Dear Giovanna,
So, you are 3 today & this year has been the biggest leap yet. The person you were a year ago barely resembles the hilarious little lady that now graces us but I’m sure next year we’ll be saying the same thing.
My love for you grows daily which I never ever thought was even possible. How could I possibly love you more than yesterday? I’ve definitely met my match in you!
Over the past year, you began preschool at Discovery Days & met lots of lovely little friends. You’re very independent & love doing things yourself, so you settled in quickly & soon became very popular with your favorite friends being Mr. Carter, Henry and Lillian.
Watching you grow older is bittersweet. Half of me is so excited for things to come & all the exciting things you have ahead of you but the other half just wants to press pause for just a while, to hold your little hand in mine for just a little while longer & look into your big beautiful eyes while you tell me “Mama, I love to snuggle with you.” Thank you for 3 of the best years of my life. I am so proud & honored to call you my daughter.
You’re loving and outspoken and cuddly. I love the way you take my face in your hands and tell me that you love me. You always ask me “Mama, are you happy?”. I am happy, my sweet girl. You leave me in awe, every day. I would not be whole without you.
You are so confident & brave. I hope that’s a quality that you never lose and that you won’t allow anyone to erode that for you. I hope that your strong-will, which sometimes challenges my patience, remains a steady strength that takes you wherever your heart leads you.
You are very smart! You can’t get enough of your books each day. You have started “reading” to us now, because you’ve memorized so many books almost word-for-word. When you are taught something, you don’t have to be told twice. Watching your mind work and being able to really have conversations is yet another joy for us. You’re engaging and bright, and always tender. You express your feelings so maturely, it sometimes shocks us.
You’re so funny! You make me laugh every day. I write in a journal to you everyday, because is always something that makes me say, can you believe she just said that! That sense of humor will serve you well throughout your days.
You are strong. You are a great athlete and you love swimming, gymnastics and soccer. Your concern for others will make you a great teammate and your desire to learn will enable to excel in anything you put your mind to.
You love to dance & sing. You’ve memorized songs in English and Spanish, and you especially love Vivir Mi Vida by Marc Anthony and Arriba, Abajo! Of course, you know every move, facial expression & hand gesture from all the Lion King songs, which you will sing, loudly, anywhere, especially with Federico!
You are a great traveler. You have been to many countries and cities already. You love language and people. My goal is to show you the entire world. Imagine the fun we will have and the things we will learn, together!
You have a charisma that you aren’t aware of yet. I know it will serve you well. You make friends wherever you go. I call you the Mayor of Everywhere! You love other kids and when you see babies, you are drawn to them, wanting to hug and kiss and make them smile.
I wish I could keep you little forever, but I am looking forward to continuing to watch you grow into the young lady that you’re meant to be. You’ll do great things, my girl.
Always remember that Daddy & I love you more than anything in this world. Stay strong, let your voice be heard, be kind, hold your family close. Know that you will always be loved, no matter what. And no matter how old you are, you will always be my Baby Girl.
I love you…