Dear Ari

Dear Ari,

Three years ago today you and your brother came into our lives and with you brought us long-held, tough-fought dreams come true. It is truly incredible to see how far we have all come in three quick years.

You are our creative one, the observer, strong-willed diva, Daddy's Girl, brave soul and sweet angel (when you want to be). You love to paint, draw, use watercolors, cut shapes with scissors and read. You can even write some of your letters. You tend to be quiet and shy around others, prefering to stand back and observe others with a quiet intensity. Around those you know and trust, though (which includes Mommy and Daddy, your grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and close friends) you can be totally silly, loving and affectionate. You are the first to jump into the moon bounce at a party or get on a space flight simulator with Mommy- you're really not afraid of daring adventures. You got a perfect "report card" in nursery school this year, no doubt a reflection of your intellectual curiosity.

You're a very picky eater, which is probably reflected in your slight figure or, as you like to say, "my pants fall down because I'm too skinny!" You love mac and cheese, bread, fruit and everything sweet (hmmm- taking after your Mommy) and, interestingly enough, lox. You hate veggies (again, like Mommy). You won't ever try anything new, even if it's something sweet and yummy, but once in a while you'll take a small taste and profess "I like it- I DO like it!"

You may be small, but you're tough. You let Miri take out a splinter without even wincing and were a champ when you had to have stitches in your forehead earlier this year. You will probably be a gymnast- you love jumping, flipping, hanging and are insanely flexible.

You are a loving and adoring big sister to Kira, always looking out for her and offering her some of your snack, sitting down to read to her or helping her learn to walk. It is heartwarming to see how you dote on her and how much she looks up to you and Alex.

You're a total Daddy's Girl, asking every weekday morning "where's Daddy?" even though you know the answer (at work!) You love it when Daddy rubs your head and are always asking us to scratch your back. You know how to press our buttons, especially Mommy's, but at the same time you know how to say exactly the right words to wrap us around your finger.

You are beautiful and strong and we are certain no one will ever push you around. You stand up for what you want, even if it is to the point of frustrating Mommy and Daddy from time to time. We are so proud of you and can't wait to see what new and exciting things you discover and bring to our lives in the years to come.

Happy Birthday, dear Arielle.

Love,

Mommy and Daddy