Happy 7th Birthday Lil!

Lilly

Inspires

a Life full of

Laughter, Love and Joy

Yahoo!

Lilly read Camille's birthday post and now she can't wait to read hers...I hope I don't disappoint her! 

From the time Lilly Ayers Strong made her entrance into this world she has been a gift that never stops giving.  1:17 in room 711 on 11/17 (She will probably ask to know the exact second, too)! I remember moving back home, into the half-way house, and being consumed with fear and doubt. Soon I would be responsible for another human being, so tiny and small.  I didn't think I was ready.  I didn't know if I could do it.

I distinctly remember the little blue bath tub with green mesh, that fit so perfectly into the kitchen sink at our apartment above my Granny's house. I remember how a look of concern furrowed Lilly's eyebrow every time I carefully undressed her and placed her in the tub.  She would gaze at me, rarely crying, but always with a look of wonder and concern; as if she was deep in thought, even when she was barely a week old.  Why are you putting me into this water?  I like to be wrapped in the warm blanket and snuggled close to your heart, why are you taking off my clothes and dropping me into the unknown? As I comforted my baby, as I convinced her to trust me, I was also convincing myself that I could do it.  As I gained confidence in my ability to be trusted with this precious gift, I vowed to protect her, to the best of my ability, for as long as she will let me; to feed the wonder and excitement and to challenge her each day to be the best person she can be.

 Some of her facial expressions are the exact same as I remember from the very first months that we brought her home so teeny tiny...I could do without some of the new ones that she has learned (Eye rolling-where could she have picked that up? Must be school;)). The wonder is still very present and visible to the naked eye, no matter what task is at hand.  She still furrows her brow when she is deep in thought, when she isn't sure what the next step is or if she thinks she's right and whoever is talking is wrong!

She loves to be challenged and wants to do her very best at each activity she participates in.  She loves to sing and dance.  She takes her routines and performances very seriously, but smiles the most genuine, fun smile while she is on stage.  She likes to be the center of attention...I don't know where she gets that either! Must be school.

Reading is currently her passion.  She picks up her book as soon as she gets off of the bus and tunes the rest of the world out as she absorbs all the fun new ideas and concepts that are played out in the story lines.  She has always enjoyed reading, but lately it's all that she wants to do. She reads out loud to Camille and Keegan with inflection and expression; better than the majority of adults I have heard read out loud.

Other than when she is extremely tired, Lilly is wonderful with her siblings.  She helps them pick out clothes, put on shoes, holds their hand and so much more.  She is kind and caring to everyone she meets...sometimes because I make her, but most of the time because she wants to.  Thoughtfulness comes almost as easy to her as walking and talking did.  If she's in a bad mood it never lasts longer than 15 minutes. Her laugh is infectious. She remembers Everything. She has more friends than I do.  She's fun and funny and cherished by so many.

But what I love the most about my Little Lilly is our special bond.  She's too cool for everyone else’s kisses, but not mine.  She's too grown up to sit on people's laps, but not mine.  She gags when she doesn't want to eat something, just like I used to. We argue each night about who loves who more and I always end with loving her to infinity.  Lilly is one of a kind. She changed my life forever and I have no doubt she will continue to do so.  It is both my honor and my pleasure to be called her Mother.

Happy Birthday, Babe!