Spinning Around

Lily's second birthday was beautiful in every way. We couldn't have asked the sun to shine any more perfectly than it did and being surrounded by friends and family at such a milestone as this was so comforting. In the whirlwind of getting ready for the party, decorating the shelter, and realizing that guests were quickly arriving, I didn't really have time to think about what was actually happening.

We loaded our crew onto the carousel and waited. And waited. Lily became anxious and did not want to sit on her horse any longer. I was absolutely sure she would love it once it started moving. But, again...we waited. I stood there thinking to myself that it should be starting to move at any minute. And it finally did. She held on tight as we spun around and around...faster and faster. The cool breeze blew in her face and she looked like she was on top of the world. And for a moment she was. This was her second birthday.

Tears quickly filled my eyes as I watched Lily embrace the moment of turning two. She was holding on to the horse by herself as I secretly had my arms wrapped around her, as if I was shielding her from the harm that was about to bestow her. Her smile let the world know she was a grown two-years-old. The ride that seemed to have taken forever to start was now spinning faster than I thought it ever could. I couldn't help but think about Lily and how fast her sweet little life has gone. Standing beside her, tears streamed down my face as I thought about how her life has been such a carousel ride for me. I waited and waited for her to come - anxious to meet the baby that had been growing inside of me for months. She finally came and in an instant she had turned one. And in just a few more breaths, she was turning two. I didn't know how long the ride was, but it sure did seem like it went on forever. As I felt the carousel start to slow down, I deeply longed for it to continue. I loved that moment. It was Lily's moment. The moment she turned two.

Lily Kathryn, when you are older I hope you look back on this day and can see how much you are loved. You became my pride and joy on April 4, 2007 and I have never been the same since. Your kind touch, your smile that lights up every room, and the tenderness you greet everyone with makes my heart swell with pride. You have a lot to look forward to in life and I hope that I become your best friend, like you have become mine. Your Daddy and I could not have molded you any more perfect than you are and we absolutely adore you. Although your sassy attitude gets the best of you sometimes, we know exactly where you got it from. We hope you continue to approach life with grace and innocence so that you become an open-minded, caring little girl. The more you give the world and those in it, the more rich your life will become. We love to hear your laugh when we tickle you and watch you discover new things. Your motherly instincts certainly make you an excellent big sister and we are so thankful for your love of "Bubby". We could spend hours on your playset with you, swinging, playing "see-saw", or watching you climb backwards up the slide. We always hold our breath when we watch you fly down the slide, as your little petite self always slides superfast. I love to hear you say that I am yours and will probably always blush when you say "My Mommy!"....You melt your Daddy's heart every night when he walks through the door and there is nothing he loves more than to hear your footsteps running towards the front door to greet him with open arms. You are such a Daddy's girl. Bathtime is so special because you share it with Landon and what a gift it is to watch you interact. You splash each other and laugh hysterically at the sight of each others nakedness. He idolizes your every move and your softness while around him comes so naturally to you. He especially loves it when you help wash his big belly! We would do anything in the world for you and are looking forward to watching you blossom into a very special two-year-old. Happy 2nd Birthday to the most beautiful little girl I have ever known and loved. We love you!