Liliana turns 3

Our sweet little girl turned 3 one week ago. Liliana, how is it possible that you are 3?

As I sit here writing you play around me in an imaginary world, with a pot lid for a shield and a spatula for a sword. You already have a dress on, as you would live in those if you could.

The morning of your birthday...a princess tiara and a pirate sword (this combination perfectly describes you!)

We are in this funny place where you are simultaneously so sweet and so feisty...it is the age of you discovering your own will and trying to enforce it, while we help you discover how to do so with respect and with healthy boundaries.

Your birthday day was so fun! You woke up so very excited, aware from the first moment that IT WAS YOUR BIRTHDAY. Your eyes shone with excitement and anticipation. It is the first year you have been old enough to do this. We had chocolate chip pancakes and bacon for breakfast (your favorite), and steak and pasta (your request) with some veggies (mama's requirement) for dinner with our family all gathered around.

Opening a present from Nonna and Papa!

A new Lottie Doll (a great toy for any Mamas reading!)

With beloved Uncle Vince who THOUGHTFULLY
bought you the beautiful dress you have on!

A strong Daddy who loves you so well!

You spent most of your birthday helping me scrub and cook to host our family for dinner, but I felt as though it maybe wasn't such a bad lesson to learn...that our hearts are most fulfilled when we give, rather than receive. Of course, your 3 year old self LOVED receiving presents.

As I looked at you, my sweet girl, revelling in birthday celebrations that night, I marvelled at your inner and outer beauty.

My darling, you are so beautiful!

You have a sweet voice, kind heart, inquisitive mind, feisty spirit, sense of adventure, love of creatures, need to cuddle, tender way...you captivate and amaze us with your beauty. We want you to remember always how beautiful and what a gift you are!

"Beautiful. A work of art - full of life, exploding with a unique, dynamic, vibrant energy.

Beautiful. Eyes like the morning, a strong and powerful spirit, a face that brims with joy and hope. Beautiful because you were formed by God. Beautiful because He has known you since before you even existed. He has loved you since the beginning of time. Beautiful because you're real, beautiful because you ARE." (Matt Walsh)

Chocolate cupcakes with strawberry icing (flavored and coloured
with REAL strawberries!) YUMMY!!

Sweet girl with your big bow (of course your choice
for hair accessory!)

I love you so, my lovely little lady!

We praise our good God for the gift of YOU, Liliana Joy., In this year that has passed you have only continued to make the lives of all who meet you more rich and more joy-filled. Your middle name couldn't be more perfect. We pray that you continue to know Jesus' love for you through how we love you.

We love you so much, our darling sweet girl.