Hey, Emily
Today is the day that you turn three. Three. THREE. Wait. I am not sure if I have made the number clear enough. In case you missed it, you are three.
OK. After typing three that many times it both looks and sounds weird. This was not my intent.
The thing with three is that it is not two and it is most definitely not one. Three is a milestone that always makes me stop and focus a little more that normal because three means that you are nothing resembling a baby and that you are hurtling at mach speed towards a future full of lip gloss and teenage angst and cute boys calling you on the phone. It may seem as though I am ahead of myself but thanks to a McDonald’s Happy Meal you are the proud owner of a compact full of lip gloss. I have also witnessed you dipping your head and batting your eyelashes while saying hello to a boy that you are not related to.
Sweet mercy.
You have a distinct advantage (In my oh, so humble opinion) over your brothers because your life has been documented here since before you were even born. Details of my pregnancy with you and of your birth are recounted in great detail. Since that day you arrived and rocked my world with the news that you were a girl I have continued to document things about you both large and small. As I sat here trying to think of the best way to capture your birthday I thought I should document more. More of the things you do, more of the things you say, more of you.
When I talk about you here I often refer to you as Miss Emily. However. If I call you that in real life you ask, “Why are you calling me that?” Yet throughout the day I will refer to you as Missy Moo and you do not even bat an eyelash.
When you are excited, whether it be from the thought of a play date or the promise of a treat or, I don’t know, the fact that the sun is shining, you will bounce up and down and flap your arms. If I had to make a conservative guess as to how many times you do it during the day I would have to say…fifty. No, I am not kidding and yes, that is a conservative guess.
You still suck your thumb and I have to confess that I kind of like it. I am sure that there will be a battle to be waged in the future but in this present age I love how soft and sweet you look when you pop in your personal pacifier.
You are a sweet little girl who plays well with her friends and interacts well with everyone around you. However. You have a bit of a feisty streak which you come by honestly. If you get frustrated with, say, trying to get a toy to work and it’s not cooperating you…throw it. Hard. And possibly stomp your feet.
Whenever I say “Thank you” to you you always respond with a chipper, “Welcome!”
You love to dance and to sing. If music is playing you do this cute little shoulder roll that soon turns into spins and modern dance moves on the floor. If you know the lyrics to a song you will sing it as loud as you can. You also make up songs about what’s going on. “It’s a rainy day…” or “I’m taking a big poo…”
If I point out something that needs to be remedied you always reply with, “Oopsie! Sorry ’bout that!”
You love to give hugs and you will wrap your arms around my neck and SQUEEZE. ‘Tis awesome.
If I point out that something needs to be done (“Hey sweetie? You forgot to put your dishes in the sink.”) you reply with, “Oopsie! Sorry ’bout that!”
You are a smart little girl who blows me away daily with the words and phrases you say. My current favorite is how you will exclaim, “Oh my GOODNESS!” whenever you hear of something that you deem exciting.
I call you my Best Girl and will often ask you, “Do you know that you’re my best girl?” You will nod and then you will respond with, “Are you going to keep me FOREVER AND EVER?” My answer is always yes. Forever and ever, my sweet baby girl.
Happy third birthday, fair Emily.
Love, Mommy
*What would a birthday post be without including some of my favorite photos?




















Awww, such a sweet birthday post! Enjoy being 3, Emily!
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Happy Birthday, Emily! Hopefully I’ll get to see you before you turn 4!
.-= Dayna´s last blog ..Matt speaks #3 =-.
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Happy Birthday!
.-= C @ Kid Things´s last blog ..Spellcheck Seems to Think I’m Spelling ‘Breastfeeding’ Wrong =-.
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Happy 3rd birthday to your girl!!!
.-= Kristin´s last blog ..Ian Bought Me Something Shiny & Blue. =-.
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Happy birthday, Emily!! Avelyn missed you at ballet. You are her anchor.
.-= Amanda Brown´s last blog ..A Real Shot =-.
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What a lovely tribute to your little girl. My son (age 2.5) also shouts “Oh my goodness!” when things are exciting. It’s so wonderfully endearing. Enjoy your little one!
.-= Coach J´s last blog ..Pregnant women are smug =-.
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And now she has curls? Where has the time gone?
.-= witchypoo´s last blog ..Poopy Small =-.
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That last picture is my favorite. See you SOON, hurrah!
.-= Kerri Anne´s last blog ..Do Your Worst (Halloween Costume), Sir =-.
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Happy birthday to a beautiful little lady! I hope y’all are having a fun birthday/shopping weekend!
.-= TUWABVB´s last blog ..He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not =-.
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I love every bit of this. We have a new three year old, too. I think they would be the best of buddies
even if he is a boy.
LOVE
.-= rachel-asouthernfairytale´s last blog ..How One Race Opened My Eyes =-.
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LOVE that last photo of the 2 of you!
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Happy, Happy Birthday to your blue-eyed beauty! I’m sure I will blink and be in the same position as you. I mean my girl is a whole week and half old already!!
Especially like the photo of her all decked out in her winter gear and those pursed lips. But they are all gorgeous of course…
.-= Elaine´s last blog ..Yesterday’s Pie Made Today =-.
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Happy Birthday Sweet Miss Emily-it seriously seems like we were just celebrating your 2nd birthday.
.-= Heather @ Domestic Extraordinaire´s last blog ..Heart Shattering =-.
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Just awwwwwww.
.-= Jennifer Kirk´s last blog ..Jeff & Shira, Roberts Creek =-.
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So grown up!! How does that happen??? Happy Birthday, dear little girl!! Many blessings for the years to come
.-= Elizabeth´s last blog ..The Equation for Relaxation… or not =-.
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Happy Birthday Emily
3 years old – how did that happen? Love the photos!!!
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Happy Birthday Emily!
.-= Sizzle´s last blog ..My Real Name Does Not Rhyme with “Fantasy” =-.
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Awww… happy birthday Miss Emily!!
.-= Rebecca (Bearca)´s last blog ..I can’t believe I’m posting this =-.
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Happy Birthday, Emily!!!!
M does the singing thing, too and usually has us in stitches about the subject matter. If we didn’t live like 2,500 miles apart I would love to get the girls together for a playdate…I think they would be a hoot together.
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Happy Birthday to your best girl!
.-= Kami’s Khlopchyk´s last blog ..Thankful =-.
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Aww – so sweet! Happy Birthday, Miss Emily!
.-= Sharon´s last blog ..Giving Thanks =-.
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Some babies really change as they grow…but WOW your girl looks like her baby self even three years later….and she looks like a clone of you.
.-= Mama in the City´s last blog ..Being One Is Fun! =-.
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What a sweet post! Happy belated birthday Emily! I didn’t realize her birthday is the day before my niece’s!
.-= Kristabella´s last blog ..Pain In The Neck. Literally. =-.
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