How can you be three already?

My sweetest Cairo-

How can you be three already?  Wasn't it just yesterday that I brought you home- so small and so perfect?  Wasn't it just yesterday that I sat there and awaited your first smile, first word, first step?  Wasn't it just yesterday that I held you in my arms and rocked you to sleep?  Wasn't it just yesterday that I sat their wondering what type of little person you would turn into?  Weren't you just my baby?

Three years have flown by with extraordinary speed.  Now I have a little girl, no more a baby or even a toddler.  I have seen and enjoyed your many smiles and laughs.  You have showered me with songs, questions, funny comments and observations.  You have gone from crawling, to walking, to running, and skipping, and jumping, and climbing... and, yes, though you still trip all the time, your new found agility makes me imagine all the things you will soon begin to conquer.  I have been at the receiving end of millions of hugs and kisses and returned them all with much joy.  Being rocked to sleep has been replaced with story time, giggling, and cuddling in bed.  I love seeing you bloom into the person you will become- intelligent, stubborn, independent, loud, bossy, nurturing, and precocious.  Your imagination constantly brings me back to when I was so young and lost in my imagination- the world was full of magic and indefinite possibilities.  That naughty gleam in your eye reminds me of how truly great it was to be a kid... and it reminds me that I have a lot more coming if my behavior at that age is any indication of what yours will be.

I know you have to grow up but I will always miss my baby Cairo.  I know that the hugs and kisses will be fewer.  I know that the opportunity to cuddle and giggle will slowly evaporate as you grow into a young adult and head out into the world.  I know that the words and the conversations we have will become more difficult.  You will soon realize that mommy and daddy don't know and can't fix everything.  You will be introduced to heartache, disappointment, failure, embarassment- all of which I wish I would protect you from, but all of which are a part of the experience of life.  You will also be introduced to the world of academia, adventure, love, friendship.  You will learn and experience so much- compassion, tolerance, perseverance, passion for life, calculus! I look at your future with optimism- at this point the possibilities are endless!  You really CAN be whatever it is that you chose to be. Dream big and then go out there and get it!

Weren't you just my baby?  While I may not always get to hold you close, fix all your problems, and sooth all your fears, you will always be my baby girl.  Happy 3rd Birthday Baby Girl.  May you have a lifetime of love, laughter, and adventure!

Love always and forever,
Your Mommy