Today is Lincoln’s Birthday.
And Darwin’s.
It’s also, according to one of my astrologically-minded friends, the true dawning of the age of Aquarius.
Which seems like kind of a big deal.
But at my house, the day belongs to Small One, who’s turning eight.
When she was born, a whole bunch of Februarys ago, she was a sleepy baby.
Quiet.
Dreamy.
Serene.
That lasted for about two weeks.
Since then we’ve had a force of nature on our hands.
This is the child who was running at 10 months old and reading before we taught her.
This is the child who has knocked out teeth and suffered stitches.
This is the child whose perfect comic pitch brings us to our knees.
She is larger than life, quicker than a firecracker and electric-bright.
There’s no way to sum up the love we feel for our children.
Especially if we try to avoid the clichés.
So I won’t try.
Instead, suffice it to say that I’m grateful – every day – that this vivid and spirited child gets to live with us, here in our lives. Tucked in that bunkbed, right beneath her big sister. To my right at the dinner table. In my lap, still, when we read aloud at night.
Sometimes I cannot believe my good fortune.
My cup’s been running over since she arrived…
Happy Birthday, bunny….
So adorable, and what a beautiful post, Liz!! Happy Birthday to Small One. Thanks for sharing her with us!
Thank you, Jama…
Looks like Lincoln, Darwin, and yes, even Aquarius are being given a run for their money. Go, Small One!!
P.S. Small One: Hug your momma extra tight today and thank her.
Awww, Sara. Now you’ve got me all teary…
oh, that baby picture!! that is SO SO SO very her. she still makes that face on a regular basis… 😉
I know. Ain’t it the truth? She has never wavered from who she is…
Happy birthday to Liz’s small one.
They never stay small long enough but each step of the journey is a new adventure. Happy family day to you all.
Thank you, Susan 🙂
My little one will be 8 in just 4 more days. It’s kind of funny to think about us bringing these little poems into the world so close to one another. I hope your small one has a memorable day. (And you too, mom!)
Happy birthday to her! My girls send their birthday wishes, too.
hok
To Small One, who makes her mama’s cup run over. Parabens!
She shares her natal day with true philosophers – two men of principle who acted on their convictions. No wonder she’s a force of nature herself! Happy birthday to her!
Tanita Says 🙂
What a precious face!
I really do think this girl will grow up to Change Things. Everything you’ve ever said about her convinces me. Thank you, Liz, for loaning her to us periodically as she grows. Happy 8th Small One!
Birthday Girls!
Liz,
My husband and I celebrated my daughter’s 29th birthday with her and her boyfriend last night. My Sara was born on February 12, 1980. She’s all growed up now! She, too, has a perfect comic pitch–and snarky sense of humor like her mom.
Happy Birthday, belatedly, to your spitfire of a daughter. Love that baby picture! Girls are great.
Birthday Girls!
Liz,
I’m the person who just left the Birthday Girls comment.
Elaine M.
What a love post! So sweet.