To the Birthday Girl

Lily, my baby girl, my heart swells with so much pride and love for you. I am so very blessed to be your Mommy, and so filled with excitement as I think about the years to come. Happy, Happy Birthday, my love. I adore you.

{A post from Jeff  for his little girl}

If I’ve learned anything as a parent to three small children, it’s that you love them all equally, but not the same. With Ben, it’s about his curiosity and his wisdom (seriously–as silly as it sounds–he is a wise, wise boy). With Evan, it’s about his spunk and charisma. If there is such a thing as an “It” factor for a toddler, Evan has it.

And then there is Lily. My darling, precious, perfect Lily.

As the first child and the only girl, Lily has an inherently prime place in our family. That would have been enough, if it were the only thing going for the girl. But lucky for me, it’s not.

Lily has a heart that is warm and full.  She doesn’t just love, she LOVES. And I can’t think of anything that makes me feel as good as being loved by her.

Lily hugs like her life depends on it, and she smiles with a sincerity that belies her age.

Lily is deeply, naturally empathetic.  Others’ pain hurts her–even though sometimes it’s one of her brothers in pain and she is the cause.

In her six short years, Lily has taught me so much, and she continues to shape who I am. I am thankful we didn’t wait a moment longer to start our family (accident, what accident??), otherwise I’d have lived too long without knowing what it feels like being Lily’s daddy. And that’s a feeling I can’t get enough of.

Happy Birthday, our beautiful baby girl. You are extraordinary.

xoxo