Happy Birthday Boo Bear!!!

Happy Birthday sweet Madeline! I can't believe you are three! It feels like only yesterday we welcomed our second precious baby into the world. Now you are my middle baby, a big sister, and my big girl. You are growing and changing so much these days. I love the way you have always stayed close to me, wanting to be near me as I go about my day. You are cautious and reserved in public--free spirited, silly, and so comfortable at home with your family, as you should be. You have an imagination that rivals your sisters, and you can entertain us for minutes on end with your scenarios and stories. I love that your favorite color is blue and not pink--I needed a break from pink. I love that you are a princess one minute and a fire breathing dragon or monster the next. I love the way you ask for your morning snack at precisely the same time every day and I love that you lay on your tummy to watch TV. I love that you love pancakes and pizza--two of my favorites! I love the way you have NO rhythm, but you dance anyway. And, I love that you dance wherever you are (shoe stores, church, the car, it doesn't matter to you, because there's a beat and you have to move!). You are a wonderful and loving little sister and a sweet and helpful big sister. I love that you play "mommy" all day long--you take very good care of your baby Owen and Grace, and God willing, you will be an excellent mommy. You are determined to a fault, but I love that when you start something, you see it through. You are very encouraging; and, it blesses me greatly if things aren't going my way and you gently remind me, "Don't worry mommy--God will take care of you and I will take care of you too." We used to laugh that your first words would be "Too many kisses mommy!"--but now you are the one giving us too many kisses and we love it. I love your vocabulary--that when things surprise you, you declare them "unbelievable;" or if something is very good, you announce that it is "amazing!" You are sensitive, kind, and very concerned for others. I love the way you remember the needs of our friends and family and faithfully pray for them each night. I love that you are a goofball, but VERY serious at other times. You are a wiggle squirm, but I love it. I love that you adore your Daddy--I adore him too! I love your sense of humor, your little nose, your olive skin, your hugs, and the way you tell me you love me for no reason at all. I LOVE being your mommy!

Madeline Grace, I love who you are and who you are becoming, and I am so glad that God gave you to Daddy and me on February 19th 3 years ago. I CANNOT imagine our lives without you. You are a joy and a blessing and a wonderful asset to our family. I pray that God will use all of your "wonderfulness" for His glory! I love you my Boo Bear! Happy Birthday!