Chim is three today!

Gosh, where have the past 36 months gone? It can't have been three years since I stared, dumbfounded, at this little (ok, gigantic) child who until 14 hours previous had lived in my uterus. I wish so many things for my daughter, not the least of which is that I had been able to make her entrance a safer, kinder, warmer, and gentler birth, and that the first hands that touched her were more loving. But life has its own plans and if I had the birth I wanted, perhaps Chim and her daddy wouldn't be so very close -- a bond that formed all those nights when I was too exhausted (and I'm sorry to say depressed) to rock her to sleep.

Now, three years later, she's a delightful little girl who is bright as anything, loves to play games (and doesn't care who wins as long as she can play AGAIN!!!), make believe, and yes, wear her pretty dresses. She loves to read and paint and climb and run. She loves to talk. Talk talk talk. Some nights I want to buy earplugs because this girl chatters so.

She and her brother have SO much fun together. I love seeing her be a big sister and learn to nurture. I'm so proud of her. When I see her being such a wonderful little person, I know that despite my shortcomings, I must be getting this mothering thing a little bit right.

Happy 3rd birthday, my ChimChim. Thank you for making me a mommy. Mama loves you like peas love carrots.