Three Years Ago You Were Born

I can't believe that it's only been three years since I had my little Lydia. I feels more like an eternity since I've embarked into motherhood - in a good way. I feel like I've always been a mom. Maybe it's because motherhood now defines my life, but honestly, I know it has more to do with the moment Lydia was born.

The instant that my daughter was delivered, I had the most spiritual experience of my life. For a moment, I had a glimpse into the eternities and I knew that bringing children into the world was the mission I was given before coming to Earth. This was what my body was made for and my calling in life. I could feel Heavenly Father speaking to me saying, "This is why you are here, and what you are meant to do and be." A mother. I could feel the importance of that role in the eternities before and the eternities to come.

The depths of this revelation that I can't explain, nor want to, was and is very special to me. I know not everyone has spiritual experiences when giving birth - I was surprised when I didn't with my second baby - but those feelings have never left and I only need to think back to that day to give myself an eternal perspective, bring back the same spiritual confirmations, and to feel tears of joy and gratitude. I'm learning there are special things about each child that endears them to you and Lydia, not only is my first-born, but also made me the mother I am called to be.

Obviously I'm in a reflective mood, but let's get to the girl of the hour. It is Lydia's birthday after all. And while I feel as though I've always been a mother, I never imagined that baby born that day would ever be three! Lydia has grown into a sweet, bossy, smart, silly, tender, shy girl. She's hard to resist, has a crazy good memory, and loves to dance, sing, and dress up.

I've decided to do a birthday interview each year to see how my children change over time; so I'll let Lydia tell you a little bit more about herself through the next twenty-five questions:

1. What's your favorite song? Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
2. What's your favorite thing to do with Mom? Read
3. What's your favorite thing to do with Dad? Play
4. What's your favorite day of the week? Church day
5. How old are you? Three and a half (whoops, not quite)
6. Who is your best friend? Allison
7. What's your favorite thing to do?  Play Ring Around the Rosies
8. What's your favorite color? Green (this changes on an hourly basis)
9. What's your favorite food? Chips (interesting answer. She usually says either cereal or salad)
10. What do you like to do with your family? Play with them
11. What's your favorite toy? One that Grandma Becky got for me
12. What do you want to be when you grow up? Three (hmm goal accomplished, wish mine were that easy)
13. What makes you happy? A toy does
14. What makes you sad? I don't remember. I never cry or scream. (Haha. Yeah. She's just trying to look innocent)
15. What's your favorite show to watch? Mickey Mouse
16. What's your favorite book? The animal one (she had no idea)
17. What do you like to learn about? Jesus at church (happy sigh)
18. Where do you like to go? Out to dinner
19. What's the best part of your birthday? The rainbow sides (??? I tried to get her to elaborate but I didn't get much clarification)
20. What's your favorite treat? Scooby Doo fruit snacks
If you could meet someone famous who would it be? You (meaning me, her mom. Happy to be famous for someone :) )
21. What's your favorite movie? The funny cow movie (meaning one of her Baby Einstein movies)
22. What's your favorite game to play? The dance game (meaning Just Dance on the Wii. And it really is her favorite. She's also pretty good for a three year old)
23. What sports do you like? Football (yes!)
24. What do you like to wear? Princess dresses
25. Who's your favorite princess? Ariel (this also changes on an hourly basis)

Happy Birthday Lydia! You've been looking forward to it for months and I hope you feel special today. You're the best baby girl I could have ever asked for and I love you with everything I am. Kisses and hugs and a sweet song to top it all off. Love you!