My Three-Year-Old

Today is Elizabeth's birthday and I wanted to dedicate a post to her today. We're actually not going to celebrate her birthday until Saturday so we didn't do anything today. I kept thinking throughout the day, though, that it was this day three years ago that she came into the world and that I became a mother. It really is true that these years seem to fly by. When you're exhausted in the middle of the day and counting down the hours until nap time it doesn't seem like it but I just can't believe she is already three. She is already too big. Here is a conversation we had today before nap time:

Elizabeth: I can wear my pretty dresses.
Me: Yep.
Elizabeth: And I can twirl and twirl and everybody will laugh and cheer. (Where does she learn these words?)
Me: (Laughing) Yes you can.
Elizabeth: And maybe a prince will dance with me.
Me: What prince? Will Daddy be the prince?
Elizabeth: No, Daddy's the king. A little boy prince will come.
Me: (suspiciously) What little boy?
Elizabeth: Maybe Tyler (a boy in our ward at church)

She then proceeded to hide her face and act shy. Eek! I couldn't stand how old she was acting. Here's another conversation we had while I was changing Natalie's poopy diaper the other day:

Me: Aren't you glad you don't poop in your pants anymore?
Elizabeth: Yeah.
Me: Me too.
Elizabeth: Did you poop in your pants?
Me: Yes, when I was a baby.
Elizabeth: (enthusiastically) And I can wipe bums when I'm big!
Me: (laughing) Yeah, when you're a mommy. Do you want to be a mommy?
Elizabeth: Yeah. And we can be mommy friends!
Me: I hope we can be. (heart melting)

Elizabeth is such a sweet girl and I'm so thankful for her in my life. She teaches me unconditional love, finding joy in the little things and compassion. She is so smart and funny and she always keeps me laughing with the things she says. Once again, I have to say how thankful I am that she is so healthy. This winter has been nothing compared to the ones before it as far as sickness goes and we feel very blessed. She is a walking blessing to me and I love my sweet Elizabeth so much. Happy Birthday Lizzie-loo! We love you!

First picture

And look at her now!
What a miracle!