Ruby is Three!

Dear Ruby,

Three years ago, I never could have imagined the scene in our living room today.  Two little girls; one hours away from being three, the other completely enthralled by her big sister.  Hysterical laughter in the name of the game Ants in the Pants coming from both.

I can't get over how many changes came running in when motherhood took over my life, and I have no idea how I ended up with the sweetest little three year old on the planet, but I am ever thankful for having such a bright light in my life.  The moment I laid eyes on you, I felt love so intense it's nearly scary.  To be gripped with such raw, uncontrollable emotions is startling, but boy are they there for an amazing reason.

All moms say this, but you are so special.  There is no doubt in my mind that God had you in His plans all along; after a rocky start to motherhood in which I lost a baby, I prayed like a broken record to be made whole again and to be blessed with a child.  The way you fit into our lives so perfectly, the way you are such an old, gentle soul, the way you fit your name like none other we could have chosen.  It's not something we take for granted, and it's no coincidence.

At three years old, I feel like I have known you all of my life and yet I wish for so many years in the future full of discovery, and that enchantment so partial to children.  The smallest of things make you light up with glee, your favorite things are impossible to list concisely.

You are tender-hearted, reserved, observant, and crave educational stimulation.  You love to learn about letters, you ask how things are spelled, and you absorb books, songs, and memories.  You went to Vacation Bible School last summer, and you haven't stopped talking about school since. Your imagination is vivid, and we have welcomed an imaginary friend named Isa into our family, though her presence varies from time to time.  You categorize your toys into groups of colors, size, and shape often and we tease you about being OCD; it's endearing now but I'm sure we'll be apologizing to a future spouse somewhere down the line.

You are the sweetest, snuggliest ("can you scuggle me?"), most well-mannered three year old I know.  It's rare that you are not fun to be around, and when it is, it's nearly always because you are tired.  You very rarely get upset about anything, and you are so laid back and patient that your upset is hardly startling to anyone around you.  Recently, if you don't get your way, you have started going into another room to compose yourself, where you cry very quietly and quickly, and then return and let me know you are now in control.

One of the happiest things this year has been watching you with your little sister.  I wondered about your reaction to your life being flipped completely upside down with a new baby, and you have handled it with grace like I couldn't have imagined.  You love your sister with such inhibition, I wish all emotions were so strong and so pure.  You are so helpful and so kind to her, it's impossible to put into words.  I hope the two of you are always so crazy about one another.

You love to wear jewelry, and often ask to paint your nails or for curly hairs.  Your hair has made a huge difference in your appearance this last year, and you always ask me to look at it when you are in the bath after the water weighs down the curls and allows it to lay halfway down your back.  You tell me, "Look at my Rapunzel hair!"

You are a JOY to have in our lives.  You are loveable, snuggly, agreeable, and happy.  You are cute as a button, and I am forever grateful to call you mine.


Happy Birthday, baby girl!  We love you infinitely so...or to the moon as I always tell you.  I love your kisses, your hugs, your nose kisses, and every tiny, perfect detail about you.  It is impossible to put into words the things I love about you and how much I love you.

XOXO,
Momma