The Loves of Molly: Dear Lilly Grace.

Dear Miss Lilly Grace, my Butterbean, my Stinky Face, and my precious Sugar Plum, Baby Bunny,

You are officially four years old. On October 16, 2011, at 10:37 pm, you became this big four year old and I am so happy, and so proud of the little lady you have become.

On October 16, 2007, at 10:37 pm, you entered my world. You were so tiny, but at three and a half weeks early you were actually big! When we went into surgery to have you, we were all expecting this tiny little four pound love, but a big 7 pounds you were! And 19.5 inches to boot! I did't get to hold you for a good 20 min after Dr. Trylovich took you, but I remember like it was yesterday when I finally held that tiny girl. I was shaking so much, I think partially from the medication, and I was so nervous and so excitedas well. You were crying and so tiny, but you instantly stopped when you heard my voice and got snuggled in your mommy's arms. I cried as I snuggled my sweet little baby that had been kicking inside me for so long. Nothing will ever compare to that moment.

Now you are this gorgeous little bunny (yes, you will always be my baby bunny). Where on earth has the time gone? Can it just stop forever, because you are just about the greatest thing ever. You are this sassy little miss, who has become quite the independent lady. Your smile and infectious laugh can light up a room and it continues to be the happy ending to my day. I love to watch you learn and I love to watch your hands when you play. I love doing puzzles with you at our kitchen table and I love our bedtime routine. Our conversations in the car are far beyond your age and you have become quite the little mommy to your babies. How on earth did I ever get so blessed?

I could go on and on about what I love about you, but I know that you will always know that. On that late night when you came into this world, I never knew I could love so much. You have made me love so much stronger, with you and with everyone, and you have also made me pray so much harder. I smile more than I ever have, and I cry more than I ever have as well. I wish I had your resiliency, and your ability to smile at any given time. You are my most precious gift, my sweet baby bunny, and i'll love you forever and always.

I most definitely can not predict our future. What I want today may not be what I want tomorrow, and that is something I struggle with. But you will always be my number one, my first born, and my sweetest blessing. I'll never forget those late nights walking around with you, so sweet and swaddled up, and singing "Baby Mine" over and over. Now when I watch you wave goodbye at school, I tear up every time. I'm so proud of the smart and beautiful little girl you have become and I can't wait to watch you grow.

Happy birthday sweet baby girl! XOXOXO - your mommy