Today Lydia turned SEVEN. Can you believe it? I can’t! It seems like just yesterday I was lying in bed staring at the picture of the baby on our bassinet wondering what Lydia would look like when she was born.
Now it’s seven FAST years later, and Lydia is so happy–all the time! She runs around the house singing, shouting, and stomping for joy. Every day at school is a “GREAT!” day, and she loves everyone and everything in her life. She expresses enthusiasm for everything from simple pleasures (such as buying school lunches, learning new German words, and attempting the splits) to celebrations (she recently declared St. Patrick’s Day as her favorite holiday) to people (I can’t think of a person Lydia doesn’t actively love). In her free time, Lydia can most often be found drawing, coloring, and writing love notes to family members and friends. She loves cuddles and hugs, and she is one of the most reliably affectionate people on the planet.
Lydia is an exceptional friend and always kind to everyone (except for, occasionally, Mary…). She has also earned our trust by having never told us a lie, ever. In seven years, Lydia has managed to literally tell the truth consistently in every life circumstance, and Abe and I rely unquestioningly on her word.
Also, Lydia is forgiving. I have done a LOT of learning on her, and she has been the most patient, forgiving, loving child. She still loves me, even after all of the mistakes I’ve made.
I always tell Lydia that I have wanted a daughter Lydia since I was old enough to think. She is my happiest imaginings incarnate–my dream come true. I love her and am so grateful she is my daughter!
I wish I had been feeling better on her birthday because I would have taken more pictures. I spent most of my energy making her two birthday cakes, one for breakfast and one for after dinner. My mastitis was killing me and it was a battle to prepare and celebrate for this special day. At the end of the day what I most want is for Lydia to know she is loved for who she is, right now in this moment.
Her little seven-year-old heartbeat is so cherished. I love you, Lydia. Happy birthday, sweet girl!