Thankful for a Birthday Girl

Happy Birthday to our little Dani! This is a few days late but her special day/weekend was spoiled at our house this year by a flu bug. Thankfully she was not attacked! Dani is quite a character in our home. Her expressionable eyes always make a fasinating story that much more exciting or serious. We're not sure of what Dani's interests really are since she is a good sport especially to her sister. Many days
she 'pretends' (she always reasures me that she is only pretending to be a boy!) to be Prince Phillip or she is playing horses with Allie. Since school has started though, I have discovered she enjoys coloring and writing; her new favorite cartoon is Scooby Doo. She reminds shy and timid but the cartoon monsters are no match for her! Since Dani's birthday is so close to the Thanksgiving holiday, I think she gets the short end of the deal when it comes to a party, and this year wasn't any different. (Can you tell I feel guilty for the unexpected illness?) Thankfully Grandma Carol Hoffman had a birthday cake surprise on thanksgiving and all the kids sang to her. She tried to hide the smile, but secretly she was thrilled. At age three Dani has finally hit the 50 percentile on the growth charts. She weighs in at 30 lbs and stretches up to 36 1/2 inches. She continues to develop perfectly. She talks extremely well and somedays I have to remind myself she isn't older. Although she knows her shapes, counts past 10, and knows most letter, Dani is our problem solver. I learned that especially this summer. Allie's bike wheel was stuck on a stick. Instead of getting upset she stepped back looked at the bike and moved the stick. She loves to read to herself and make up her own words to the books. Occasionally she allows us to help. She is still attached to a pink blanket she has had since her infant days. When a scary moment happens, (like going to some else's house without Allie and I) blanket makes the trip. She loves gymnastics and this session she made a friend! Dani is my snuggle bug. Someday I'll miss the 15 extra minutes we take every morning to snuggle after a long night of sleep! Happy Birthday my sweet girl!