3 years passed so fast.  It is hard to believe all that Anna has done in that time.  She has traveled all over the world, she has a little brother whom she loves with all her heart, she has been going to school for 6 months, she has been learning a second language... the list goes on and on.  What a life she has led even at the age of 3!  It will be amazing to see what the next few years hold for our Anna!

Anna,

You are such a wonderful little girl.  You are so strong inside.  It amazes me.  You are also a tough little girl... you don’t even cry when you get shots!  Many times all I see is that toughness that you show, but then in some sweet moments your tender, sensitive side comes out.  You can make my heart melt.

You challenge me as a mother far more than Elizabeth & Nate.  I am constantly learning from you and seeking guidance from the Lord in how we parent you.  You are so determined and you know what you want.  I do see you struggle in your role as the middle child at times, and that is another area that I am asking God to give me direction in!  You desire to be a big girl, but then also desire the feeling of being the baby.  Hard times!  The positive side to your middle child role, is how well you are able to play with both Elizabeth & Nate.  You do so well with both of them!  It is fun to watch how you slow things down and are sensitive to Nate’s ability at 17.5 months, and how you always rise to the challenge that Elizabeth presents you.

You have done such a good job going to school.  Even tough you have tough days I am proud of you for going and for continuing to learn!  I can see that it has stretched you and challenged you!  I am also so thankful that the school schedule has worked out so that you and have time completely alone twice a week - just you and me for a few hours.  We have had a lot of fun during those times.

You love books and I am SO thankful for that!  You constantly ask us to read books to you, and even ask Elizabeth to read to you!  When you go for our nap you daily ask if you can sleep with the days favorite book!  Precious!

You also love your stuffed animals.  You have moments when you get frustrated with them - like the other night when you accused your stuffed animals of hogging the whole pillow, but overall they are your sweet friends.

You eat well and are always willing to try new things.  One of your favorite foods is chicken salad!  You enjoy a good piece of chocolate, but if you had to choose a flavor of ice cream, you would pick strawberry, just like your daddy!

You sleep well at night and still take a 2 hour nap during the day... in fact it was just yesterday that we were reminded the effects of when you miss that afternoon nap.  Much more drama than usual!

You love to help around the house and washing dishes is something you have gotten quite skilled at!

We are so proud of you and all that you can do!  You are a treasure and we love you SO much!

Happy Birthday Anna Grace!