (hey that’s late for her) to find some presents waiting for her!

What did she go for first? If you said the lollipop, you are correct. She held it to her cheek and closed her eyes like it was the world’s biggest treasure.

Then she got to open up her pretty dress for her party on Saturday. And then she tried on her ballet clothes (first class is tomorrow!).

So sweet. Such a little lady.

Then we dropped big brother off at school (blasted The Beatles’ “Birthday” in the car, which we’ve been playing all week) and headed to Gramma and Grampa’s house where she got this baby:

And splashed around in the pool for a bit.

I can’t think of a better day for this big three year old!

Except maybe the princess party planned for Saturday!

Happy birthday, Vanessa. You are funny, stubborn, beautiful, smart, loving, loud, and happy. My Big Big Friend is still your show of choice, you love all things “princess,” you can recite the movie Frozen, you know all your letters and like to play games on the iPad, and you keep up with big brother and love on little brother.

We love you. Thanks for being ours!