Elmore Party of Three: Happy Birthday Lily

Dear Lily

I knew I loved you before I met you, but I never dreamed just how much I could love you or how much you would change our world.

I was not surprised at all when you came into the world early. However, I was surprised how quiet and calm you were when you finally came out.

You were like a dream come true. We just wanted to lay around and look at you all day.

I was terrified and excited to take you home.

You had the sweetest personality, and oh how you loved to pose in your sleep.

The outdoors always calmed you. Even in your worst moments, a good porch with a swing made things okay again.

You are very picky when it comes to your bottle and your food. You like your bottle warm and your food to be chicken or spaghetti. You always let us know when you don't like something.

You love to look at yourself in the camera and take selfies. You also love to watch Mickey Mouse, Daniel Tiger, and Barney.

You have the longest eyelashes and the most beautiful blue eyes. I'm not sure who your nose belongs to, but it is a cute as a button. I think you have my mouth, but there is no doubt you favor your daddy. I love your dark eyebrows and curly hair, but my favorite thing about you is that killer smile.

You are a very curious baby. You want to know what everything is, and you are always afraid you will miss something so you tend to push away when we hold you, not wanting your back to the world.

You love bath time

Reading books

And sitting with your legs crossed like a lady

You don't have any teeth yet, so I call you my toothless beauty.

You do all things in your own time at your own pace. We weren't sure that you would ever crawl or walk, but in true Lily form, once you learned you wanted to do it all the time. You crawl everywhere!

You are the perfect playmate for daddy

The perfect cuddle partner for Momma.

We may have more children in the future, but what makes you special is that you made me a momma. Before you I am still not sure what I did with all of my time. You have made life more wonderful in every way. I live for your smiles and your kisses. I can't wait to watch you grow and learn, and to teach you new things. I love you with everything that I am and every breath I take. You will never truly know how precious and special you are, but I will make every effort to show you.