Happily Ever After

Dear Riley,

Today is your 3rd birthday. It’s so hard to believe that this time three years ago, Daddy and I were anxiously awaiting your arrival at the hospital. We were excited and a little scared to meet you. You amaze us every day with your wit and charm. You can totally go potty by yourself now. You can read Brown Bear Brown Bear cover to cover without missing a word. YOU even think you are very, very funny.

Last night you were playing animals with Daddy on the bean bag mountain. You have to make sure to make a river or pond so you can put the polar bear, dolphin and the hippo in. Then you set the tigers and lions on the ridge of the mountain so they can watch. Next you set up the trees and put the cows next to them. “Because they like the thade, mommy.” After you put the bull and the cow under the tree, the cow conversation went like this. “Hello cow, I’m a cow.” Then you put the donkey in the shade too. I guess because he kind of looks like a cow. Next, it was time for all the animals to take a nap. So you tipped them all on their sides and said “Go to sleep animals, it’s time to go to bed. Take a nap animals.” After about three seconds, nap was over. “WAKE UP ALL YOU ANIMALS. No more sleeping. It’s time for our show.” Daddy sets up the box for the animal show. All the animals except the pig, the sheep and the duck have to get in rows and watch the show. We all sing Old MacDonald, several times. Sometimes the animals take turns and get on stage, but mostly it’s the pig, sheep and duck that perform every night. After the show you build a ramp for the animals to walk into the box to go night-night. The crows “CAW CAW” as they fly in. Most of the animals can walk up the ramp and jump in the box. There’s a few that have to ride on the backs of the My Little Ponies to get in the box because the Ponies are “mathjic” and they can fly.

I think the animal play time is my favorite. It really shows your imagination coming out. You are such a smart thing. After animals, we boing to bed. We settle in for five or six books and you and Darly, as she calls herself, go to sleep in the new big girl bed. Before I turn in, I go in and check on you girls one last time. Take your sippys and cover you up. Carly is usually sideways already and you are all snugged in with Lucy Bear. I love this time when I can watch you as you sleep. My heart fills, I kiss you both, touch your sweet hair, and am thankful with how blessed I am to be your Mommy. I love you sweet girl.

Happy Birthday. Mommy

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