Evelynn's 3 Year Pictures

This is a severely belated post... but, I just now got pictures. So, here goes:

Evelynn,

--Pretty Princess..... (as you like to be called),

 I still remember the first day you argued with me. Your eyes lit on fire and I immediately saw that strong attitude buried within you start to come to life.  In that moment, I realized you were going to keep me on my toes. When you were a baby, you were so serious all the time, and I waited anxiously to see if you would grow to be quiet and calm, or if you'd surprise us all and begin to show a new, wilder side. As the years are passing, you've grown into such a sassy little thing! Everything from those precious curls and dark expressive eyes, to those little feet that can't hold still and love to twirl are a constant reminder of  high-spirited side that exists in you. 

 I adore watching you grow into the person you are. You're the best little mommy, and love helping me take care of your brothers. You're always looking out for them, willing to help me in my daily chores, and I love having you by my side when I go to the store or run errands. I always know you're going to tell me "I go with you mommy... wait for me!! Don't leave me!"

Princess, although you're only 3, I recognize an inner strength in you that brings me such happiness. I see how much you strive to do the right things. I know the battle you fight each day on whether or not you should do what YOU want, or what you've been told to do. I know it's hard, and I watch with pride when I see you conquer it. I see that behind that wild-side we see so frequently lately, there is still a tenderhearted little girl who wants to make us proud and wants to be loved. Please don't ever doubt that we love you!

 Each day you do little things that make me smile -- or just have me trying to hide my grin of amusement when I really should be disciplining you instead of laughing.-- You have such a spirit of joy and innocence that I hope never leaves you. The simple things make you happy: twirling in a pretty dress, snuggling, or getting to sit on my lap when we read scriptures. 

 I hope you know that Mommy & Daddy love every bit of you, even when we get so frustrated you end up in timeout! I'm sure you'll look back at this and say, "Yes, timeout and I were frequent companions." But just know we wouldn't change you for anything. I'm so glad that you are a strong- willed child and that you will have the strength and courage to be brave throughout your life. 

 As the years continue to pass, I look forward to watching you grow even more -- Will you be tall and elegant, will your keep your whimsical air about you? Will you be quiet, serious, thoughtful,or mysterious? I don't know, but I guarantee I'll love watching every bit of your personal discovery. 

Mommy and Daddy love you, our Evelynn Liahna!