The Birthday Girl!

Lauren: Dessie, what do you want to do for your birthday?
Dessie: My birthday?!!
Lauren: Yes, what do you want to do for your special day?
Dessie: Uhhhh....presents.
Lauren: What kind of presents?
Dessie: Lots of presents.
Lauren: What about if we went to McDonalds?
Dessie: YES! McDonalds. I want an ice-cream.
Lauren: OK! I can't believe you are 3!
Dessie: I'm 2.
Lauren: No, you are 3 now.
Dessie: No, I'm 2. It took a couple of weeks, but now Dessie has finally taken ownership of being 3!

I can't believe my baby girl is a a full-grown toddler capable of independent thought and full of those choice phrases in her arsenal such as, "No, I do it!" Here are a few things you may be interested to know about our 3-year-old Dessie.

She loves to do things herself. If I open a door for her, she throws a fit until I close the door and let her do it herself.

She loves to be on her scooter and can ride as fast as I can on my bike. It is truly a joy to behold.

She refuses to wear anything in her hair. Even if she has requested a special bow or headband, she'll pull it out within a half hour.

She doesn't have a low volume. She yells just about everything. When Stephen or I return home from somewhere, she yells and screams for joy at your arrival. It is possibly the best self-esteem boost I've ever experienced.

She only likes to wear dresses or skirts. She especially loves this sparkly blue costume she inherited from her babysitter. She even rides it on out scooter rides. It's funny to watch her intense speed with a princess dress billowing all around her.

She loves to turn on the music and dance. Her favorite songs to sing are "I Gotta Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas and "Grenade" by Bruno Mars. She always tells me to "stop singing, Mommy."

She loves all things Dora. When she received a Dora doll and movie for her birthday she yelled for joy so loud you could have heard her outside the restaurant.

We love our Dessie! Happy 3rd Birthday!