Her story began five years ago this week in Maine. The frozen earth was still swaddled in a blanket of thick, icy snow.
It was April, but we were still waiting on spring to arrive and we were waiting on our first baby, too.
A week past our due date, N and I dined out for lobster bisque, dreaming about how our life would be changing forever at any moment. That night contractions started and continued for the following 36 hours.
At 3:30 p.m. on April 13, 2005 our little girl arrived, strong and screaming.
During our four-day stay at the hospital, the snow melted and buds emerged on the lifeless brown branches all around us.
When we took our baby girl home, spring had come at last.
Five years ago, I started to learn how to be a mother. L has taught me almost everything I know about this job. She's the first child--the pioneer. Our only daughter.
And now she's five.
She's a sushi connoisseur.
Lover of picnics.
A budding cyclist.
A princess.
A big sister.
A breath of spring air.
She is five.
Even when she's grown, I will remember her always, just the way she is today.
Happy birthday, butterfly!
Happy Birthday, Lili!
ReplyDeleteI have such an overwhelmingly powerful memory of meeting her in the hospital for the very first time. I can't believe it's already been five years...and oh!, how she's grown! What a beautiful, busy kid she's turning out to be!
Did she have a party?
Yes, princess-themed party with friends on Saturday. It was a blast--pink punch, pink cupcakes and pin-the-crown-on-the-princess, too.
ReplyDeleteI have a pic of you and Chris in our hospital room. You were adorably pregnant in overalls. :)
Happy Birthday to you, Liliana! She's such a sweetie in her princess crown! And on her bike! Everywhere, really :)
ReplyDeleteThe fact that spring arrived while she was being born is BEAUTIFUL!
Hah! I remember those overalls well. At first, I swore I'd never wear them and then, eventually, they were the only thing that fit! I remember resting Liliana the enormous bump-that-was-Katherine that day!
ReplyDeleteThe party sounds great! We're celebrating Katherine's this Friday (even though it's a little early) with an orange-and-green dinosaur extravaganza. I wish you guys could come!
Hah! I remember those overalls well. At first, I swore I'd never wear them and then, eventually, they were the only thing that fit! I remember resting Liliana the enormous bump-that-was-Katherine that day!
ReplyDeleteThe party sounds great! We're celebrating Katherine's this Friday (even though it's a little early) with an orange-and-green dinosaur extravaganza. I wish you guys could come!
D, had no idea either about the birthday sharing! How crazy!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday L!
Happy birthday dear grand daughter. You are a lovely little girl and I'm so proud to be your Nana. Much love and snuggles.
ReplyDeleteSuch sweet pictures! Oh, birthdays and the havoc they wreak on a mother's heart ;) Happy Birthday to your sweet girl!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to you sweet L! She is such a cutie:)
ReplyDeleteSo a cute post for our sweet little L... Also, I have to say her message was the best!!!! Happy birthday to L, can't wait to celebrate in a couple of weeks. Have fun with your parents.
ReplyDeleteMuch Love,
N & A