Dear Sofia,

Happy 3rd Birthday! You really need to stop growing up because it means that I'm getting old.

What has happened in the last year? You became a big sister when Madre had your little brother, Timothy George. Tim was your Mommy's brother and George was Madre's husband. They are both very special men to your mothers. Just because he might be named after them, it doesn't mean that you're not just as special to them, if not more. You're their first-born, you'll always hold that special spot in their hearts. You're an amazing big sister to Timmy, always trying to help with him even though you're too small to do some of the things you want to, like carry him around the house.

Not only did you get a little brother this year, you also got a stepmother. I finally got back together with Lexie and we got married three months ago. You love having her around, especially when we watch Zola for Meredith and Derek. You two girls are best friends. You remind me a lot of Derek and myself when we were growing up. I hope you never let anything come between the two of you, especially a man (or woman, it doesn't matter to me).

You've gotten so big over the past year. You're still smaller than the other kids in daycare who are about to turn three, but you're full of life. Your voice makes up for your size, you love to sing at the top of your lungs. What else about you? Your curiosity about the world continues to amaze each day. The questions you ask about how something works or why we do things the way we do things make me think about things I haven't thought about since I was little. Please don't ever lose your curiosity or innocence.

I got you a tricycle for your birthday today. Your moms aren't going to be very happy with me, but I think every kid needs a first bike and what a better occasion to get it than your third birthday! I'm positive that you're going to love your trike, I just wish I could keep it at my place for you, but there isn't a whole lot of room in my apartment, but you know that. Maybe by the time I write your letter next year, I'll have gotten a real house with lots of room for you and your brother to play.

Happy Birthday!

Love,

Daddy