Three Year Old Kalia

Where do I begin? Is my little girl actually 3 years old? I find that in some ways it feels like time has just flown by and it was just yesterday that I was cradling her in my arms for the first time, smiling from ear to ear and the little blessing in my arms. Yet, in other ways, it feels like we have come such a long way in these three years that I can hardly remember Kalia any way other than how she is.

Kalia is just such a source of joy in my life. Every day I am amazed at the new things that she is learning, and at her loving heart and sensitive spirit. Sometimes I have to step back and remind myself that she is still a toddler because she just seems so beyond her short years. I just wanted to do a quick post about what Kalia means to me and slip in a few (of the many!) pictures from her birthday week, but I find I have so much to say about my little princess that we'll see what comes of it . . .

The last three years have been filled with so many emotions. Kalia is a girl of emotion that is for sure. Ever since she could barely talk, she has been in tune with both her feelings, and those of the people close to her. She was constantly talking about whether she was happy, sad, worried, excited or even (yes the dreaded ones) mad or 'ticked!' And in her gentle way, she is always seeking out the emotions of others as well. She'll be the first to notice if someone is sad or upset, and soothe with a hug, kiss or a gentle touch. On the flip side, sometimes she seems like an emotional teenager! All smiles and giggles one minute, and totally frustrated the next. It's funny because I often think of the nursery rhyme that goes "When she was good, she was very VERY good, but when she was bad, she was horrid!" She is the type of girl that can be so sweet that it makes me wonder if she is even capable of doing any wrong. But when she is upset . . . well, let's just say sometimes I want to tear my hair out! She's such a perfectionist, and when she sees someone do something, or is trying to make something work, help is unacceptable to her. She thinks that if she can picture something in her mind, she should be able to do it on the first try and can get very upset when it doesn't always work out for some reason! Her favorite new phrase is "Mommy, I don't need help with that anymore, because I'm three now!"

Kalia is also a very busy and imaginitive girl. She is always coming up with new things to play or do. Although she is rarely sitting idle, she does love to sit and read stories or play with toys that are interactive like games or barbies. I love listening to her read stories to herself (often from memory), or playing dolls and barbies. Oh the conversations that she comes up with between her barbies! I sometimes can't even figure out where she gets some of the things from that they do or say! She often makes up new words, and when I ask her what they mean, she has a whole definition ready for me.

Kalia is also a social butterfly, and loves action! The more kids around, the better, no matter their age. She thrives off of the energy of a crowd, it seems. She also wants to have a part of any and every conversation even if she has no idea what it's about. She eventually just gets tired of listening and, picking out words and phrases from the conversation, strings together a long jumble of nonsense just so she can be heard!

Kalia also absolutely LOVES being outside. She would stay out all day if she could, rain or shine. Riding her trike, coloring with sidewalk chalks, walking, playing on the playground, or just running around the yard carefree - that is how she would spend every day if she could choose. Sometimes I think it will be a nice break to get outside, but usually end up exhausted from all of the chasing and games that we play! Some of her favorite indoor activities, though, are play doh, puzzles, games, reading. She also enjoys pretend playing things like 'We're Taking a Trip', 'Sunday School' , and store (or as she calls it 'Customer')

Happy 3rd Birthday Kalia Rose! You are the sunshine of my heart and I cherish every day spent with you! The way that you make me laugh, your sweet snuggles, when you say "I love you so very much Mommy" . . . and there are so many more things that I love about you. God has truly blessed me in more ways than I can possibly count just by placing your precious life in my care. I love you so very much, and I'm honored to be your Mommy.