Brie is Three

With each and every birthday for our kiddos, Tony and I are so surprised that another year has gone by so quickly, and that the kids are growing up--unbelievably fast--before our very eyes.

Today is Brie's third birthday, and she has changed enormously in the past year.  For one, she has hair now!  This time last year she barely had enough to barrette back, but now she's got lots of bouncy curls (courtesy of DNA from Gammy)!

 Brie - July 2012

Brie - July 2013

She's much more outgoing, too.  Last fall was pretty tough for Brie when she started preschool three mornings a week...but in no time, she loved going to school and really, REALLY blossomed.  She now sounds like such a big kid when she talks--using big words and making complex sentences.  It's exciting to watch because, though she's always been opinionated, she's really proud that she can properly state her case now!

Here are three gems from chatty Brie:

Brie's innate and dogged determination has resulted in a lot of "My do it!"s when she doesn't want help getting dressed, cutting her food, trying out a new toy, etc. as well as countless "My did it!"s when she's successful.

Climbing up onto the sofa next to me (and my open laptop) and requesting, "See pictures of me my widdle?" is not an uncommon occurrence.  She loves photos of her baby self.

And sweet learning moments like this one:
Me:  "Brie, what letter is that?"
Brie:  "B!"
Me:  "That's right!  Did you know that your name starts with B?"
Brie:  "Yes!  Gabriella starts with B!"

When Brie was smaller, it was hard not to focus on her feisty nature and stubbornness (these traits really set her apart from her laid-back big bro right from the start), but as she's gotten older, many admirable and awe-inspiring qualities have come to define Brie...and it's been wonderful to watch these emerge.  Among them are generosity (she's WAY better at sharing than Sammy), empathy (skinned your knee? Brie will be there in a heartbeat--with a big hug and asking you all about your boo-boo) and excellent problem-solving skills (she can put together even the toughest jigsaw puzzle in no time flat)!

Some things about Brie never change -- as ever, she is very fun-loving, adventurous and funny.  So, in honor of her turning THREE, here are some recent photos of our cutie pie.  Can you see why we adore her so much??

Another trait we LOVE about Brie?? She LOVES her big brother!!  (Maybe that's why her current favorite things are pretend food, ballet AND superheroes!)  The two of them are so sweet together lately, and they're always having fun. As you can see, sometimes it's exhausting...

but it's always fun! Happy Birthday, Beauty!

P.S. Brie will be celebrating her birthday for well over a week--both with friends and family.  That would put a smile on anyone's face!

P.P.S. Brie had her 3-year check-up yesterday and she measured a healthy 39 1/4" tall and 38 pounds, which means she grew 3 3/4" and gained 5.5 pounds since last July!  She told the doctor that her favorite foods are "carrots and broccoli" (!!)...and when asked, "What's yucky, Brie?" she replied, "Seaweed!"  Might be a sign that she's a bit sushied out lately...