Three years.

On the one hand, it seems insane that you’re already three years old. You should be my tiny little baby, asleep in my arms.

But on the other hand, of COURSE you’re three years old! You’ve been with us forever! It’s hard to remember life before you.

People don’t believe us when we say you’re only just now turning three. Waitresses at restaurants can’t believe how well you carry on a conversation and order for yourself, so polite. Disneyland ticket agents didn’t believe you should get in for free. Maybe it’s the way you talk, maybe it’s your long legs & all that hair… whatever it is, I want it to STOP.

You tell us every day, “Remember, I’m going to grow up big!” Sometimes it’s in reference to a shelf you can’t reach, or a container you can’t open… sometimes it’s just because you want to be big. But please, sweet precious one, don’t be in such a rush to grow up.

Stay Little.

Keep feeling like every sunset is magical.

Keep serving us lunch every afternoon out of your awesome playhouse.

Keep having imaginary friends (named Topanga, of course).

For my sake… for your Daddy’s sake… for your OWN sake… please stay our little one as long as you possibly can.

We love you, Doofy. Happy 3rd birthday!

If you follow us on Instagram (@chelsea_mcgowan and @ejmcgowan) you probably saw us posting about the playhouse we got Dorothy for her birthday. It’s so baller. Real glass windows that open, a tile floor, a flower box, a front porch… she spends most of her time in it now.

These glasses… oh man. She just adores them. They’re from Claire’s, and she thinks they make her look “big”.

We knew she needed some Super Doof pictures before she outgrows this stage. Who is Super Doof? Her alter ego. She tells us Super Doof is brave & strong & can do anything she wants, even fly sometimes when no one is looking. Super Doof daily rescues us from allll the bad guys. Super Doof has excellent fashion sense. 🙂

This little girl might be absolutely insane, and high maintenance, and a total diva (no idea where she got that)… but she’s ours. And we couldn’t possibly adore her more.