She’s three.

My little McNugget. My mini-me. My munchkin.

How did this happen? What happened? Where did this little bundle of walking, talking, hugging, pretending, did I mention talking?, reading, and curious little girl come from?

This last year has been a blur with the addition of Kulia to our family. Leina has grown up quite a bit from my “baby” to my “big girl” and she’s done it with such grace and joy. She’s a heavenly big sister, helper, and buddy.

Looking back, the “two’s” weren’t that terrible! Sure, she’s developed a will and opinion all her own but I believe that’s a good thing. At the same time, she’s figured out how to wait, how to ask with her manners, and how to bargain. Our house has turned into one giant Lets Make a Deal game show.

If I say no, Leina takes it in stride and then counters with a new idea. No ice cream for breakfast? Ok, how about a popscicle. Next time we decided to buy a car, I’m letting Leina do the negotiating for us because this girl is good!

We said good-bye to 2 and celebrated the beginnning of 3 with a great big backyard BBQ with wading pools and a slip and slide. My parents flew in from LA and Auntie Suzy and Sammy arrived from SD. Leina loved having her extended family here and our house reverberated with cries of “come on Sammy, let’s play!” Now, if I could only convince Suzy and Dan to move up here to Oregon, my life would be perfect!

I can’t wait to see what 3 has in store for us. I have big dreams of a potty trained child who will eat a healthy variety of food and share her toys with her sister without a fuss… Wish me luck!