Dear Kenzie,

So she's now 3 years 2 months, but like I always say...better late then never.  For the past 2 years we have had Kenzie's party at home.  So this year we wanted to do something different, since she is a little older to remember and really enjoy something outside of the home.  So we decided on Rolly Pollies since its one of her favorite places, since she took some baby tumbling/gym classes there over the years.  Of course the weekend of her party there was a pretty nasty snowstorm so sadly many of our friends couldn't make it.  

We celebrated her actual birthday with a trip to the Strong Museum of Play.

Dear Kenzie, 
Oh my little love, my little peanut pie.  How on earth are you 3 years old.  I'm sure I'll say this every year, but the past 3 years of our lives have been the fastest yet, but with each year, you bring us more and more love and joy.

From 2 to 3 you have changed so much.  It was just this time last year you tested a pregnant me more than any other time in our 3 year relationship...potty training.  We transitioned you to your big girl bedroom, in your big girl bed.  I love that you quietly sleep all night until we hear the pitter patter of your little feet running to your door, followed by a soft knock yelling "Mommy."  And you always wait so patiently until I half asleep bring you into our bed.  You rarely fall back asleep, but if you do, you always snuggle up to me and hold my face.   

I know you're still little.  You're only 3, but you have change so much and I never want to forget these things.  I love that when you wake in the morning, you have one sock on because you play with your toes in the night.  I love that you are so honest.  Even when the refrigerator alarm, missing block of cheese, and the dogs give away your hiding place you still let me know "Mom I'm hiding and eating cheese under the table."  I love your sensitivity for animals.  Whether its sad animals on TV that need homes or commercials with puppies, you say "awww, those puppies are sad."  Your sensitivity also makes you melt into a puddle on the floor when anyone yells at you, especially your Daddy.  I really love how you sing.  You not only sing, you belt!  I hope you always love music, and always sing to me.  You love to dance, and boy is it dramatic.  Your facial expressions and movements are nothing short of broadway.  You don't love to get food on your face, and you hate when you spill things...but you'll gladly stomp in puddles and play in dirt.  

You continue to impress me with how smart you are.  I'm sorry we picked a 9 letter name for you, but you spell it out so beautifully..even though it started out as M-A-C-K-E-N-GO!  (You really love B-I-N-G-O).  You know all your shapes, even the weird ones, I don't even remember ie trapezoid.  You love puzzles and playdoh, and have such an imagination.

Daddy thinks you have a temper.  He blames it on me.  But if you got your "passionate" side from me, you also got my forgiveness.  You never hold a grudge.  In fact you're smart enough to know, that if you apologize, you get end up with what you wanted in the first place.  You apologize quickly.  Somedays you're ultra sensitive and will melt down at anything.  Other days you roll along without a care in the world.  You are so funny.  You make us laugh everyday, and you're not even trying. 

You have wrapped your daddy around your finger.  You watch all sports with him, shouting your (his) favorite players whenever asked.  You know the "magic words" are always.. "Let's Go Tribe."  You should see some of the outfits he puts you in.  We love your blonde hair, even though you know you and Fausto are the only ones in the family with blonde hair.  

We threw you a curve ball this year when we brought your brother into this world. Before him, you were the center of our world.  But we know you were the first step to our perfect family.  Family will always be our number one. 
In the months before he was born, I use to hold you with tears in my eyes, knowing things would never be the same for you, or for us.  You made me a mommy.  You taught me what love is.  I know you will love and bond with Camden someday , and teach and take care of him.  I know you do love him, even though you tell me you don't.  I promise you you'll love him more than cookies, and he won't eat you.  You just wait...    

Yes we have difficult days, where you are being "rough".  But I love these days...even the difficult ones.  We love every single part of you.  You will always be perfect to us.  I wouldn't be me without these last 3 years of you. You are forever my favorite girl.  

I love you the best.