My Dear Isabel - Happy 3rd Birthday

My Dear Isabel,

Happy 3rd Birthday.  I can't believe you are already 3 years old.  Time flies and it's been a treasure to watch you grow every second of every day.   While we are in charge of your growth, you are the one showing us the beauty, the innocence, and the brilliance of life.  It's an amazing perspective.

I am ever so proud to be your mama.  You have grown to be such a happy, imaginative, and clever girl.

• I love watching and listening to your laugh.  It's like the whole world is alive with happiness when you laugh.  I hope you will always keep a little bit of that sense of wonder and joy in life.  
• I love watching you figure out your puzzles.  I can tell that little brain of your developing logic quickly and it's wonderful also to see your face light up when you finish in triumph. 
• I even love it when I know you are using your charming, clever ways to get your way (like going to bed later, opening a toy sooner, get something you want to eat.)  It's just so cute.  Good things I am hip to your game (with Yaya's help).
• I love that you love flash cards and asks for it as a game you want to play over and over.  What an egg head.  such a mama's little girl :-)
• I love that you love to dance and sing - already such a musical girl. I know you will make good use of your new guitar from Lao Lao.
• I love that you are so affectionate and social.  You are generous with your kisses and hugs and you are not shy to approach little kids at the Ferry Market to play.  
• I love it that you are already speaking some Mandarin.  It's so cute and natural for you it seems to combine English and Mandarin with me.  I am so glad you are getting to learn my home language. 

I know I am suppose to teach you a lot about life but as your mama, I am so glad to learn a lot also from you as I get to see life from your eyes every day.  I am excited that you will start school 2 days a week in June - it's hard to think you will be by yourself from 9 to 4pm two days a week but I know it's time and you are ready.  I have to learn to let you go a little and let you develop to your full potential.  

Most of all, I wish you another year full of learning, laughter, mischieve, and adventure.  Every year it's a new experience and I can't wait to see what this new year as a 3 year old for you will bring.   I love you with all my heart and soul.

- Lei