My Dear Rylee,

Oh my sweet, sweet girl…

So many people have said that three is harder than two. And I’m not going to lie…they were right. But somewhere along the way lately things have changed.

Don’t get me wrong, you’ve still got plenty of sass to go around and we have our occasional battles, but they are far less than they were just a few months ago. Where there were once regular battles of will, there’s now you hollering at me from the living room to come sit and snuggle with you. And once you get settled in what’s left of my lap, there’s no squirming. There’s just relaxation and your sweet, still dimpled little hands gently rubbing my growing belly and playing with whatever necklace I might be wearing.

I kiss the top of your head and you just nuzzle in closer.

I tell you I love you. You tell me you love me all the way to the moon and the stars and space and all the earth.

Your hugs seem tighter, your snuggles seem deeper and your 1,000-watt smile seems brighter.

You’re so full of life. Always dancing or singing along to your favorite “God CD”. Your curiosity challenges me, your facial expressions kill me and your wit astounds me.

I don’t know if it’s because we’re wrapping up year three and getting ready for the big #4? SO many people have said that 4 is their favorite age for little ones because the sweetness abounds. Or if it’s because on some subconscious level, you know that no matter how hard your daddy & I will try to make things change as little as possible, in just a few short months, things are going to change…a lot. It won’t just be you anymore, so you want to soak up as much mama & daddy time as you can before that happens.

Whatever it is my sweet girl, I’ll take it.

I love you to the moon and the stars and space and all the earth. And back again.

Forever.