Allie ran into my arms earlier with her red hair falling out of the lopsided ponytail I instituted before a trip to the park. She was educating me for the fifty-bajillionth (that is so a real number) time about the fact that “Hannah Montana is MILEY SIREN!”. The whole time I was thinking about the fact that while saying Siren instead of Cyrus is hilarious, the world needs to stop in its tracks– because my baby is three today.
Three years old.
One, two three. Uno, dos, tres. Une, deux, trois. Count it in whichever way makes you feel the most comfortable.
I’m still in disbelief. And it’s still three.
And just–wow.
I’d like to say that most days I feel as if I’m on top of this mom gig, like that I have it down pat and I am ready to roll in all situations. But it’s not true. I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that there are some times when I look all around the house for that parenting guide that should be individually specified and included with all babies. Well, I looked, and it’s not in the cabinets or under the couch? It wasn’t in her bassinet, and it didn’t burst out of my party barn when she came squealing into this world. Mine must’ve not arrived. Did you get a parenting guide? Because sometimes I feel like I’m playing catch up.
Most days with Allie are akin to being accompanied by a giant ray of sunshine. Don’t get me wrong–there are days when it’s like I have a lightening bolt poking at my shoulder. But on the sunny, more frequent days, she’s just there being as bright and shiny as possible, lighting up the room with her random quips and serious toddler thoughts on life.
“I fink you are the best cooker, and daddy is the best tickler.”
“Pink is the best color, because it is for girls. Girls are awwwwwwwesome.”
“I have told you THREE times that I don’t like standing in the corner.”*stomps feet*
Three year old wisdom is priceless.
While this is only Allie’s third birthday, she believes she is on the cusp of puberty. She’s been wearing around a bikini top pretending like it’s a bra for the past two weeks. I steal it from her and wash it as frequently as possible. But it has somehow become her second skin
I also try to convince her that wearing bras is not fun or logical at this point.
But her response while pointing at her nipples was, “I need it to hold my boobies!!”
Can’t argue with her there, I can see how she needs to contain her massive jugs. *insert eye roll*
Many, many moons ago when Allie first began talking, we adored and cherished the small mispronunciations of certain words. Now, we rarely get to hear one of those, because she’s managed to finesse her way of speaking.
While it’s probably not ‘good’ parenting to encourage her when she says something in a hilarious manner, my little girl is trotting around in a bikini top thinking that she is wearing a bra and knows the ways of the world. The fact that she calls all people named Louise, “Da Weeds” is something I’m holding onto– tightly and with both hands.
I love how hard she laughs, and that like her dad & I she appreciates humor. I’m pretty sure if I had to I would give up a lung just to hear her laugh deeply from her belly.
I love her ‘your mama’ jokes, even though I’m her mama and sure to be the butt of many of them. (When I find out who taught her to say, ‘your mom’ to everything…It. is. on.)
Sometimes when I’m upset, Allie will offer to ‘hold me’. She hugs my neck and brings my head to her shoulder like that I’m one of her baby dolls, and she silently rocks me. It’s so genuine and endearing that while the vertebrae in my back are ready to pop out and declare war to free themselves from the weird position imposed, I stay as long as possible. She runs her tiny fingers through my hair, and tells me that it will all “be okay”. And I smile, because she’s Allie, she’s fantastic, and I get to be her mom.
I truly cherish each day she is so young and carefree. I know that one day she will be in middle school, and it will be, “OH MY GOSH..Sally Jo Whatsherface wore the same shirt as I did to school today. I’m going to PASS out!!”
Until then, I’m clasping onto every day that is riddled with her logic and humor.
My baby is three.
Bitter sweet, isn’t it? A bikini top as a bra. LOL
What a cutie pootie!!!
ohmommy’s last blog post..Amongst them all… HELP ME!
March 4th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
She is absolutely gorgeous. Adorable. Darling. Precious and witty. Oh momma you’re in for it.
I know just how you feel. Mine is 4. 4. F O U R. How the hell did that happen?
This was wonderfully written. Such a sweet tribute!
BTW! did you ever remember that website for your nifty little feedreader heart?
rachel’s last blog post..Question for the bibliophiles
March 4th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUR LITTLE GIRL!
She is beyond adorable!!!
Beth from Around the Funny Farm’s last blog post..Me. Intervention. Now!
March 4th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Awww happy birthday to your sweet girl. This was such a beautiful post, it made me get all teary eyed and stuff.
March 4th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
What a great post. That bikini top thing is precious…something you can bring out when she’s sixteen and tell the story for all her friends.
Oh…and she’s absolutely gorgeous, Manda. She’s a heartbreaker for sure!
March 4th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Aw!! Happy birthday to your sweet girl!
Momo Fali’s last blog post..It Was Quite A Feeling All Right
March 4th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Happy birthday to the little one!
Solomon Broad’s last blog post..Things I’m Grateful For on Tuesday 4 March
March 4th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
She is adorable. And that dress? OMG what a lucky kid to have a dress like that. Of course, she doesn’t know that does she?
witchypoo’s last blog post..Embarrassing Moment
March 4th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
She is toooo cute.. I love that pic.. Happy Birthday to your little one.. she is beautiful!
Kim’s last blog post..Lipstick Jungle
March 4th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Oh, so adorable! DaWeeds. Love it! I always smile when I visit your blog.
Maggie’s last blog post..Seven More Things
March 4th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
She is beautiful! Congrats on three and Happiest Birthday to her!
March 4th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
That face is priceless! Happy birthday to your girl.
Jennifer’s last blog post..Drop Kicking a Four-Year-Old Bully
March 4th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
she is so precious!
JMom’s last blog post..Stumbled On
March 4th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Awww, that made me sniffle and get all teary-eyed, feeling the love that you have for your precious little girl.
(the bra thing is too cute.)
March 4th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
She is totally adorable. Where is the photo of the bra?
Melissa’s last blog post..Tidbits from the hospital…
March 4th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
I loved it when Maddie was three. Such innocence on the cusp of brilliance. Now, she’s four and I think this might be my favorite age. She’s beautiful.
March 4th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Oh! I know exactly how you feel! It’s like one day they just start telling you what’s what, and they know absolutely everything about everything! My daughter is 6 and still amazes me every time I actually notice how much she’s grown!
Your blog just cracks me up btw!
Love Ya!
March 4th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
She is so adorable! And it does go by fast. It seems like just yesterday I was pregnant and they are almost 1.
I am still looking for my parenting guide too honey!
Meagan’s last blog post..Callie being silly.
March 4th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Your daughter is AAAAA-dorable.
Massive jugs!! Ha! Oh, when the time actually comes, we’ll see how she feels about it then!
Adriane’s last blog post..Say it ain’t so!
March 4th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Gasp! What a darling picture. It makes me want to have a little giiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrl (*sobs*)!
RubiaLala’s last blog post..The Worst Meal Ever
March 4th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
This is such a sweet post! Happy birthday to your little girl!
Missy’s last blog post..Free Sample
March 4th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
I seriously teared up here… she is so very sweet. My baby will be 19 on her next birthday. *sighs deeply*
Tara R.’s last blog post..Now that the writers’ strike is over
March 4th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
She is such a doll, Amanda!! That was the sweetest post I’ve read all day.
Huckdoll’s last blog post..IDK - My BFF Mel?
March 4th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
She is so beautiful! And she looks so much like you!
Jenni’s last blog post..Next Time, I’ll Let Her Finish
March 4th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Happy Happy Birthday!!!
March 4th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
my daughter is 12 now and we still have MANY days of the good stuff. trust me there are STILL lots and lots of little girl things to look forward to…yea these years are special, sometimes i want to stop time, but then another milestone happens and i am grateful to be her mom, all over again~
this was the sweetest post…happy birthday!
HolleeAnn’s last blog post..I did not forget…sorry so late.
March 4th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
OMG, she is way too cute. I bet that cuteness gets away with everything…how could you tell her no!
Noble Pig’s last blog post..A Rainy Day, Lost Luggage and Tangled Christmas Tree Lights
March 4th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
I have five weeks until I am in the same boat. I love her bikini as a bra. She’s gonna be sassy. Just like Mom.
Anglophile Football Fanatic’s last blog post..WW: Snow! In Dallas? In March!!?!
March 4th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
I just love her! I love the way she talks.
I already have that middle schooler you fear. I will just say, Be Afraid.
cyndy’s last blog post..A Beautiful Day
March 5th, 2008 at 1:09 am
She is gorgeous. And is anyone really on top of this parenting gig?
Sister Honey Bunch’s last blog post..WFMW: I’m A Freakin’ Freak.
March 5th, 2008 at 9:31 am
She is GORGEOUS!! And no, they don’t come with a Parenting Guide or Owner’s Manual or anything. You just have to make it up as you go along.
Again with the party barn!!
lceel’s last blog post..Strange day
March 5th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Congrats on you little one’s third birthday - she is beautiful! It goes by so very fast - my oldest is 11 and I still can’t believe it.
On the bra note: One day at church Lauren (6) was complaining that her “bra” itched… I thought she was just being silly… well, when we got home, she promptly removed her sisters training bra and told me “I said it was itchy!”.. who knew?… I don’t understand the bra obsession either.
Enjoy the 3’s - because with 4’s & 5’s, come the “attitude”!
Pink Lemonade Liz’s last blog post..Weight Loss Wednesday
March 5th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Happy Birthday to Allie.
Your post made me all teary-eyed. How is it that they grow up so very fast?
You are TOTALLY fabulous too. Congratulations on being a Mom who doesn’t let the precious moments pass unnoticed.
Sadia’s last blog post..Have I mentioned recently how much I love my neighbours?
March 5th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Hold on to every innocent sweet moment you can…it all comes to an end much much faster then you could even imagine. My baby girl is turning 11…yes eleven, in a matter of days and I can hardly remember that carefree innocent baby I once knew. She is lost in boys and music and what jeans look best…yep, already….it starts much earlier then even our day..sad, but true….hold onto your angel while you can
March 5th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
What a sweet post! Happy Birthday Allie. My baby turned three in January.
Rene’s last blog post..Magic Kisses
March 5th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
She is just precious! I love all the little things she does, what a spitfire! Three is such a fun age, you are in for an adventure my friend!
amy’s last blog post..It just gets better
March 5th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
OMG…now if that isn’t the most adorable pic of the most adorable little girl!!
Happy Birthday Allie!!
Lunanik’s last blog post..Thank you Mr. Weiner
March 6th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
What a cute pic :)).
Miley Cyrus’s last blog post..Out & About With Mom
March 28th, 2008 at 12:50 pm