1096 Days

December 8, 2009

December 8, 2012

One thousand ninety-six days ago, my darling baby girl Jennie Anne was born. I can't believe she is three years old today! The time has FLOWN by; she is so "grown up" now that it is difficult to remember her as a helpless little newborn that would sleep in my arms.

Although the time seems to have gone by so fast, it is also difficult for me to remember what my life was like before she arrived. Apparently, I used to go to bed after 9 pm and I went to places called bars on weekends to hang out with friends. All of this of course I have gathered via Facebook evidence and pictures from those long ago times. It seems that I used to have hobbies like camping, hiking, and skiing. too.

Now, don't get me wrong - I wouldn't trade my days with Jennie (and all her imaginary friends) for anything. She makes me laugh with her goofy ways and silly faces. Jennie is creative and has endless energy for playing pretend. She loves art projects; it is such a joy to see her face light up every time I ask her if she wants to make a craft. Her attention to detail and her focus when working on her projects is amazing to see! Jennie sings and dances to any music I put on for her (although Christmas music is her favorite right now). She will let me read her books all day - she never tires of them. I hope she never grows out of wanting me to read to her... I know she will one day, but I hope it's a long ways away. Jennie has a seemingly endless thirst for information about animals and nature. She asked to check out a "leaf book" at the library this week so she can figure out what kind of tree each leaf she finds comes from. So, we got a field guide and she looks up all the leaves she gathers outside. The things she knows (and wants to know) astound me every day. I hope she never loses her love of learning!

So, I might be sleep deprived and probably have permanently lost the ability to sleep past 6 am... I might not get much adult conversation anymore unless I am talking to the grocery store clerk... I don't have any time for hobbies these days.... I do not get to spend much time with my friends.... I definitely don't get a lot of alone time with Justin.... BUT, in the whirl-wind of the last three years, I can absolutely say two things: it has gone by way too fast, and I have never been happier. Jennie Anne has made the last three years the best of my life.

The Birthday Girl!