Selah, my 3 year old

Selah, I can't believe you're three. Here you are, minutes old... It doesn't feel like three years has gone by. One year maybe. But three? Yet at the same time, I can hardly remember family life without you. Your large smile. Your deep voice. Your contagious laughter. Your bold approach to living.

When I see pictures likes these, I just want to turn back time and squeeze you. to hear that little baby laugh. to pinch those huge cheeks you used to have! ;)
What a little ham you were!! And sooo adorable to boot!! Always full of joy! Always!
You're 18 months old here. And already you have such poise and beauty. How is it such a little package can so completely capture two adult hearts?!
*big sigh* My three year old at your birthday party. Complete with dark circles under your eyes due to lack of sleep...you have been too excited to sleep, knowing that your birthday was soon. And not understanding the concept of two days away or tomorrow, you just always were hopeful that it was the next time you got out of bed. Therefore, you were always getting out of bed...during naptime and in the middle of the night. :)

For the sake of remembering...here is what you are doing these days.

Inspired by your sister, you are trying to read. It doesn't matter what the words on the page say, you will pick out a random word and go "Ch. Ah. Er. T. Chart. See Mommy, it says 'chart'." I always cheer you on. You always grin like a possum.

Forever fearless, you love to be swung around wildly as you hang upside down. The faster the better. The higher, the more thrilling. You love to declare yourself brave. And you are. Sometimes too much so for mommy's liking! Even at a year of age, we all said you were into "extreme sports".

You love music and will routinely come to me, holding some random CD I haven't seen or played in years. You, my dear DJ, want to listen to it. You'll dance your crazy dances all around the family room floor. Already you have crazy-amazing rhythm. At times you'll yell "Yay Jesus!" "Praise you Jesus!" "Hallelujah!" I love to hear you worship. And I love hearing you say "come on, Charis! praise Jesus". Hmmm...are you a future worship leader in the making?

You love to pick fights with your sister. :) You think I don't realize this. But I do. But I also know that it's sometimes done just because you want her attention and you don't like being younger and less capable than she is. Like when she's reading or drawing, you'll come up and jerk the paper out of her hands. It almost always causes Charis to cry (or scream). Which causes you to cry (or yell back!). I'm always torn at how to respond because I know your heart is just to engage her. But sometimes it can spark a fight or two...or three.

You are incredibly loving and will, at random times, walk up to someone in our family, hug them fiercely, declare your love, and promptly walk away. You're endearing that way.

You're not one to be outdone. If Charis can do it, you will try. But you're not one to brag either. If you can do something that Charis can't do (like whistle), you will offer your how-to tips willingly.

Yet, there is a competitive streak in you! Nana gave you the tree swing for your birthday...you've been known to say, as we swing you hard, "I want to go higher than Charis! Higher!"

It takes a lot for someone to win your trust. Yet, once they have...you love them for life! I love this about you. I know some may call you shy, but I take comfort in the fact that you don't choose friends lightly and are loyal to those you love.

I love how you call your sister "Taris". And not because you haven't mastered the art of saying the "C" sound. But just because it's what you call her and why change it? :)

God has put such a sweet, gentle spirit in you, my little girl. One that is coupled with a fierceness that is not easily intimidated. I love that combination. I love you. And I can't wait to see how those seemingly polar-opposite qualities play out in your maturing personality. I'm sure it'll be dynamic and beautiful!

I love you, Selah Bug. I cherish these days with you.