THREE

March, it seems, is the month of three. Third month, three babies... and now, a three-year-old! Yesterday was Phoebe's third birthday, and I can hardly believe that three years have gone by. It seems like just a moment ago that it was Phoebe I was holding, wrapped up in hospital blankets weighing hardly anything at all. It goes by so fast.

I absolutely love having a three year old. The one that lives in my house is a delightful little sprite that fills our home with giggles and stories and pink and princesses. As she would say, "She is perc-fect for us!"

At three years old, Phoebe is so pink. She loves all things feminine: princesses, the color pink, ruffles, ribbons, fluff, accessories, ballet, and dress-up. Most days, she is in some form of fancy dress for a large part of the day. She can tell you all about the Disney princesses, even though she's only actually seen Cinderella in its entirety. She loves to dance (especially to Oldies), and she often pretends to be a ballerina. Twirling about in her tutu, Phoebe looks like pink ice cream.

Phoebe loves to talk. She is a delight to share conversation with; no longer do I feel like I'm talking to myself all day long! Her favorite question is, "Why?", and I hear it approximately three hundred times a day. Phoebe also asks big questions - God questions - and it is a blessing to see evidence of the Lord's working in her heart. Phoebe narrates her day, and she often re-enacts portions of books or movies as she pretends. Although Phoebe speaks clearly, many of her words have a sweet Phoebe twist to them; we always grieve when we realize she's started saying a word properly. Her voice has a sweet musical quality, and I love to hear her talk as much as she loves to talk.

Phoebe is a visual learner, and seems to remember just about anything she has seen. She is a creature of habit, and is compulsive about some of her routines. (She must sleep with a fan on, for example.) She immediately notices when things are out of place. She could sit and read for hours, and especially loves to read the same books over and over again. (Her favorite books are all by Robert McCloskey.) Phoebe also loves to sing and listen to music, and she has the entire Psalty CD memorized. She loves to work jigsaw puzzles, play board games, and color with markers.

Phoebe is free-spirited and dreamy, and she clearly marches to the beat of her own drum. And yet, she's also remarkably obedient and helpful. Most tasks take...time. (Mommy is learning to be patient and kind as she nurtures her Phoebe-girl.) She loves to help with just about anything I'm doing; these days, she especially loves to help with her new baby sister. Phoebe is an active preschooler who loves to run and jump and skip and hop and twirl, but she also loves quiet, still activities. When we play outside, she loves to take care of the birds and "find them berries". For her birthday, she longed for a slide... and we obliged.

It is impossible to adequately describe our little girl. She delights and surprises me all the time. I cannot believe that she is the biggest of our three girls at three years old... but God has given me a sweet gift and helper in her. It seems like every day I love her more. I cannot wait to see what this next year will hold for her!