To my Scarlett, on her 3rd Birthday

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl.  In so many ways I can't believe that you're three years old, but in others I can't believe that you're ONLY three.  You've been potty-trained since you were barely two, you've been scaling dangerous heights since you were well under a year, and you've been talking like a child twice your age long before 18 months.  You have seemed so grown-up for so long that I have a hard time imagining that you've only just hit three.  Regardless, happy third, Miss Scarlett.

 You always, and I mean always, smile for the camera

Scarlett, when I think of you, I smile.  It's inevitable.  From the tip-top of your curly brown pigtails down to your little long toes you evoke smiles from everyone you meet.  You are one of the friendliest children I've ever met.  You herald everyone from the mailman to random grocery store shoppers with exuberant hellos.  You've become the best of friends with our elderly neighbors (and hence greet every old man you see with a big, "Hello Neighbor!") who, bless their hearts, can't understand a word you say in your chipmunk-esq voice.  I can honestly say I can't think of a single person we know who doesn't adore you.  You're the ward sweetheart and everyone there has a soft-spot a mile wide for your larger-then-life grin and pew-dancing.  You are so sweet to your siblings and ever-willing to share with them.  Oh, Miss, the mere thought of you warms my heart.  You are that kind of girl.

You little flirt

On the flip side...oh, my dear, do you have a temper!  You want what you want when you want it and that's all there is to it.  You will stamp your little foot (on the hardwood floor, no less, as you've long since figured out the carpet muffles the noise unsatisfactorily) and screech eternally until I give in or lock you in the backyard...which is often since you have an opinion about evvvverything.  On that note, you are also the most persistent little child I've ever met, which is saying quite a bit in toddler-dom.  In a most Winston Churchill manner, you never, never, never give up.  Whether it be trying to climb to the top of the fridge (which is a feat you conquered long, long ago), begging for your 6th popsicle of the day, or trying to convince Grandad for just one more tickle, you just keep at it.  You, my dear, are the sole reason I keep so few sweets in the house as you won't let me rest until they're all in your little belly.  This to-the-death persistence of yours is a good trait that I hope you will remember to always use wisely (ie: in learning a new skill rather then begging for $100 jeans from your mom during your teenage years).

Ready for your close-up

Oh, Scarli, you are my little pixie.  Weighing in at a tiny 26lbs, you are truly a little imp in manner and size.  You look like one and you act like one with your twinkling personality.  You love to dance and sing and do it all day long.  You are a huge Katy Perry, Ke$ha, and Lady Gaga fan (I know, I know, feel free to judge now) and sing along to their songs, with Lady Gaga's The Edge of Glory being a particular favorite.  You are my most imaginative player, hands down.  You'll make up little stories all day long for any inanimate object you come in contact with.  I love to just listen to you play.  You are very naturally feminine.  You've always loved clothes, makeup, and all things girlified (I swear you came out reaching for the nearest lip gloss and red nail polish) and always have a menagerie of baby dolls and stuffed animals you mother constantly.  Your favorite colors are consistently red and yellow (I find the fact that you've always loved red particularly amusing, given your name) and you regularly ask for a yellow car for your birthday anytime we see one on the road (sorry to disappoint, but I don't think you'll be receiving a full-size yellow car anytime soon...or ever, for that matter).  Despite all those girly attributes and your petite stature you are, however, still very rough and tumble and don't hesitate to scale great heights and keep up with the boys.  I love you as much for your bravery and independence as for your femininity.

 Roughin' it with the best of 'em

Oh, Little Miss, I said it in your letter last year and I'll say it again, to know you is to love you.  You are truly a ray of sunshine in our home and our hearts.  Oh, Scarlett, for being such a slip of a thing, you are so larger-than-life and we love you so very, very much.

Happy Birthday Miss Scarlett Caroline!