Lily Lou Turns One

As previously mentioned, we did not plan a big ol' birthday party for Lily. In hindsight, I'm pretty glad we didn't because I got a stomach virus that lasted through the early morning of her birthday. I awoke and cried a bit for two reasons 1. Baby girl is one and where has the time gone? and 2. I had been so sick and hadn't been able to finish up some of the details of even our little family birthday. But I felt God remind my heart, "it's not about decorations and balloons and the perfect meals and activities and homemade cake, it's about loving Lily", so I got my big girl pants on a made do with what we had. Weston and I made her a card while she napped in the morning (he insisted I draw a cow that said "MOO! Happy Birthday!"), then we went to Chick-Fil-A for lunch and played...


On the way home we stopped at the grocery for balloons, and (gulp) box cake.

I still had our camera in my pocket when I put her down for her nap and couldn't help snap this as I sat and lingered long to admire this girl...


While the kids napped I made cupcakes and got the table ready for evening...


Weston was too excited about the birthday card he decorated for her, so he gave it to her right when they woke up...




We sang and had cupcakes...



Opened presents (a red CD player and a jack-in-the box)...


And that was that. A little sweet day for a little sweet girl.

I can't believe that I posted this a year ago. I said she was a precious, sweet gift but I had no idea WHAT a precious sweet gift she would be in our life. I think about the Psalm I wrote, reminding myself of God's unchanging character amidst a sick baby that I couldn't take home and I praise Him for her life and that He protected her and healed her. And how I want to be compassionate, gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love and faithfulness to my children just as He has been to me.

Lily girl, we love you to pieces. What can we say?! You have changed us and blessed us. You are spunky, zealous, loving, beautiful, determined and funny. You are you and we love how God made you. Mommy and Daddy often find ourselves saying ,"Oh Lily" while smiling and laughing. We are so proud of you and look forward to watching you grow and grow...