My Goodness! You're 3!

Sofi Sofi Sofi...Daddy here, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! (a little late). You have been looking forward to your third birthday for a long time now, knowing that with it comes so many new privileges. We threw you three parties for your third birthday: one with Nana and Papa, one with all your school friends (that's the one where we had a bounce house, and you bounced for so long in there that I thought you'd never come out), and one with all of your non-school friends, Grandpa Bob, Mary, Phyllis, Gracie and Lily. Three parties means triple the presents!

So, let's recap the year, shall we? I'd say the biggest thing that happened to you this year is, of course, becoming a Big Sister! Your brother, Cass, joined us on March 9th. What a wonderful sister you have been. I can see your love for him already, as you sometimes ask "Can we keep him forever?" I hope those sentiments last into your teenage years. Little Cass (although there's nothing little about him) is just getting ready to crawl, and soon after that he'll be walking and following you around wherever you go. He'll be your shadow, and it's up to you to show him the right path. I'll never forget bringing you to the hospital to meet him right after he was born. As I held the two of you in my arms for the first time, I was overwhelmed with love for you, for him, for Mommy, for our family. What a moment. What was once two, then three, is now four. The four Bayts. Quite a force to be reckoned with.

After Cass was born, you had to have a surgery, and it was NOT fun. But, I just could not believe how brave you were, and how remarkably you bounced back. You are so strong, Sofi. In every way. I think it's because you eat your vegetables; sometimes. I also think that after going through what you did this year, there's nothing you won't be able to handle in life.

Once that surgery was behind us, guess what, POTTY TRAINING TIME!!! You're doing a great job, even if there is an accident now and then. Keep washing your hands each time, and no, you can't put your hair in the toilet. Not now. Not ever. It's disgusting.

This summer at the pool, you have made tremendous progress floating, kicking, playing with your princesses, all the fun stuff. I'll bet by next summer, you'll be swimming under water while holding your breath.

Ok sweetie, I'm going to sign off now. I can't wait to see you at the end of every day, I'm so proud of you, and I love you to the moon and back. Daddy

I Suppose I'm Going To Have To Get Use To This

Fall Roadtrip To God's Country And Oliver Winery

October: the Best Month To Be A Parent, And A Kid

Happy 2nd Birthday To My BIG Girl

Dear Sofi (it's me, daddy): It's your second birthday; Congratulations! As you tell me frequently nowadays, "Sofi's a BIG GIRL" - and that you are. You amaze Mommy and me every day with your mind, with your humor, with your beauty, with your dance moves, your amazement and wonder, your furtive, knowing, glances...your love. If only we could get you to eat your dinner (and maybe go to bed without a fight...but hey, you are your father's daughter). Sofi, I told my friends the other day that I could sit around and talk about you for hours. In fact, if given a day to myself, I'd probably find myself talking to strangers about my little girl (that's you), and how much I love her, and how special she is in her own right, and to me. You've shown Mommy and me a lot of bravery this year, little one, and I have seen just how big a fighter you are (especially at bed time). I'm so proud of you and your perserverance. I know there are big things to come in your second year. Like, perhaps, becoming a BIG SISTER!!!! NOW THAT IS SOMETHING! I love you Sofia. I can't wait for your next "big HUUUUG," your next "night night daddy," your next dazzling phrase that comes out of nowhere. You're simply the best. Happy Birthday again,

Your Lovin,

Daddy

Nana, You've Raised a Wabbit Hunter