It seems just like yesterday that she was born. I can still picture her little squishy face looking up at me for the first time. And that ear piercing cry she had. Oi. Dark hair almost down to her eyebrows. She looked a lot like me right from the beginning.
I loved having my little Lili buddy with me in Iowa. She kept me company and our world rotated around her. We were careful to always have her in her bed for naps, and never miss a nap time. We'd tiptoe around the apartment when she was sleep to not wake the sleeping princess. We pulled her around in a box attached with a belt. We laid on the floor with her for hours building towers and rebuilding towers when she would knock them down. We paid special attention to her interests and only wanted her to have the best. Every night she would get stories and songs before bed - and she could sing and recite nursery rhymes by heart at such a young age.
She was a genius baby. At least in our minds.
But she was! She slept through the night at an early age, walked and talked at an early age, read when she was in preschool. And she observed things. And remembered everything. She was like a little sponge. She was careful to not hurt other peoples feelings even when she was a little baby just sitting up with her other 6 month old friends. She would never hit, or take toys in nursery. She was happy and social and our beautiful baby girl.
That's still our 10 year olds personality today. Very observant, a worrier, careful to include everyone and make them happy, kind and social. She doesn't sleep good at night, still....which is probably our fault since we tiptoed around so she could have perfect sleeping conditions. Her very loud baby cry has turned into a sometimes stubborn 10 year old personality. But that's who she is and we will take it because there is a lot more sweet than sass. She is so smart. She loves books, and science, and is a wonderful artist. She does well in school, and has been student of the month twice in the last two years. Her teachers rave about her - how well behaved and on task she is, how she is a friend to everyone.
She just started taking violin from Grandpere and has been so diligent in practicing and trying to do her best and make him proud. She is already doing so good! She can be very helpful with her siblings and is very anxious to be an official babysitter one day. She can be a little impatient with them too - so we are holding off for now.
Lili is our sweet little 10 year old and although I am sad to lose my little girl - I'm excited to see what a wonderful big girl she will become. I love her so so so very much and I hope she knows that. Here are some pictures from her birthday. It was on a Sunday this year.
Our traditional birthday morning. Doughnuts and chocolate milk, balloons, and opening presents.
Everyone enjoys doughnuts for breakfast!
The siblings made her cards. They love their big sister so much.
Gaelle sent some candy from France. Her favorite kinds. She was so excited! What a thoughtful cousin we have!
She got a lot of new books to read.
Some "girl" legos.
A "big girl purse" stocked with chapstick, lipgloss, wallet, and breathe mints. So officially grown up! And those pretty books. Our plan in to read them together at night before bed.
At night we were joined by Rich's parents and Nate's family to celebrate with cake and ice cream. Grandma gave Lili some crayons, markers, and an art notebook. Perfect. Aubree gave her a "best friends" necklace. They are such good friends. It was a great birthday for her and Friday she gets to have a friend swim/s'mores birthday party. More fun to come!!
1 comment:
Happy birthday lili! Wow 10! Can't believe it!
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