Tomorrow you turn 3.  You have been excited about your birthday for weeks, and today was no exception.  We went shopping and you told everyone we met that it’s your birthday.  You’re having the pink party you have dreamed of, with a ‘Mimi’ cake (I love that you call Dora ‘Mimi’) and lots of friends who love you.  I can’t wait to watch you open presents, hear everyone sing Happy Birthday to you, with a big Hip Hip Hooray at the end!  This last year of 2 has shown me why I wanted to be a mother, and there were so many moments to love.

You learned to count, making it up at the start, saying 4, 6, 11, 14, 16.  Goodness knows why you chose those numbers.  Then you made it from 1 to 10 and beyond, and I couldn’t have been more proud if you had flown to the moon.

Your endless chatter every day never ceases to impress and surprise me.  We have lovely conversations over chai and gingerbread at our favourite cafe.  Whenever we pass it, you ask for “coffee man” and I can’t help but give in.

Ballet class is your favourite thing and I’m sure not a day has passed that you haven’t put on your shoes and danced for me, or Daddy, or Nanna.  You have an amazing sense of rhythm and love classical music.

I hear you sing along to the radio when we’re driving and it makes my heart happy!

You started preschool, and you run to me with arms out every time I pick you up.  You bring home the most adorable artworks and we hang them on the stairs so everyone can see.  You are so purposeful and planned in how you do things.

You are super friendly and often adopt other families at the playground, joining in their games as if you always belonged.  You charm everyone with your big eyes and sunny smiles!

We gave you a scooter as an early birthday present, and in just days you went from beginner to racer, going as fast as I can run after you!  Like a skater you throw your leg out behind you and glide along, so graceful and balanced.

You always hold my hand when we walk, and I love feeling you bouncing along beside me.

I say guess what.  You say love you.  I say I love you lots and lots.  You say no Mum, just one.  One love.

You tell me Mummy, I’m so happy.  And that’s all I could ever want for you.

So goodnight my darling, and when you wake, you’ll be 3.  And I’ll love you more than yesterday.  And even more the day after that.

My bestest girl in the whole world.  M x