On September 19, 2006 a future strong willed, independent, bossy,

yet

beautiful, loving and full of personality

16 year old toddler was born!

Happy 3rd or 16th Birthday,

Sophie!

Joescrabshack 009

Sophie,

It’s hard to believe it was three years ago that you arrived.  You are growing up so fast.  People tend to say that a lot, but at the rate you’re growing—turning 16 on your three birthday and all—I’m afraid to blink or you’ll be in a wedding dress bossing your sisters and me around the Bride Room.

You are such a smart girl.  Sometimes the things you say astound me.  That’s why I just used the word astound.  You’ll probably learn it soon.  Maybe not in your new preschool class, but you can ask some of the other 16-year-old kids.

Sometimes I  wonder if you feel like you get in trouble a lot.  Or that Mommy and Daddy fuss at you too much.  God gave you a very strong will.  Sometimes that can be challenging for Mommy and Daddy.  We are trying to learn how to teach you to obey.  Teaching children to obey their parents is very important.  But we struggle at times.

Like the other day after Cammie treated us to lunch and you wouldn’t get in your car sat.  I told you twice.  And then you laid in the floor board.  I got my paddle {*a thin paint stick.  No back lash, please.} and swatted your leg a couple of times just enough to make it sting.   Do you remember what happened next?  I know you do!  You said, “WELLLL, THAT was rude!”

Cammie and I turned our heads to hide our laughter.  I can’t remember what I said when I turned back around.  Maybe it was just PAHAHAHAHA—the kind of laugh when people spray a little spit when they first start laughing (says Courtney).  Because you said, “WHAT?  You SPIT on me or sumpin?”

And then we started laughing again.  I really don’t know what else to do at a time like that.  I used to be a very firm Mommy.  But God made your little personality strong willed and independent for a reason.  And I know He will show us how to teach you.

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Psalm 139:14b

I wonder if you know how special you are to us.  Even though I get tired and frustrated sometimes, I’m so glad that you have so much personality.  I’m thankful that you ask a lot of questions.  That’s one way we learn.  So keep on asking those questions.

Pretty soon you will be an Aunt.  I realized today when we were looking at baby Gavin’s pictures on that sonogram machine, that you were scared about that.  You don’t have to be afraid.  You will finally have another little person to watch grow and one day play with.  I bet you can teach him how to throw a ball as well as you. He will be watching you and you will be teaching him a lot.  That’s why it’s important that we teach you to obey.

You’re taking good care of your baby doll, Aubrey (Although you should probably change his name since Courtney has moved on past the doll’s namesake.).  So don’t worry, you’ll do just fine.  Unless, of course, you teach him what you told me the other day.  “I just do what I want.  You can’t tell me what to do.”  And then we’ll have to make sure Gavin is not watching those shows you can no longer watch.

I love you so much, Mommy’s sweet angel girl!  Don’t be in such a hurry to grow up.  Three is much easier than 16.  Ask Courtney.

When I am frustrated, I’ll think of the time we spent on the beach.  And I’ll thank God that you love it as much as I do.  I’ll think how much you like learning Bible verses.  And I’ll think about the funny things you do and say that make me smile and laugh.  Like, “Mom, you are the best friend I ever saw.”  I’ll smile and thank God again for my sweet angel girl.

I love you more than peanut butter.  And yes, I know you love me more than jelly.

Happy Birthday Baby Bear!  I hope your day is blessed and your party is a blast!

Mama Bear

P.S.  Cooper did not RSVP.