"I'm Fwee"

Happy Birthday Hopi Hopester, Hope on a Rope, Hopey Dopey, Hope Diddi-Hoo,

We have come up with many nicknames for you in your first 3 years of life.

I've been reflecting on your last year this week and fondly remembering lots of goofy, touching moments with you. Your dad frequently says to me, "I could just listen to Hope talk all day." You have a sweet little 3-year-old voice and tone that is delightful and cute. I know you will grow into more "big-girl" conversation as the years come, so I'm treasuring the way you say things; especially what you say. I'm going to recap some of my favorite Hopi-isms of the last year:

1. "I need some Mama-lovin'" - this is typically said with outstretched arms waiting for me to pick you up to snuggle and comfort. At one point during the year, I noticed you would get whiney for attention (and since whining is sooooo annoying) I taught you to use this phrase so I would know you simply need some cuddling, then I would gladly put down whatever I was doing and love on you. These times are precious - you still fit right into my lap, with your head snug in my shoulder. May you keep using this phrase forever!

2. "Gracie, you're not the boss of me" - this is your usual response when your loving big sister is trying to do too much for you and direct your playtime agenda a little too strictly. It makes me laugh :)

3. "Mama, it is necessary to wash your car" - this one floored me because you actually used the word necessary - both correctly and in context and pronounced very emphatically.

4. "Daddy, who faated?" (farted - but your r's aren't as pronounced as they will be) - Daddy took you and your sister to the store to buy some running shoes and you smelled something stinky, pointed to an innocent family sitting close to you, and said in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear, "Daddy, who faaated?" You accomplished what few have - you made your dad blush :) - Nice work!

5. "I wuv my Chaalie" - this one is brand new since you received your first pet from Grandma Tibby for your birthday - a small betta fish which you named Chaalie (again, the r's aren't quite there, so it sounds a little British with an adorable 3-year-old tone). Your father and I are taking bets on how long Chaalie will last before you "love" him to death.

So, Hope, bottom line, I love you a bunch. Your spunky quirky humor will serve you well in life. So far you look the most like me, but have more of your father's orneriness. It makes for a cute and quite charming disposition. You are my delight and my challenge, as you often prefer to defy my commands and ignore my requests. We continue to work on 1st-time listening :) I remind myself that your little will is going to be a tremendous asset to you as you pursue life with vigor.

I'm so happy you're a part of our family. I couldn't imagine life without you. I love you!

Mommy