Happy Birthday Samantha!

Today is Sam's 3rd Birthday! (Current birthday pics will be posted tomorrow after her family birthday party.) My, my time has gone by. She gets more and more beautiful everyday. Her sweet spirit reminds me everyday what it means to love. Her simple words of encouragement to her brothers or to myself make my heart swell unmeasurably. She is very acutely aware of others, even at her young age, and knows just when a hug is most needed.

She is a determined adventurist. There is no hill too high, valley to wide, cap too hard to open on any container she shouldn't be getting into...it doesn't slow her down.

She's funny. Probably gets her sense of humor from her dad. She's really into thinking that farting is funny, but always says, "excuse me" - after forcing one out.

She's mommy's helper. She takes pleasure in getting things done around the house with me...and then promptly asks for her treat.

She's picked up on one of my sayings and it's so darn sweet and heart breaking when she says it. "In a little bit." It's sweet because of the way she says it, and she's always confident that she'll get what she wants soon and willing to wait for whatever "it" is. Heart breaking because I don't have that much time left with her while she's this little and so trusting and loving. Heart breaking because every little bit I'm doing other things she's growing up, right before my eyes.

So, for you, Sam, when you are older and can fully appreciate this...I love you. You will always be my sweet little girl and I'll always remember you now and in a little bit.