Four

To my sweet Lily on her fourth birthday,

Last night, on your birthday eve, it was hard for you to sleep. You were so excited about getting to be the birthday girl! You tossed and turned and I came to sit with you and rub your back. As I watched your sleepy face, I remembered where I was four years earlier. Your first night in this world was simply magical. Exhausted after twelve hours of visitors, Daddy fell asleep on the chair next to me. I felt similar to how you felt last night - exhausted, but too excited to do anything but stare at you - your perfect face and little nose. You are our amazing miracle. The reality of that statement has become so much clearer to me over the past several months - you are perfect in every way.

You are happy and exuberant. You don't do anything half-way, except for maybe washing your hands (you're too busy to take time to do that for more than 2 seconds).

You are sweet and kind and have the biggest heart of any little person I know. You would never say a mean word about anyone and everyone is your friend.

You're don't sit still for long. We kept you active this year - soccer class, dance class, swimming lessons - and you loved all of it. You learned a lot too. In fact, your swimming teacher was so proud of you in the last couple weeks of lessons when you would say to her, "You can let go. I'll swim by myself!" And for a few exciting seconds you would - we were so proud of you too!

You are determined. You always have been really, but now it comes out in exciting ways. You were determined to write your name and ride your bike this spring, and it was no surprise that you did.

Your year of being three wasn't always easy. You had to learn the hard lessons about kids who sometimes say unkind things and the harder lessons about the deaths of people we loved. You especially grieved learning about your baby sister Grace in heaven. You maybe grew up a little more than you should have had to this year, but you came through it with strength and sweetness.

You love a good twirly dress! This one is especially nice being pink!

The most precious moment of all my days happened four years ago today when you came into my life. Every month and year has gotten better. I loved holding you as a newborn that first day and thought it couldn't get any more wonderful. I was wrong in so many ways. Now I love reading to you and hearing you read back. I love chasing after you to capture another picture. I love watching you in your activities. I love listening to you have fun with your friends. I love hearing you sing and make up story after story. I love every little thing about you!

Happy Birthday Lily! Thank you for sharing my birthday with me. I love you so much!

Love, Mommy