Happy Birthday Peanut

21st March. I can't believe how time has flown. Today is Tamsyns 3rd birthday. Of course, it goes without saying that today is another date that reminds me how long Bethy has been gone. Tam is 3, Bethy has been gone three years one month.

But that isn't what today is about.

I can't believe she is three. It doesn't seem that long ago she was this little squidgy thing that needed protecting from everything around her, and today, well, she still needs protecting, but she'll give it hell...

She's growing fast, and she is a complete little smart arse, but refuses to talk. I'm hoping that it's just her being lazy though, as she seems to have her own language. She uses lots of words, and every now and then comes out with something new that she refuses to repeat until she decides to do it again.

She is a complete Aries, strong willed, stubbon, has awful mood swings... That screaming child in the supermarket? That's my daughter.

But, even though she is a complete mummys girl, she is becoming more and more of a Daddys Little Princess. It's tough being wrapped around another little finger, but I can handle it. She gives the nicest cuddles, and when she's in a good mood, will do almost anything you ask, from cleaning up to running stuff up and down the stairs.

Tamsyn, my little Peanut,
I can't believe how beautiful you are. Clearly, you've not gained that from me, and that's a bless. You are a beautiful little girl, even if you are a monster some days.

Some days I wish you could chatter away with me and I wouldn't have to concentrate on your words. You have so much going on in your head, and I'd love for you to share it, for us to understand what point it is you are trying to get across.

Yes, I wish you weren't quite as much of a monkey as you can be, and while the wall art throughout the house will always remind me of you, I think the walls would look better without thick blue marker or similar designs.

You are going to be such a smart little girl, and I wish so much that you grow to be as happy as you are now, to enjoy life and to know all the best things that are out there - love, happiness, peace, fun, and to experience everything the world has to offer.

I love you so much, and know mummy loves you as much as me. Jaysen might get moody with you when you push his playstation off the shelf, but he loves you lots too. I know Bethy is out there too somewhere, suggesting things to you that drives you on to do or say the strangest things. I know she's told you how horrible my stubble is, but I'll keep it trimmed and shaved, I promise.

I love watching you grow, love seeing your eyes light up at something new.

I know our family is a strange one, but you will get used to it. Mummy and Daddy are still friends, and even though we don't live together, we both love you very much.

Happy birthday, my gorgeous little Peanut.

All our love,
Daddy and Mummy

And, as usual, here are photos of the little monkey through the last few years, in no real order. The last one, however, was taken yesterday.

Click any of them to embiggen them!