| who you are today, my little Kayla |

Kayla,

I can't believe you are three already. Every year your birthday rolls around I stop and reflect on the day you were born. The miracles that we witnessed, and the miracle you are to us in our life. You came 5 weeks early, you were so small, and yet SO strong. You made mommy one sick lady, who was all puffy from the side effects of preeclampsia. I was so over joyed to have you here though. My life had never felt so complete. Now as I watch you I realize how much you are meant for our family. You are definitely daddy's little girl. You two could not be more alike. The things you eat, the way you joke, too funny.

We have had quite the journey with you. I always worried about your speech. From the time you were 1. You never had a whole lot to say. We were able to get you help this last year, and I am AMAZED with how much you have to say now. It took just a few shorts months of therapy and you have become quite the talker. Letting everyone know what your mommy and daddy say. I can't tell you how many times I have picked you up and been told that you said, "My mommy says..." Good thing its all good stuff (thus far)! And not only that, you have become quite sassy too. Hopefully, that will be temporary!

You are quite possibly the sweetest big sister ever. The way you love Mitchell is so cute. You are always watching out for him. Keeping him happy. You call him "buddy." Anytime Mitchell cries you say, "It's ok buddy, I am right here, don't cry", and usually he stops. He sure looks up to you. You have taught him how to sign "more". And he always giggles and laughs when you sign it to him.

Your favorite song right now is "Jesus wants me for a sunbeam". You sing just about every word. And I find it to be so darn cute. When you read your scriptures that is what you say the whole time. "Jesus wants me for a sunbeam, ok?" You like to say ok after your statements a lot. So funny. "Mom, I am going to do this by myself, ok?? ok?"

You are one independent girl. With quite the will. Just the other day you tried to use my water bottle and couldn't figure it out. I told you it was for big people like mommy and was a little too hard for you. You said ok. But the next day I found you trying to figure it out again. And you of course did. And turned to me with a look of joy and said, "Look mom, I am a BIG girl now!"

Kayla I couldn't love you more. But don't worry, you drive me absolutely crazy at times. You can be so strong willed, and so messy! But that is what makes you, you. I love you to pieces my cute 3 year old! I can't wait to see what this next year will bring.

Love,
Mommy