Happy Birthday, Bella!

It's official. Isabella is three now. So, that means we must be done with the terrible twos, right?

OK, maybe not, but as I told an incredulous Joey this morning, I wouldn't change a single thing about Bella. She is a totally unique, never-to-be duplicated, often frustrating, always adorable bundle of creative energy and I can't imagine our lives without her. Each day she gets sweeter, funnier, more endearing. Whether she is cooperating sweetly or stomping her little foot in fierce defiance I love her totally and completely.

Bella knows what she wants (though what that is changes every two minutes) and does not hesitate to go after it. That quality will serve her well, I'm sure, at many points in her life. Simultaneously, she is intensely loving and physically affectionate. She melts my heart when she says, "Snuggle me!" and reaches her arms out to me when I tuck her in. She is my most faithful visitor at 2am, when she, without fail, climbs into my bed and plasters herself to my side for the remainder of the night. I never have the heart to kick her out (to Jay's dismay)!

Her enthusiasm is delightful, her inconsistencies entertaining. One minute she is seeking Tony as her sole consoler after her mother has scolded her, and five minutes later she is pinning her latest disaster on him with an innocent, "Tony do it!" (although he was at school at the time of the offense).

Bella, you are shameless, outrageous, clever and passionate. You are the source of much laughter and love in our home. We can't WAIT to see what you become, because it most certainly won't ever be boring! We all love you so much. Happy birthday!