I Love...Lucy Lu-Lu

I Love Lucy!

(said with my best Ricky Ricardo accent)

Today is Lucy's birthday.

She is 3.

And my head is still spinning as I try to figure out how time passed so quickly.

Lucy is the last of 9.

And has been the perfect way to end.

She has gone from this...

to this...

in the blink of an eye.

LUCY

I knew within weeks after Luke was born that there was one more. After suffering a miscarriage with the next pregnancy, I thought..."ok, we're done." But, little Lucy had other plans. Shortly after I wound up pregnant again. She was a HUGE surprise. A happy one...but still a surprise. In my mind, I really thought I was done. I had experienced the miracle of childbirth and felt completely whole and at peace with this wonderful family we were putting together. 

After 9 months of a very difficult pregnancy, Lucy was born. As I looked at this little amazing daughter of mine, I was overwhelmed. How could one person be blessed with so much? She was perfect. And she was mine.

I could sense a great strength in her from the very beginning. And I was right on the money! Lucy is a tough little cookie. She isn't afraid of much and wakes up every morning ready to take on the world...with a big ol' smile on her face.

Lucy loves her family. I know little kids generally do, but she REALLY does. She truly misses the older kids during the day when they go to school, she asks about daddy all day long, and she's even convinced that she should be allowed to go see Grandma Ruthie every single day. It's hard to explain the distance from Tennessee to Seattle. It's a very confusing concept to her and very upsetting. Darn that distance thing! 

It's been fun to watch her relationship develop with each of her siblings. Those relationships are all so different, but all very close. She has a way of making them each feel like they are the most important person in her life. Her and Luke are especially close. They have a relationship that is more like twins in many ways. They are inseparable and seem to be linked emotionally in ways that is beyond what I can explain. I love watching them and listening to them. They will be a force to be reckoned with as they get older. I'm grateful every day that they have each other.

Lucy is our sweetheart. She has us all wrapped around her little finger. We could not love her more. She makes us laugh, her tenderness makes me cry, and her witty little personality keeps us on our toes. 

As a mom, it's hard to express the love I feel for my little Lucy Lu-Lu. I don't know how to even try. She amazes me every day as I watch her live her life. I have loved every single moment and feel so very blessed that I get to share my life with her. She makes me a better mom...and a better person.

Around 11:00pm last night I went to look at her, and I got so emotional. I realized that in an hour I would never have a two year old again. This was it.

Here she is.

Her last few minutes of being two.

She has been the best little two year old.

As I watched her sleep, I realized what a big year this next one would be for her. I thought about her development and all the things that would change. Time passes so quickly and I wish I could freeze certain moments. Last night would have been one of those moments. I would have locked her in time for just a bit, so I could have a two year old for just a little longer. But, that's not how it works. So, this morning I now have a DARLING three year old! And she is amazing.  She will be three for a whole year and I plan on enjoying every minute of it. 

My little Lucy.

Today...

I love her.