Our sweet girl, Lily Emerson turns seven today. She was over a week late and I thought she might stay in my tummy forever. My mom, Megan and GramS were all in town waiting with us. Megan only had so many days off work, and of course the day after she left to drive back to Portland, Lily decided to make her appearance. We thought she might be born on Earth Day, but instead she picked Shakespeare’s birthday which seems fitting now because she’s addicted to reading and writing.
I couldn’t wait for her to arrive, couldn’t wait! (I was scared out of my mind too!) I knew I was in labor the morning of the 22nd about 7:30, but I also knew I couldn’t sit around just waiting for things to speed up so my mom and I went to the bookstore and then to lunch. Let’s just say Big Mare, was not calm about me out gallivanting around while I was in labor.
Greg used to stand and rock her in his arms and any time he tried to stop and sit she would start screaming. Aside from that she was such a good baby. She slept through the night early on which pretty much spoiled us for when Jasper came along because he still doesn’t understand the concept of a full night’s sleep!
My girl is smart and beautiful, curious and compassionate, and so shy. She’s also a water baby and she loves to play in the kitchen with us whether it’s helping us cook…
or just playing “vegetable people” as she and Jasper call it.
One of my favorite things to watch her do these days is fall in love with reading. We come home from the library with a bag of books and she sits on the couch or in her blue chair with her bag and dives into the books she’s picked out.
The week she was born we had snow on the ground and a thunder storm, two things we don’t get a lot of around here. When the snow and thunder came I knew she’d be along soon. Her inquisitive nature about serious issues is as magical and special as falling snow flakes. And, not to be outdone by her brother, she can throw a fit as booming loud as thunder.
It’s almost difficult for me to write about Lily at the moment because she’s been having a really tough year at school dealing with some other kids who have learned the art of bullying at an early age. Unfortunately our shy girl who doesn’t like to get in trouble is the perfect target for bullying, and it’s been breaking my heart as we try to work with the school to get it stopped. Maybe I’ll write about that subject in another post when I can actually put it all down in words.
For now, Happy Birthday to our lovely, precious girl. I can’t wait to see all the wonderful things the world has in store for you, my love.
Clare Hughes says
Love this girl!! Cannot believe she is 7! I remember holding her in my arms just months after she was born! Such a unique thing to see her grow! Happy birthday, Lily! I love you so much!
shannin strom henry says
Happy Birthday Lil!!! We love you and your sweetness. Zoe can’t wait to play with you soon. Hugs to you!
Dave Mitchell says
Sara, I remember the first time I saw her. You were picking me up at the Everett train station and you had Lily in a car seat/basket thing. She had a pink sweater on with a hood and she was asleep. Puffy little eyelids and perfect mouth, nose and chin. The most beautiful little creature I had ever seen – still is. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEAUTIFUL!
Tricia says
Sweet Lily, happy birthday to you!! We love you so very much. It has been way too long since I’ve had cuddle time. We will need to fix that. Hugs to you 🙂
Megan says
I can’t believe I didn’t read this last week…but here I am on my first work trip, in the Philly Airport and this just takes me back. Becoming an Auntie has been the greatest gift! Lily is strong and wild and honest, a lot like her mom.
I look forward to the next seven years and more Lily Stories.